The number of Medical Colleges in J&K has increased from 4 to 12 in the last 10 years. Similarly, in the same time period, MBBS seats in J&K has more than doubled from 500 to 1300: Prime Minister

“PG Medical Seats have increased from 0 to 650 in J&K in the last 10 years”

“After the commissioning of AIIMS Jammu, people of Jammu will no longer have to leave for Delhi to avail specialized medical treatment”

Reiterates the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and underscores the importance of a Viksit Jammu & Kashmir as a pre-requisite for achieving that vision

The fast pace of construction of AIIMS Jammu whose foundation stone laying to inauguration took only 5 years highlights the commitment of the Union Government towards the region: Union Health Minister

Under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, J&K has become the only region in India having AIIMS, IIT, IIM and other institutions of eminence: Lt Governor, Jammu & Kashmir

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu, today. The Prime Minister also inaugurated, launched and laid foundation stone of various other development works in the region and interacted with beneficiaries of Central schemes.

Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir; Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of India; and Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament from Jammu were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said, “the number of Medical Colleges in J&K has increased from 4 to 12 in the last 10 years. Similarly, in the same time period, MBBS seats in J&K has more than doubled from 500 to 1300.” Highlighting that “there were no PG medical seats in J&K before 2014”, he said that “today there are 650 PG medical seats in the Union Territory”. 35 new nursing and paramedic colleges are also coming up in the region which will lead to a considerable increase in nursing seats as well, he further stated.

On inaugurating AIIMS Jammu, the Prime Minister said, “the Union Government has added 15 new AIIMS in the last 10 years, including two in J&K alone.” He said that “after the commissioning of AIIMS Jammu, people of Jammu will no longer have to leave for Delhi to avail specialized medical treatment, which will help them save valuable time and resources.”

The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid speed of transformation of infrastructure in all the sectors of the country. He reiterated his vision of India to become Viksit Bharat by 2047 and appealed to the people to work towards that vision. He said that a Viksit Jammu & Kashmir is a pre-requisite to Viksit Bharat and the various developmental and upliftment projects of the Central Government in J&K are aimed at fulfilling that vision into reality.

Expressing his elation on the occasion, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare highlighted the commitment of the Union Government for AIIMS Jammu whose foundation stone laying to inauguration took only 5 years.

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Shri Manoj Sinha thanked the Union Government for fulfilling many long-cherished aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) be it in bringing development and benefits of central schemes to marginalized sections or in provisioning two AIIMS to the region. He stated that “the last 5 years have witnessed a transformation in J&K especially in improving the health, education, security and infrastructure landscape of the region which is evident in the decline of terrorism by 75% and growth of investment and new opportunities”. He also pointed out that “under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, J&K has become the only region in India having AIIMS, IIT, IIM and other institutions of eminence”.

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance that the government has given towards enhancing infrastructure development in the country and especially in J&K. He stated that many of these development projects were very ambitious from the start and credited the Hon’ble Prime Minister for proactively pursuing them to ensure that development reaches the last mile.

Background:

AIIMS Jammu, an Institute of National Importance, is a premier state-of-the-art reliable high-quality Referral Centre for Tertiary Healthcare located in Vijaypur (Jammu). It is established under the auspices of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), to address regional healthcare imbalances, encourage evidence-based research and elevate medical education standards in our country.

AIIMS Jammu, with a commitment to serve marginalized communities, endeavours to provide affordable specialized medical care, thereby reducing the financial burden and time constraints associated with traveling to distant cities for treatment and transforming the healthcare landscape of the region with its motto “Healing meets Hope.” The logo of the institute reflects the socio-cultural and spiritual ethos of the Jammu region.

