Srinagar | : The Department of Social Work at the University of Kashmir, in partnership with ActionAid Association India launched on Tuesday Urban Action School 2025, focusing on the theme “Working People and the City.”
The week-long program serves as a platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to explore the realities of urban life, work, and planning in contemporary cities. The initiative aims to foster critical discussions on urbanization, planning, and the challenges faced by working individuals, emphasizing issues such as equity, housing, mobility, and the right to inclusive urban spaces. During the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan emphasized the necessity of prioritizing social justice and people’s needs in urban development, alongside infrastructure growth. Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada underscored the significance of interdisciplinary learning in comprehending complex urban systems, while Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal noted the importance of connecting academic research with real-world challenges through collaborative efforts. Keynote speaker Iftikhar Hakim, former Chief Town Planner of J&K, addressed the evolution of urban planning in Srinagar, highlighting the difficulties arising from rapid and unregulated urban expansion. Sandeep Chachra, Executive Director of ActionAid Association, stressed the need for rights-based approaches in urban governance and policy. Prof. Shazia Manzoor, Head of the Department of Social Work and workshop convener, outlined the workshop’s objectives and its relevance for students in social sciences and urban studies. The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Javaid Rashid, and the workshop is coordinated by Dr. Saima Farhad. The program features approximately 40 resource persons and includes a field visit and heritage walk in Srinagar.
