Srinagar:The week-long training program on material characterization techniques under the Synergistic Training program Utilizing the Scientific and Technological Infrastructure (STUTI) began on Tuesday at National Institute of Technology.
The workshop is being organized by Departments of Physics and Mechanical Engineering Department of NIT, Srinagar in joint collaboration with Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. It is sponsored by the Department of Science & Technology.
The event was presided over by Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal and Prof. Anil P. Kulkarni, Retired Principal, H.V. Desai College, Pune was the chief guest during the inaugural session.
In his key speech, Prof. Kulkarni urged students to focus on quality research and training programs to overcome the technological gap. The aim of NEP2020 is student development and will help the country in the long run to achieve quality research, he said.
“India is still dependent on other countries for various technologies and we need to overcome this gap. Students and researchers should take lead in making the country self-sufficient in modern technologies,” Prof. Kulkarni said.
He also congratulated Director NIT Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal, Head Physics Dr. MA Shah, and Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. Mukund Dutt Sharma for organizing such training workshop for students.
Director NIT, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal said research and technology are need of the hour. We need to develop and test solutions; predict outcomes and mitigate harm and make informed policy decisions, he said.
“Apart from having more than 400 research scholars on campus, we are trying to provide slots to other institutions as well, so that they will be also exposed to high-end equipment at NIT Srinagar,” Prof. Sehgal said.
“There is no dearth of talent in Jammu and Kashmir but there is a need to work in the right direction,” he said.
Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said such programs would go a long way in developing our students, and research scholars. It would act as great significance to our R&D programs, he said.
“We at NIT Srinagar across all departments have a growing R&D sector. With the help of such programs, we will be soon featured among top research institutes in the country,” he said.
Prof. Bukhari congratulated the Physics and Mechanical Engineering departments for taking lead in initiating such programs on campus. The role of Science and Technology is pivotal for the evolution of mankind, he said.
“During the last four years, under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Rakesh Sehgal, NIT Srinagar is taking lead on all fronts by organizing various workshops, and international conferences. The NIRF ranking and perception level of the Institute has also improved,’ he said.
Dean Research and Consultancy, Prof. MF Wani, who was ‘Guest of Honor’, said NIT Srinagar has developed state of the art for facilities for the research facilities and will continue to expand its activities.
“We should have a scientific attitude towards the nature and essence of this program is to improve the teaching ability of the participants and enable learners to learn,” he said.
Principal, N.S.C.B.M. Govt. College Hamirpur (HP), Dr. Anju Batta Sehgal appreciated the organizers for conducting workshops on a relevant theme.
She urged participants to work take maximum benefits from such workshops and later disseminate the knowledge to others as well.
On the occasion, Dr. M Wassi Khan, STUTI Co-PI PMU Aligarh Muslim University said the program is designed for the participants of various institutes across the country.
Prof. Khan said they will be given hands-on training on high-end sophisticated, analytical instrumentation in addition to expert lectures from the eminent scientists, he said.
“The idea of STUTI is to impart hands-on training and access to science and technology infrastructure present with DST supported institutes. The participants will get a deeper insight about the high-end equipment,” he said.
HOD Physics, Dr. M. A. Shah said Physics is taking a lead role in organizing scientific summits under the leadership of Prof. Sehgal and his team. We promise to continue it for the benefit of students and young faculty, he said.
“We can’t ignore to learn the operation of sophisticated equipment, we all witness they are an integral part of our new challenges. These initiatives will spread the spirit of the collaboration,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, HOD Mechanical Engineering Department, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh said technology is playing a vital role in the sphere, and students, research scholars should explore more areas.
“Modern drones have replaced high-end fighter jets and we need to grow along with the changing technology. There is a need for such training programs in the future also,” he said.
Earlier, Program Coordinator Dr. Vijay Kumar presented a detailed report of the 7-day STUTI training program. He said a total of 35 delegates are participating in the workshops representing 22 institutes and universities across the country.
“Eminent speakers will be delivering the lectures during the training program to impart participants with the basic knowledge and skills regarding the latest technologies,” he said.
In his message, Prof. B. P. Singh, Head, Physics STUTI Coordinator – PMU AMU, Aligarh also appreciated Dr. Vijay Kumar for the grand success of the program.
A formal vote of thanks was delivered by the Coordinator, Dr. Mukund Dutt Sharma. He expressed his gratitude to Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Sehgal, Prof. Anil P. Kulkarni, Registrar, Prof. Bukhari, Prof. MF Wani,Dr. Anju Batta Sehgal, Head Physics Dr. Shah, resource person, and participants for making the inaugural event a grand success.