The hospital is set to offer comprehensive medical services, with an expected daily footfall of 2000-3000 patients in the outpatient department. Phase-1 will see the establishment of 750 beds, including 193 ICU beds catering to trauma care, general care, and super-specialties. AIIMS Jammu plans to encompass approximately 50 departments, encompassing both general and specialized care. Advanced facilities like Nuclear Medicine, 20 Modular OTs, MRI, and CT Scan, operating round the clock, will ensure that humane and continuous care is readily available. Additionally, AIIMS Jammu’s dedicated two-storey “Aayush Block” with 30 beds alongside other facilities and partnerships, reflects a holistic healthcare approach merging traditional and modern medicine to enhance regional health outcomes. AIIMS Jammu is a beacon of hope for region & beyond with a Helipad for swift trauma patient transport in emergency care.

AIIMS Jammu introduces a ground-breaking initiative, establishing a ‘Patient Centric Hospital’ featuring innovative amenities such as Patient Assistant Services, Indoor Navigation System, Patient Care Managers and coordinators, and Smart Payment Cards. The introduction of the Patient Navigation System promises to enhance accessibility for all patients, particularly benefiting differently abled individuals, including those with visual impairment, by facilitating seamless navigation to their desired destinations within the facility.”

AIIMS Jammu will have an annual intake of 100 students for its MBBS program and 60 students for Nursing. It will also introduce Post-Graduate programs in Medical, Dental (MD/MS/MDS), Nursing, Super Specialization programs (DM/MCh), Doctorate (PhD) degrees, and more in the future.

The hospital, sprawling across 226.84 acres along National Highway 44, features one of India’s largest and most picturesque campuses. The campus prioritizes eco-friendliness, being developed for 4-star Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), with a solar panel system, sewage treatment plant, and planting of 13,500 trees and 5 lakh shrubs.

The key infrastructural features of AIIMS Jammu comprise a Convention Centre with state-of-the art projection system, audio-visual system and a sitting capacity of 1000 people, a Night Shelter for 216 attendants, multi-storied staff housing, UG/PG hostels, a Sports Club, Cricket Stadium, Basketball and Lawn Tennis Courts, Squash Court, surface parking for 3284 cars, and a Guest House for 26 guests. Notable “Value Additions” for enhancing the quality of life on campus include an Amphitheatre, Cycling Track, Soft Music along Walking path, and more.

With 54% of its faculty and nearly 78%-80% Nursing Officers being women, AIIMS Jammu prioritizes women empowerment through equal opportunities, supportive work environments, and gender-sensitive policies. Tailored training programs for women leadership exemplify its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In consonance with the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India, AIIMS Jammu, for seamless integration of healthcare ecosystem, will be undergoing a transformative shift towards 100% digitalization in healthcare in 4 milestones within 1 year after commissioning.  Electronic Health Records (EHRs) will replace traditional paper records.

AIIMS Jammu has also established collaborations with premier institutes like IIT, IIM, IIIM, and others for creating a responsive, adaptable, and globally connected healthcare ecosystem. It is actively establishing “Centres of Excellence” across various domains like Telemedicine, Trauma Sciences, Nursing, Comprehensive Cancer Care, Advanced Studies in Hospital Administration, aiming for success and significance in healthcare and education. It’s upcoming 24/7 modern digital library serves as a pivotal asset in advancing healthcare practices. “AIIMS Jammu” envisions itself as a “Global Village” for healthcare, research, skill development and medical education, encouraging OICs/NRIs to participate in providing specialized healthcare services with cutting-edge technology, aiming for an integrated ‘One Campus’ answer for all investigative, operative, rehabilitative and vocational needs of the patients.

Senior officials of the Union Health Ministry, Government of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir as well as representatives from the implementing agencies were also present on the foundation laying occasion of AIIMS, Jammu.

Srinagar, Feb 20, 2024

A weeklong workshop on ‘Advanced Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Program (A-ESDP) on 3D printing “Hands-on Training” started at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Tuesday.The workshop is organized by the Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IIEDC) and is sponsored by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India under the ESDP scheme.

Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath is the patron of the workshop. He commended the organizers for their efforts in hosting this workshop and conveyed his best wishes to all the participants.The event was presided over by Former Principal REC Srinagar; Prof.Ali Mohammed Bhat, who was Chief Guest in the event.

