SKUAST-K kickstarts Workshop on Data Analytics, Policy Insights

Srinagar : To bridge the gap between academic research and data-driven governance, a three-day intensive workshop on “Applied Data Analytics and Policy Insights” was inaugurated Wednesday at SKUAST-K.
The workshops was organized by the SKUAST-K’s Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR), Faculty of Horticulture under the aegis of Mission Yuva and HADP-04.
The program aims to provide a robust platform for students and youth to know the evolving landscape of data science.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who encouraged the participating youth to step into their roles as the leaders of tomorrow. He emphasized that leadership in the 21st century is inextricably linked to the ability to interpret complex information and make evidence-based decisions.
Prof. Ganai stressed that the workshop should focus on practical, “hands-on” mastery of innovative techniques. He specifically called for a rigorous assessment of the learning outcomes, ensuring that every participant has knowledge of tangible skills that can be applied to real-world policy challenges.
In the welcoming remarks, Prof. F.A. Shaheen, Head, Institute of Business and Policy Research, underscored the critical role that data now plays as the “new fuel” of the global economy. He emphasized that understanding data is no longer a niche skill but a fundamental requirement for shaping modern economic policies and driving institutional growth. Expanding on this global perspective, Prof. S. A. Wani provided a detailed analysis of how developed nations, have achieved unprecedented international market dominance by leveraging sophisticated data insights to inform their trade and manufacturing strategies.
Prof. R.H. Kanth, Dean Faculty of Horticulture, highlighted the urgent need to integrate data analytics into the core academic curriculum. She noted that proficiency in these tools is a significant driver of employability, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce.
Prof. Altaf A. Bhat, Director Education, further enriched the discussion by addressing the technical complexities of modern data handling. He urged participants to move beyond traditional methods and embrace the innovative software packages and analytical platfor
Dr. Ubair Nisar, Organizing Secretary of the program, highlighted the significance of the workshop in Wednesday’s data-driven world, noting that data science has emerged as a critical skill across nearly all sectors of the economy. He emphasized that the workshop is particularly relevant as it enables participants to acquire essential competencies in collecting, managing, analyzing and interpreting large volumes of data, thereby supporting informed and effective decision-making.
The workshop’s interdisciplinary appeal was evidenced by the diverse participation of scholars and students from various premier institutions including the Government Medical College (GMC), SP College, and the Government College for Women alongside the host university.