Kashmir Central Conclave A Huge Success
Addressed Vital Issues Faced By Youth Of Jammu And Kashmir
Prof Tariq Ashai
Kashmir Central, a Srinagar-based weekly news magazine, organized a one-day conclave at Hotel Taj Vivanta, Srinagar, on the issues faced by the 21st century.
The chief guest for the inaugural session was Prof Abdul Qayoom, Vice Chancellor Cluster University. While inaugurating the conclave, he highlighted that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have great potential. They should work hard to harness the benefits of that potential in different arenas.
Other guests who participated in the inaugural function were Prof Farooq Ahmad Shah Vice Chancellor Central University of Kashmir; Prof Tariq Ashai, Principal, Department of Higher Education and President College Teachers Association; Prof Mohd Afzal Zargar, Registrar, Central University of Kashmir; Prof Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University of Kashmir.
Various faculty members from Kashmir University, Central University, Jammu University, Islamic University, faculty members from the Department of Higher Education, private B.Ed. colleges, eminent civil society members, trade union members and students from various universities and colleges.
The program was divided into different technical sessions based on themes relevant to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir Youth: Choices and Challenges
The first technical session was titled ‘Kashmir Youth: Choices and Challenges’. It was deliberated upon by different experts.
Prof Farooq Ahmad Shah emphasized that the young generation should focus on skill-based education and research-oriented projects. Prof Tariq Ashai expressed that for imparting skill-based education, emphasis should be given on collaboration between academia and industry. Students should be provided scholarship for internship. Start-ups should be provided financial incentives. Prof Ashai recommended a rehabilitation policy for highly educated youth and highly educated contractual teachers working in different universities and colleges of Jammu and Kashmir.
Another panelist, Prof Gul Mohd Wani, gave constructive suggestions to the government for the upliftment of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Ashok Pandey, author and Fellow, Vivekanand India Foundation (VIF), said that Kashmir has great potential for opening industrial units. Emphasis should be given to boost the infrastructure keeping in view the geographical conditions.
Economy, Investment and Development
The second technical session was on ‘Economy, Investment and Development: Scope and Opportunities in the Geographical Area of Jammu and Kashmir’. The panelists for this session were Prof Mohd Afzal Zargar, Registrar Central University Kashmir, Mr Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President of Spore Fruit Mandi Association, and Dr Mohd Shafi Khan, Professor Central University Kashmir.
The panelists in this session discussed the various parameters responsible for the growth and development of the economy. They highlighted that horticulture is the backbone of the Kashmir economy. Government intervention can act as a catalyst in the growth and development of horticulture, giving livelihood to 70% of the population. Jammu and Kashmir has great potential to offer job opportunities to youth either directly or in allied activities. The speakers also urged the agriculture university scientists to act honestly while approving the fertilizers and sprays for fruits and vegetables.
Being Woman and Rights and Opportunities
The third technical session was on ‘Being Woman and Rights and Opportunities’. The panelists included Ms Safina beigh, Chairperson DDC Baramulla, Ms Nuzhat Jabbar, Chairperson DDC Ganderbal, Dr Nowsheeba Asmi, Chief Librarian, Department of Higher Education and Ms Farhana Shabir, a reputed journalist of J&K.
The panelists observed that the need of the hour is to spread awareness among women about opportunities and their constitutional rights. They informed that the government has introduced schemes and commissions for the welfare of women and for safeguarding their rights. Women must be aware of government provisions for their welfare so that they can derive the corresponding benefits.
Era of Technology and Social Media: Pros and Cons
The fourth technical session was on the theme “Era of Technology and Social media: Pros and Cons”. The panelists included Mr Muzaffar Hussain Beigh, Padma Bhushan; Prof Ashok Pathak, author and Fellow VIF, Prof Afzal Zargar, Prof Faheem Masoodi and Prof J Jagannath.
Mr Muzaffar Hussain Beigh praised technology but stressed that youth should be guided regarding proper use of technology. Speakers emphasized that technology can be good or bad, depending on how we utilize it.
The panelists stressed that cyber security measures should be considered while using technology and social media. During all the technical sessions, the participants raised many questions and the panel experts responded with relevant and appropriate answers.
Event Highly Appreciated
Kashmir Central Conclave was highly appreciated by the participants including professors, experts, industrialists and students. All acknowledged the efforts of Chief Editor of Kashmir Central Mr Bashir Assad for organising such a mega event, which will be path-breaking in resolving the challenging and tough issues faced by the young generation vis a vis education, employment, socio-political and technological issues.
Ms Bisma Nazir, Managing Editor Kashmir Central conducted the proceedings of the program. The reportier of the Conclave was Dr Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Faculty, Department of Higher Education.
Prof Shafiya Khan, Department of Higher Education, presented the vote of thanks at the end of the Conclave. She thanked the vice-chancellors, professors, experts, media, students and particularly the organizers for conducting such a path-breaking and brain storming program.
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