Dean Faculty Welfare Prof. G.A Harmain, Dean Alumni and International Affairs Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, Dean Planning & Development Dr. Yashwant Mehta, Head, IIED Centre Dr. Saad Parvez and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Dr.Dinesh Kumar Rajendran is the Nodal Officer & Convenor whereas Dr. Noor Zaman Khan, Dr. Deepak Kumar Naik, and Dr. Sandeep Ratee from the Mechanical Engineering Department are the Coordinators of the workshop. The workshop is being attended by more than 25 participants from different parts of the country.

In his key speech, Prof. Bhat highlighted the importance of caution and strategy in obtaining financial support for entrepreneurial ventures.”Self entrepreneurs once you take up their setup units, you will require finance from financial institutions. In my experience, all entrepreneurs must exercise caution when choosing their financing sources. While bank loans may be readily accessible, it is imperative to manage these loans judiciously to prevent any defaults,” he said.

Prof. Bhat advised young entrepreneurs to only take the loans they truly need. There is the importance of generating your own money and not relying too much on loans to run a business. The mishandling of finances has led to the collapse of many companies in India and other parts of the world, he added.

On the occasion, Prof. G.A. Harmain extended congratulations to Prof. Saad and Dr Dinesh for organizing the weeklong workshop on a theme. He acknowledged the seamless continuity of events, linking the past, present, and future.

Reflecting on the lectures delivered by Prof. Bhat during the then REC era, Prof. Harmain highlighted their impact, noting that since those lectures, Prof. Bhat has achieved great heights and become a source of inspiration for everyone.

Prof. Harmain commended Prof. Bhat’s tenure as a principal, the challenges faced during a difficult and demanding period. Amidst the exploration of new technologies, it is crucial not to lose sight of the overarching goal of contributing to humanity as a whole, he added.

Prof. Harmain said basic action will not change and we should not get lost by new things but learn from our past generations. He expressed his wishes for the success of the program, foreseeing positive outcomes from the collective endeavor.

On the occasion, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh said there is a need to integrate smart technologies into our processes to propel forward. The notion that adopting a strategic approach towards incorporating smartness is pivotal for us to bridge the gap with more advanced nations, he added.

“The idea that by infusing intelligent technologies into our systems, we not only enhance efficiency but also position ourselves significantly ahead on the path of progress, aligning with the advancements observed in modern societies across the globe,” Prof. Nazir said.

Head IIEDC, NIT Srinagar, Prof Saad Parvez said the goal is this workshop is to foster the establishment of new enterprises, enhance the capabilities of existing MSMEs, and cultivate an entrepreneurial culture within the country.

“The Entrepreneurship Skill Development Program (E-SDP) is designed to elevate the awareness and knowledge of participants across various entrepreneurial dimensions, skill domains, government policies, funding opportunities, calculated risks, business prospects, and the preparation of business plans,” he added.

Prof. Saad said the workshop not only aims to impart valuable insights into these aspects but also strives to instill learning regarding new skills and trades.

Convener of the workshop and Nodal Officer, ESDP Scheme Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran said ESDP Program on “3D printing” provides a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.

“Its tailored approach aims to empower educators with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for effectively teaching and inspiring participants in the field of 3D printing,” he said.

Dr. Rajendran said the program is specifically crafted to address the increasing significance of 3D printing and its transformative impact across various industries, with the overarching goal of bridging the gap between academia and industry.

He said that this initiative is designed to equip participants with the tools and expertise needed to prepare the next generation of innovators and engineers.

The first session was delivered by the Director of North Campus, University of Kashmir, Dr. Sheikh Gulam Mohammad on the Introduction to 3D printing.

It was followed by 2nd session on Engineering Drawing: 2D and 3D by Dr. Dinesh Kumar R. The third session was on Tinker CADD Introduction (Lab Session) and it was followed by Hands-on practice on Tinker CADD Software (Lab Session).

