Lt Governor addresses Foundation Day of IUST

AWANTIPORA: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday attended the Foundation Day of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora.

In his address, the Lt Governor extended his felicitations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty members and students on the occasion. He congratulated the University for emerging as an important Centre of learning, particularly for skillful human resources in STEM fields.

The Lt Governor, Chancellor of IUST, reiterated the commitment of the University to bring about perceptible change in society with its innovative and equitable practices.

“My aim is to redefine learning and make our higher educational institutions and Youth future-ready. In IUST, we have introduced diverse programmes to amalgamate science, technology and humanities in a way where all the disciplines work together, for holistic growth of the students,” the Lt Governor said.

He highlighted that the innovative initiatives of IUST are in sync with the NEP 2020 vision to make higher education institutions future ready by providing multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary education.

IUST’s efforts in the field of innovation, startups and entrepreneurship is being lauded across the country and it has achieved prestigious 4-star ranking by Union Ministry of Education, he added.

The Lt Governor called upon the youth to explore cutting-edge, transformative technologies and harness the power of innovation to benefit society, empower marginalised communities, promote inclusive and equitable growth for a brighter future.

He further impressed on the teaching community and educational institutions to nurture and promote creativity, innovation, new technology, entrepreneurship, with focus on capacity building, skill development and lifelong learning to empower the youth and make them key partners in nation’s socio-economic development.

The Lt Governor also underscored the importance of skill census which will help in identifying areas for improvement and creating better employment opportunities.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor inaugurated the Tech Expo-2024 at IUST and distributed financial assistance under Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.

He also felicitated teachers and meritorious students, and released several publications including Design Your Degree Programme (DYDP): concept progress and institutionalisation, and J&K and Ladakh Research Consortium ByLaws.

Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, presented the University report and highlighted the achievements of the University.

Series of programmes like Academic-Industry Conclave, Tech-Exhibition, Lit-Fest, and other activities, dedicated to youth empowerment, were organised as a part of Foundation Day celebrations.

Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Mobin, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar; Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS; Prof Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi, Registrar IUST, senior officials, heads of various educational institutions, faculty members and students were present.