| A two day national conference on “Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for Sustainable Future” was inaugurated today at Maulana Azad Memorial College, Jammu in collaboration with GDC Ukhral and Indian Science Congress Association, Jammu Chapter. A large gathering of academic luminaries from across India and abroad participated in the conference which will be held in a blended mode from 27th to 28th Feb 2022 at Maulana Azad Memorial College, Jammu. The Chief Guest of the inaugural ceremony was Shri. Rohit Kansal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department J&K UT. The Conference started with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries and Saraswati Vandana by students of PG Department of Music. It was followed by unveiling of the abstract book by the Chief Guest. Prof (Dr) G.S Rakwal, Principal of the College formally welcomed the guests and apprised them about the two day event aiming at bringing together research fraternity across the world to discuss scientific innovation and research. Dr Vishal Sharma convener of the conference IAST-SF 2022, informed the august audience that more than 100 abstracts from different fields have been received spanning 8 plenary sessions divided into major thematic areas like physical sciences, chemical sciences, life sciences and mathematical sciences, Electronic sciences, computer sciences, material sciences nanotechnology, social sciences and humanities, agriculture sciences, energy and management, library and information sciences, business management and entrepreneurship. The event shall include special session for students- ‘Pitch up your Ideas’ to provide a unique opportunity to children to use their scientific temperament and knowledge and to quench their thirst for creativity by conducting scientific experiments. The focal drive of the conference is to bring together innovators, academia, industry, researchers and scholars to exchange information and share their experiences and research results in broader thematic areas.Prof. J S Tara, Convener ISCA Jammu Chapter, the Guest of Honor, in his address stated that there is a need for having an integrated approach for ensuring sustainable development. He also narrated the genesis of ISCA with its headquarters at Kolkata having membership of more than 30000 members. He emphasized that since 1914 ISCA has been vigorously working in the field of research with 26 independent chapters working throughout India dedicated to the cause of promoting Science.The key note address was delivered by Dr Sulekha Chattopaadhyyay, Senior analyst, California Public Utility Commission, USA. She spoke at length on transforming transport options for sustainable growth. She stressed upon the need for integration of sources of energy for addressing the issues like energy deficit and climatic change. India has been blessed with large number of renewable sources like solar energy, wind energy, hydro energy and the exploitation of energy requires budgeting.Sh. Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department lauded the efforts of the college in organizing the conference especially in these unprecedented covid times. He appreciated the collaborative efforts of MAM College and GDC Ukhral which highlighted a symbiotic relationship between the heritage college and an upcoming College. Such symbiotic relationships are the need of the hour and need to be encouraged between all institutions of higher education. He emphasized upon the need for embracing new technology which should ultimately contribute to the social and economic growth of 1.3 billion Indians. He exhorted that innovations and technology must have a social utility and should be able to cater to the needs of teeming millions of population creating a fair, just and equitable society. He reiterated that there was a global need to shatter the glass ceiling and it was heartening to witness that there was predominant participation of women researchers in the conference. He stressed upon the need to catalyze the startup culture in the college and build a strong and inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship amongst the students. To attain this objective, a focused approach is needed to create infrastructure like incubation centers, startup labs and increased funding resulting in more awareness amongst students on entrepreneurship.Dr. Ranvijay Singh, Principal GDC Ukhral, delivered formal vote of thanks while Ms. Bharti Slathia, Assistant Professor conducted the proceedings of the conference. |