PM to inaugurate, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 30,500 crore

In major boost to education sector across the country, several important education institutes like IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, IIT Bhilai, IIT Tirupati, IIITDM Kurnool, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Visakhapatnam, Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Kanpur to be inaugurated and dedicated to nation

PM to inaugurate AIIMS Jammu; PM also laid its foundation stone in February 2019

PM to lay the foundation stone of new terminal building of Jammu Airport and Common User Facility Petroleum depot at Jammu

PM to dedicate to nation and lay the foundation stone of several significant road and rail connectivity projects in Jammu and Kashmir

Foundation stone laying and inauguration of several projects for strengthening the civic and urban infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir to also be done by the PM

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Jammu on 20th February, 2024.

At around 11:30 AM, in a public function at the Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 30,500 crore. The projects relate to several sectors including health, education, rail, road, aviation, petroleum, civic infrastructure, among others. During the programme Prime Minister will distribute appointment orders to about 1500 new Government recruits of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister will also interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu’ programme.

Major boost to Education sector

In a significant step towards upgrading and developing education and skilling infrastructure across the country, Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate to nation and lay the foundation stone of several projects’ worth about Rs 13,375 crore. The projects which are dedicated to nation include permanent campus of IIT Bhilai, IIT Tirupati, IIT Jammu, IIITDM Kurnool; Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) – a pioneer skill training institute on advanced technologies – located at Kanpur; and two campuses of Central Sanskrit University – at Devprayag (Uttarakhand) and at Agartala (Tripura).

Prime Minister will inaugurate three new IIMs in the country viz IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya and IIM Visakhapatnam. He will also inaugurate 20 new buildings for Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVs) and 13 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) buildings across the country. Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of five Kendriya Vidyalaya campuses, one Navodaya Vidyalaya campus and five Multipurpose Hall for Navodaya Vidyalayas across the country. These newly constructed KVs and NVs buildings will play an important role in meeting the educational needs of students across the country.

AIIMS Jammu

In a step that will provide comprehensive, quality and holistic tertiary care health services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister will inaugurate All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur (Samba), Jammu. The institute, whose foundational stone was also laid by the Prime Minister in February 2019, is being established under the Central sector scheme Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.

Established at a cost of over 1660 crore and in an area spanning over 227 acres, the hospital is equipped with facilities like 720 beds, Medical College with 125 seats, Nursing College with 60 seats, AYUSH Block with 30 beds, residential accommodation for faculty and staff, hostel accommodation for UG and PG students, Night Shelter, Guest House, Auditorium, Shopping Complex etc.  The state-of-the-art hospital will provide high quality patient care services in 18 Specialities and 17 Super Specialities including Cardiology, Gastro-enterology, Nephrology, Urology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Endocrinology, Burns & Plastic Surgery. The Institute will have an Intensive Care Unit, Emergency & Trauma Unit, 20 Modular Operation Theatres, Diagnostic Laboratories, Blood Bank, Pharmacy etc. The Hospital will also leverage Digital Health Infrastructure to reach out to far flung areas of the region.

New Terminal Building, Jammu Airport

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a new terminal building at Jammu Airport.  To be spread over 40,000 sqm area, the new terminal building will be equipped with modern facilities catering to about 2000 passengers during peak hours. The new terminal building will be environment friendly and will be built such that it showcases local culture of the region. It will strengthen air connectivity, boost tourism and trade and accelerate economic growth of the region.

Rail Projects

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation various rail projects in Jammu & Kashmir including the new rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan (48 Km) and the newly electrified Baramulla-Sringar-Banihal-Sangaldan section (185.66 Km). Prime Minister will also flag off the first Electric Train in the valley and also train service between Sangaldan station & Baramulla station.

The commissioning of the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section is significant as it features the usage of Ballast Less Track (BLT) all along the route providing a better riding experience to the passengers. Also, India’s longest transportation tunnel T-50 (12.77 Km) lies in this portion between Khari-Sumber. The rail projects will improve connectivity, ensure environmental sustainability and boost the overall economic development of the region.

