Asst Prof. Dr Asma conducted the programme proceedings while Asst Prof. Dr. Ramjit proposed the vote of thanks.

Awantipora : To facilitate an interaction with prominent experts from diverse fields, Islamic University of Science & Technology Monday organised “Meet the Eminent” programme during which former Director, CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) Prof. Bharat B. Dhar interacted with the students and faculty of the University.
The session was organised by the newly established office of Dean Outreach which was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, IUST, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo. In his Presidential address, Prof. Romshoo called “Meet the Eminent” initiative as one of the important activities of the university being facilitated by the newly established office of Dean Outreach. ‘It would connect with different stakeholders in the society and provide an opportunity to faculty and students to enter into meaningful, productive and sustainable collaborations with other institutions with a view to make IUST more vibrant and socially sensitive,” Prof. Romshoo added.
While discussing the aims and objectives of National Education Policy (NEP)- 2020, he underlined the importance of adopting ‘innovative pedagogies to create more experiential, holistic, integrated, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented education while being learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable’ too. He noted that inviting people from different walks of life will be a regular feature at the University and in this direction “Meet the Eminent” programme will help the next generation learn from the diverse experiences of acclaimed and accomplished people who have made a mark in their respective fields.
While appreciating the inbuilt multidisciplinary system of education existing at the IUST, invited speaker, Prof. Bharat B Dhar urged upon the students to strive hard to learn and perform their responsibilities with utmost passion while making the most of academic opportunity at the university, with courses like Spiritual Studies, which would go a long way in enhancing ethical side of the individual. Prof. Dhar, who has served as Professor of Mining Engineering at Banaras Hindu University since 1979 shared some of his experiences with the students and underscored the importance of exchanges and mobility in life and called upon students to move around in the world and explore it thoroughly for new learnings and new opportunities.
Earlier, while welcoming the guests, Dean Outreach, IUST Prof. Shabir Ahmad Bhat, said that such programmes provide students an opportunity to interact with the most experienced and distinguished people who have made a mark in their respective fields to gain new learnings and experiences. Prof. Shabir said that from academic perspective, even NEP-2020 provided with an opportunity to connect with other institutions and people of eminence which would empower our youth and enhance their decision-making skills effectively. “There is need to make our education more result-oriented, more meaningful and the establishment of the office of Dean Outreach at IUST is a step in that direction”, he added.
Dean, Academic Affairs, IUST, Prof Manzoor Ahmad Malik in his address hailed such initiatives as a golden opportunity for the students to learn from the experiences of the eminent personalities. He elaborated upon the thrust areas of NEP-2020 and said that the letter and spirit of NEP can have enormous impact and influence on the lives of people. He called upon addressing emerging issues like environment, climate change, mentor-mentee relationship and focus on demand driven courses. Deputy Registrar, office of Dean Outreach Dr Iqbal Quraishi, moderated the session and proposed the vote of thanks.