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ASIA SPEAKS NEWS SERVICE
Srinagar, June 1: On May 30, The Department of Sociology at Amar Singh College successfully organised a One Day National Conference on the critical theme “Sustainable Srinagar: Building Resilience in Fragile Ecosystems”, aligning with the national vision of Mission Viksit Bharat 2047. The conference was sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).
The inaugural ceremony commenced with distinguished dignitaries gracing the occasion. Shri Shantmanu (IAS), Financial Commissioner, Higher Education Department, and Additional Chief Secretary, J&K Government, inaugurated the conference as the Chief Guest. He was joined on the stage by Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K; Prof. Seema Naaz, Nodal Principal, Kashmir Division Colleges; Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Hakak, Principal, Amar Singh College & Co-Patron; Prof. Wilayat Rizvi, Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar; Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Mir, Controller, Cluster University Srinagar; and Dr. Shabnum Ara, Head, Department of Sociology, Amar Singh College & Conference Convener.
Dr. Shabnum Ara introduced the conference theme and provided an overview of the associated ICSSR project. Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Hakak, Principal, Amar Singh College and Co-Patron of the conference, extended a warm welcome and led the felicitation of the esteemed guests. Dr. Tariq Ahmad Raja, the Chief Scientist at the Department of Statistics, SKAUST, emphasized the importance of utilizing advanced technologies such as AI to foster sustainable development. Prof. Manoj Kumar Teotia from the Department of Sociology at CRRID, Chandigarh, presented the keynote address during the event, advocating for innovative and sustainable development in Srinagar city while ensuring the protection and revitalization of its natural ecosystems. Prof. Seema Naaz, Nodal Principal of Kashmir Division Colleges and Principal of the Government College of Education, also shared her thoughts during the event, extending her congratulations to Amar Singh College for hosting such a timely and relevant conference. Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director of Colleges in the Higher Education Department of J&K and Patron of the Conference, delivered a special address, urging for increased awareness regarding sustainable development goals at both administrative and societal levels to effectively utilize natural resources and establish sustainable initiatives.
Shri Shantmanu (IAS), Financial Commissioner of the Higher Education Department and Additional Chief Secretary of the J&K Government, provided his remarks as the chief guest at the occasion. He stressed the need to preserve the traditional ecosystems and socio-cultural heritage of Srinagar city and the rest of Kashmir valley. He commended Amar Singh College for organizing such a dynamic and pertinent conference that fosters ideas and frameworks to inform future policies.
A significant highlight was the release of the Amar Singh College Newsletter by the dignitaries. On the occasion, Shri Shantmanu (IAS), Financial Commissioner of the Higher Education Department and Additional Chief Secretary of the J&K Government, also felicitated Prof. Naseer Ahmad Lone, Dean of Sciences at Cluster University Srinagar, along with Prof. Nazir Ahmad Kuttay, Dean of Social Sciences at Cluster University Srinagar, who will be retiring on the 31st of this month. The stage proceedings were adeptly moderated by Numan Sofi and Saniya Mukhtar, UG students at the college. The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Syed Umrah from the Department of English. Following the inaugural ceremony, Shri Shantmanu (IAS), Financial Commissioner of the Higher Education Department and Additional Chief Secretary of the J&K Government planted a tree sapling in the college campus.
The daylong conference delved deep into the complexities of sustainable development, urbanization, and ecological protection through four parallel technical sessions. Nearly 40 research papers were presented in both offline and online mode, exploring diverse themes like Urban Sustainability and Planning, Environmental Stewardship, Community Engagement, Viksit Bharat 2047 goals, Urban Development, Sustainable Tourism, Youth Empowerment, Inclusive Growth, etal.
The event concluded with a lively valedictory session. Prof. Ishaq Ahmad Wani, the Head of the Department of English and the Convener of the College Debates Committee, extended a warm welcome to the attendees. Prof. Manoj Kumar Teotia presented a special address, which was followed by special remarks from Prof. Wilayat Hussain Rizvi, the Registrar of Cluster University Srinagar, and the esteemed Environmentalist and Convener of EPG, Mr. Faiz Bakshi, who served as the chief guest for the valedictory session. The concluding remarks were delivered by the Principal of Amar Singh College, Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Hakak.
The conference officially came to a close after a certificate distribution ceremony for the guest speakers, paper presenters, and organizers, which was overseen by Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Hakak, the Principal of Amar Singh College. The formal vote of thanks for the day was presented by Prof. Mudasir Roshan from the Department of Botany.
The conference served as a vital platform for academia, policymakers, and experts to collaborate and generate actionable insights for building a resilient and sustainable future for Srinagar.
The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from all Deans of Cluster University Srinagar, alongside a large gathering of students, research scholars, and faculty members from various colleges and universities across Jammu and Kashmir.