Road Projects

During the programme, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of important road projects including two packages (44.22 KM) of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway connecting Jammu to Katra; Phase two for four-laning of Srinagar Ring Road; five packages for upgrading the 161 km long Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of NH-01; and the construction of Kulgam Bypass & Pulwama bypass on NH-444.

The two packages of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, once completed will facilitate the visit of pilgrims to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, and will also boost economic development in the region; The Phase two for four-laning of Srinagar Ring Road involves upgrading the existing Sumbal-Wayul NH-1. This brownfield project of length 24.7 Km, will reduce the traffic congestion in and around the Srinagar city. It will improve connectivity to popular tourist destinations like Manasbal Lake and Kheer Bhawani Temple, and also reduce travel time to Leh, Ladakh; The project for upgradation of 161 km long Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of NH-01, is of strategic importance. It will also boost the economic development of Baramulla & Uri; Kulgam Bypass & Pulwama bypass on NH-444 connecting Qazigund – Kulgam – Shopian – Pulwama – Badgam – Srinagar will also boost road infrastructure in the region.

CUF Petroleum depot

Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a project to develop CUF (Common User Facility) Petroleum depot at Jammu. The state of art fully automated depot which will be developed at a cost of about Rs 677 crore, will have storage capacity of about 100000 KL for storing Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD), Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO), Aviation Turbine fuel (ATF), Ethanol, Bio diesel and winter grade HSD.

Other projects

Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of several development projects worth more than Rs 3150 crore for strengthening the civic infrastructure and provisioning of public facilities across Jammu and Kashmir. The projects to be inaugurated by Prime Minister include, Road projects & Bridges; Grid Stations, receiving stations transmission line Projects; Common Effluent Treatment Plants and Sewage Treatment Plants; Several Degree College buildings; Intelligent Traffic Management system in Srinagar city; Modern Narwal Fruit Mandi; Drug Testing Laboratory at Kathua; and Transit accommodation – 224 flats at Ganderbal and Kupwara. The projects whose foundation stone will be laid include development of five new Industrial Estates across Jammu and Kashmir; Data Centre/ Disaster Recovery Centre for Integrated Command and Control Centre of Jammu Smart City; Up-gradation of Transport Nagar at Parimpora Srinagar; Up-gradation of 62 road projects and 42 bridges and   project for development of transit accommodation – 2816 flats at nine locations in districts Anantnag, Kulgam, Kupwara, Shopian & Pulwama, among others.

The Minister takes on-the-spot final review of arrangements for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s programme at Maulana Stadium in Jammu tomorrow

The Minister was accompanied by senior officials of Govt of India and a team of J&K UT administration led by Divisional Commissioner Jammu

He says, virtually every citizen of the Union Territory wants to be a part of the programme

“People of Jammu & Kashmir have a natural connect with PM Modi”.

This was stated in Jammu today by the Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh while speaking to media during on-the-spot final review of arrangements for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s programme at Maulana Stadium in the city tomorrow.

The Minister was accompanied by senior officials of Govt of India and a team of J&K UT administration led by Divisional Commissioner Jammu.

“There is a huge amount of excitement on the eve of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s official visit to Jammu tomorrow, with the people eagerly awaiting his arrival”, said Dr Jitendra Singh. He said virtually every citizen of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir wants to be a part of the programme.

The Union Minister was speaking after reviewing arrangements for the Prime Minister’s programme being held at M.A. Stadium in the city. Dr Jitendra Singh was briefed by the officials of the civil administration and security agencies about the elaborate and necessary arrangements being made for Shri Modi’s public programme. “I am glad that both the society and the administration have got together to make adequate arrangements for it”, he said.

The Minister said people from all over the UT are coming to participate in the event, particularly from ten districts of Jammu region. He informed that the people hailing from far flung districts, including Poonch, Kishtwar and Ramban, will arrive in the city either tonight, whereas those from neighbouring districts like Kathua and Samba will reach the venue tomorrow morning.

