Srinagar, Feb 28: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivered a speech at the ‘National Science Day’ seminar held at the University of Kashmir.
He conveyed his greetings for the occasion and paid homage to the distinguished scientist, Sir C.V. Raman. This year’s theme for National Science Day is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat”.
During his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of advancing Science & Technology, promoting knowledge sharing, and nurturing creativity and innovation to ensure a sustainable future.
He also highlighted the remarkable global technological advancements and called upon all universities in J&K UT to establish Artificial Intelligence Labs to facilitate groundbreaking research and innovation.
He mentioned that these AI Labs would operate as distinct entities within the Science & Technology Department, collaborating across disciplines with industry partners, researchers, educators, and technologists.
“Envisioning a future without AI is impossible. Its influence will extend to every facet of our lives, making it essential to empower our youth to enhance their AI knowledge and continue the reskilling and upskilling of the workforce to adapt to ongoing AI trends, thereby increasing the competitiveness of J&K UT.
The AI Labs at universities will directly interact with local industries to integrate new findings and innovations in AI into their operations. Research will also concentrate on the current landscape of AI utilization and strategies to boost its adoption in order to enhance productivity and profits,” the Lieutenant Governor stated.
He urged universities to embrace a flexible stance on AI, offering short-term courses that reflect the rapid developments in the field and align with industry demands.
The Lieutenant Governor remarked, “Scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs will lead the movement towards Viksit Bharat. They will be the drivers of India’s scientific and technological advancement, laying a solid foundation for the innovation ecosystem in Jammu Kashmir.
In the near future, AI will be vital for health care and emergency service workers, industry leaders, and those in social and business roles. Thus, all AI labs at universities will hold workshops and weekly training sessions to ensure our workforce in J&K becomes AI literate, equipping leaders from various fields to make informed decisions.”
He called on students and faculty to collaborate on a five-year plan to leverage new technologies like AI in developing Jammu Kashmir.
Alongside groundbreaking innovations, our focus should also include solutions that address challenges faced by various sectors at the local level. Special attention must be given to ensuring that technology like AI adheres to ethical standards and remains free of bias, he added.
The Lieutenant Governor also commended Kashmir University for its significant contributions to scientific innovation and education.
Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, Emeritus Professor at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), and Prof. Anil Bharadwaj, Director of the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, participated virtually, discussing Astronomy for Citizens and the advancements in Space Science in India, respectively.
This seminar was organized by the Department of Physics at the University of Kashmir, in collaboration with Vigyan Bharati, New Delhi, to honor the ‘Raman Effect’ discovered by Sir C.V. Raman.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a Synthetic Athletic Track Surface at the Kashmir University campus.
Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir; Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner/Secretary of the Science & Technology Department; Dr. Som Dev Bharadwaj, Organizing Secretary of Vigyan Bharati; along with numerous scientists, faculty members, and youth attended the event.
