Universities play crucial role in skills, innovation, Research and development: Prof Dinesh
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Prof Dinesh Singh, Vice-Chairman, JK Higher Education Council chaired Executive Committee meeting of Jammu & Kashmir Higher Education Council. On the occasion, various agenda items were discussed and deliberated in detail. In his introductory remarks, Prof Dinesh Singh said that the idea that universities should “bring knowledge to play” often implies that academic institutions should actively engage with society, industry, and various sectors to address practical issues and contribute to the betterment of the community. Universities play a crucial role in skills, innovation, research and the development. They are expected to produce graduates who can apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios through project-mode learning. Additionally, universities often collaborate with industries, government bodies, and non-profit organizations to conduct research and develop solutions to complex problems. Prof. Dinesh Singh further emphasized that entrepreneurship has to emerge from academic curriculum of higher education. It aligns with a growing emphasis on fostering entrepreneurial skills and fostering innovation within higher education institutions. Cultivating an entrepreneurial culture within the university involves promoting risk-taking, resilience, and a willingness to explore new ideas. This can be facilitated through events, workshops, and initiatives that celebrate innovation added Prof Dinesh Singh. Alok Kumar proposed that if possible something similar should be considered for children with special needs because we are committed to inclusiveness. He further said that the coffee table book sharing the experiences of the students should be made available at various strategic locations.
Prof Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, JU underlined the need for a change of mindset of faculty. Introducing training programmes identifying the interested faculty who can deliver lectures and thereby adding value, said Prof Rai.
The progress of implementation of Design Your Degree was also undertaken and Prof Dinesh Singh expressed satisfaction that University of Kashmir and Islamia College of Science and Commerce are soon introducing the said course.
Dr Yasmeen Ashai, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, UT J&K said that she is very happy with the response/project reports she has received from girls from various colleges. Threadbare discussions were held regarding the incorporation of technology-based learning/open learning into regular degree programs. Deliberations involved identifying segments of the curriculum where technology could be effectively integrated, such as virtual labs, online simulations, and interactive multimedia content, use of e-Yantra for solving the sensitive issues of the society.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Shakil Ahmed Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology Prof Bechan Lal, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, Prof Qayyum Hussain Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Kashmir, Prof Balbir Singh, Dean Academic Affairs, Shri Mata Devi University, Prof Kavi Arya, IIT Mumbai, Dr Ravi Shankar, Special Secretary to Govt, Higher Education Department, UT J&K, Sh Abdul Majid Bhat, Director, Finance, Higher Education Department, UT J&K, Prof Ragvendra K Mishra, Dean Students Welfare, SMVDU, Prof Naresh Padha, formerly Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Madan Mohan Chaturvedi, formerly Director, Cluster Innovation Council and Centre for Science Education and Communication, University of Delhi Prof Shoba Bagai, Director of Cluster Innovation Center at the University of Delhi, Prof Alka Sharma, Prof K.S Charak, JU, Dr Chinmoyee Maharana,JU, Dr Sharda, SMVDU.