Dr Jitendra Singh said adequate arrangements with regard to accommodation, provision of refreshments and sanitation facilities for the invitees have been made so that they can attend the programme in a comfortable manner.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the Prime Minister will inaugurate projects worth more than Rs. 30,000 crore. He said these projects have been executed by the four ministries of the government of India, namely Ministries of Education, Civil Aviation, Railways and Petroleum. The Union Minister reiterated that Prime Minister Modi has accorded high priority to the infrastructure development of J&K. He said the establishment of two AIIMS, IIM, IIT and IIMC in the Union Territory is evidence of the huge amount of priority Prime Minister Modi gives to Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that the biggest ever development package for J&K in the last 70 years was granted by Shri Narendra Modi soon after taking over as the Prime Minister. Immediately after becoming the Prime Minister, Shri Modi was confronted with flood situation in the UT, and he navigated through the calamity, Dr Singh added.  He said PM Modi has not only given a huge amount of physical and financial support to the development of the region, but has also sought to break away the mental barriers that existed by bringing about the Constitutional changes which happened on the 5^th and 6^th of August, 2019, helping in mainstreaming of the UT

Minister was delivering the inaugural address at the first-ever 3-day International Conference on Traditional Medicine and Phytopharmaceuticals

PM Modi is India’s brand ambassador who has popularised Yoga, Millets and traditional Indian remedies across the world: Dr Jitendra Singh

At the recent G20 Summit held in India, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi proposed establishing a Global Biofuels Alliance: Dr Jitendra Singh

It is for the first time since Independence that J&K’s unexplored resources like Aroma and Lithium are being tapped to boost India’s economy: Dr Jitendra Singh

When the whole world was calamity-hit by the pandemic, Dr Jitendra Singh explained that it provided India an opportunity to emerge as a messiah for the global community as India-made vaccines saved lakhs of lives across the world

“Jammu and Kashmir has an opportunity to be the torchbearer of Viksit Bharat”, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today.

The Minister was delivering the inaugural address at the first-ever 3-day International Conference on Traditional Medicine and Phytopharmaceuticals, and the 11^th International Congress of the Society for Ethnopharmacology at CSIR-IIIM in Jammu.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, it is for the first time since Independence that J&K’s unexplored resources like Aroma and Lithium are being tapped to boost India’s economy. It is evidenced in the Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution which were born in J&K, with the cultivation of lavender in the townships of Bhaderwah in Doda and Gulmarg in the Kashmir Valley. He said bio-Himalayan resources like these will add hugely to the country’s economy in the next two decades.

Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had spoken extensively on the significance of lavender farming in Bhaderwah in his Mann Ki Baat programme to encourage its cultivation.

The Union Minister said, following the Prime Minister’s call, states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Nagaland have also adopted the model of lavender cultivation, which shows that J&K is proving to be an example whose innovations and best practices are being emulated by other States of the country.

In the same way, India has made a name for itself the world over, with its success stories in the form of the indigenously developed COVID vaccine and much-talked about Chandrayaan Mission, Dr Singh stated. When the whole world was calamity-hit by the pandemic, Dr Jitendra Singh explained that it provided India an opportunity to emerge as a messiah for the global community as India-made vaccines saved lakhs of lives across the world. He said India is no more a country to be led by others, rather, it is a nation which has taken the mantle to lead the world.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, India has earned recognition as a propagator and a brand ambassador, with its traditional medicines and practices like Yoga becoming a panacea, adding that occidental methods of disease management and prevention are no more the only way for cure.

The Union Minister said, at the recent G20 Summit held in India, Prime Minister Modi proposed establishing a Global Biofuels Alliance to promote collaboration and sharing of best practices among the nations.

PM Modi is India’s brand ambassador who has popularised Yoga, Millets and traditional Indian remedies across the world, he said.

Dr Jitendra Singh underlined that it was the initiative of the Prime Minister to have the UN declare the International Day of Yoga and the International Year of Millets. He said India has shed the tag of a fragile economy, and has now emerged as a fertile economy, adding that it is on its course to become a third largest economy in the world.

Calling for collaboration among the emerging agri-start-ups and the industry, Dr Jitendra Singh said now is the time for greater integration, adding that the era of silos is over. He reasoned that India’s success stories, including Covid vaccine, Chandrayaan Mission and Aroma Mission, are the by-products of collaborative efforts between the StartUps and the industry, producers and the market. The Union Minister said the government has created an enabling ecosystem which must be optimised, he suggested.

Srinagar, Jan 26, 2024

The 75th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Friday, where Director Prof. A. Ravinder Nath who presided over the function unfurled tricolor on the campus.

The event was attended by the Institute’s Registrar Prof. Atikur Rahman, Deans, HODs, faculty members, administrative officers, and security wing staff. It was followed by a grand parade by the security wing of the institute, where the Director took a salute from the Parade Commander and inspected parade contingents.

Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Abdul Liman was the Nodal Officer for the Republic Day celebrations.

Addressing the gathering, Director NIT, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath acknowledged the contributions of our great leaders, who, through their sacrifices and vision, paved the way for a free and independent India.

“Today is a day to remember and honor those who fought for our freedom and shaped the destiny of our nation. At NIT Srinagar, we are not just nurturing academic excellence but also instilling in our students the values that will make them responsible and compassionate citizens,” he said.

The Director also highlighted the need for a renewed commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and contributing to society as we observe this significant day.

“Since Kashmir is the seat of knowledge and learning, the NIT fraternity focuses on empowering the country with new knowledge and innovation,” he said.

Prof. Nath expressed pride in the accomplishments of NIT Srinagar and emphasized the ongoing advancements in the realms of education and research.

He highlighted that institute’s students are not only the future of the institution but also the prospective leaders of the nation.

Director NIT Srinagar urged everyone to empower these students with the necessary skills and values, shaping them into responsible and visionary leaders.

Prof. Nath also thanked everyone for attending and participating in the ceremony. He extended his special gratitude to the security personnel for their participation and efforts.

Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rahman paid rich tributes to the visionaries who crafted the Constitution and paved the way for a just and inclusive society.

“As we hoist the national flag, let it remind us of sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought for our freedom and responsibility we bear in upholding the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.

Prof. Rahman said that it is a day to reflect on the values and principles that guide us as a nation and renew our commitment to building a better, stronger, and more united India.

He also expressed gratitude for the presence of our Deans, Heads of Departments, the entire teaching fraternity, and non-teaching staff whose tireless efforts significantly contribute to the academic excellence and overall development of the institution.

“Students are the heart and soul of our institution. They embody the future of our nation. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment inspire us all. As we celebrate this Republic Day, let us pause for a moment to contemplate our responsibilities in shaping a just, inclusive, and prosperous society,” Prof. Rahman added.

Following the event, both faculty and non-faculty members participated in the Republic Day festivities at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. The Institute had organized special buses to facilitate the transportation of its employees to the Stadium and back.

Srinagar, Jan 25, 2024

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Thursday celebrated the 14th National Voters’ Day (NVD) on the campus, which was attended by a huge gathering near the fountain park.

The event was presided over by Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath. The pledge ceremony took place at 11am and was administered (both in Hindi and English) by Dr. Yashwant Mehta, Assistant Professor (Metallurgy and Metallurgical Engineering Department).

The pledge ceremony was also attended by Registrar Prof. Atikur Rahman, Heads of Departments and Centres, faculty members, administrative officers and other staff of the Institute.

The main theme of the event was to create electoral awareness amongst citizens and encourage them to participate in the electoral process.In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath said that National Voters Day holds significance as it promotes awareness about the electoral process, educates citizens about their voting rights.

“Democratic practices in a country ensure the peace, prosperity and security of its citizens. India being the largest Democracy, will need to sensitize its citizens about the advantages of active participation in the voting process. This will empower them to make informed choices and elect the right individuals to govern the country,” he said.Prof. Nath further said that this day encourages the young generation to actively engage in shaping the future through democratic participation.

“This day is a celebration of the democratic values and principles that form the foundation of a nation. It is a moment to recognize and appreciate the significance of the democratic system in ensuring representation and accountability, he added.

Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rahman said that celebration of National Voters Day is aimed to encourage more young voters to participate in the democratic process and emphasizes the importance of voting for a stronger democracy.

“Voting is a fundamental aspect of democracy. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role that each individual plays in shaping the democratic landscape. Increased voter turnout contributes to the legitimacy and effectiveness of democratic institutions,” he said.

The theme for the year 2024 NVD, ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure’ is dedicated to voters and conveys individuals’ feelings and aspirations toward participation in the electoral process through the power of their vote.

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Tuesday condoled the sudden demise of Samridhi Gupta, a student of the Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, who left for heavenly abode on Monday.

Hailing from Bakshi Nagar area of Jammu, Samridhi was a 7th Semester student from the ECE 2020 Batch and was in her final year. As per the family, she succumbed due to cardiac arrest.

Describing Samridhi’s passing away as both untimely and sorrowful, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath conveyed his deep grief and offered prayers for peace and mercy for the departed soul. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for them to find the strength and forbearance to cope with the loss.

“During this difficult period, may the family find the strength and resilience needed to navigate through the profound grief. NIT Srinagar stands united with them in this time of sorrow,” Prof. Nath said.

Institute’s Registrar Prof. Aatikur Rehman expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Samridhi.

He acknowledged the profound impact of Samridhi’s loss on the academic community and shared sentiments of sympathy during this difficult time.

“Samridhi’s presence left an indelible mark, and her absence is deeply felt by all of us at NIT Srinagar. We extend our support to her family and friends, offering strength and solace as they navigate through this challenging period of grief. May her soul rest in peace,” Prof. Rehman said.

Dr.Gausia Qazi, HOD ECE paid heartfelt condolences and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. The entire ECE department and Samridhi’s classmates are profoundly saddened by the loss. We stand in solidarity with the family during this challenging time, she said.

“Samridhi was good natured and a highly disciplined student. Her sudden departure leaves a significant void. Our thoughts go out to the bereaved family, and we extend our prayers for peace and solace to her soul. May her family find the strength and patience to navigate through this difficult period,” Dr. Qazi said.

In this moment of grief, the NIT Srinagar administration, along with the teaching and non-teaching staff, scholars, and students, extend heartfelt condolences and sympathy to ” Samridhi’s family.

Our collective prayers are with the departed soul, and we stand in solidarity with the grieving family during this challenging period.

“I am leaving with a heavy heart, but also with immense satisfaction. Srinagar is a stunning campus filled with talented and enthusiastic people. It was an honour to work alongside them, and their unwavering support during challenging times means the world to me,” he said in a message.

Prof. Yedla expressed gratitude to the NIT Srinagar community and offered heartfelt wishes for its continued success under the leadership of the new Director, Prof. Ravindranath.

“While I move on, the positive changes we initiated together will hopefully leave a lasting mark. I wish each one of you at NIT Srinagar happiness and great accomplishments in the years to come,” he added.

The departing Director received a heartfelt farewell from the NIT Srinagar administration. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Registrar Prof. Aatikur Rehman, senior faculty members, and administrative staff at the campus.

Prof. Yedla’s departure was necessitated due to his parent institute regulations which restricted the extension of his Lien after the expiration of the approved leave by January 9, 2024.

In compliance with these regulations, Prof. Yedla formally submitted his resignation before the Department of Higher Education, Government of India, seeking release from his responsibilities as the Director of NIT Srinagar.

Although reluctant to see him depart, the Department of Higher Education, Government of India, acknowledged Prof. Yedla’s commitment and facilitated his release, allowing him to resume his duties at his parent organization.

The outgoing Director, Prof. Yedla leaves behind a legacy of discipline, accountability, and positive change. During his eight months at the helm, his strict yet fair approach to discipline and commitment to rule-driven administration earned him both respect and admiration.

He successfully implemented reforms that brought greater accountability and transparency to the institute, laying the foundation for its continued progress.