Director stresses need for socially responsible, value-driven education
Srinagar| June, 1: A seminar titled “Fostering Social Harmony through Community Participation in Higher Education Institutes: A Discourse” was held at the New Guest House, NIT Srinagar, organized by the Department of Physics in collaboration with Vidya Bharti Uchcha Shiksha Sansthan, Jammu Kashmir Ladakh Prant. The event was attended by academicians, researchers, and students to discuss the pivotal role of higher education in promoting social harmony, community involvement, and value-based education.
Keynote speakers, including Prof. J. N. Balia, Sunil Sharma, G. G. Sawhney, Rajeev, and Dr. Vijay Sharma, emphasized the necessity for educational institutions to engage more deeply with society to foster inclusivity, mutual respect, and collective responsibility. The seminar attracted over 30 participants from various institutions, including NIT Srinagar, the Central University of Kashmir, and the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST). Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, Director of NIT Srinagar, highlighted the essential role of higher learning institutions in developing socially responsible citizens and promoting a culture of inclusivity. He stressed that academic excellence should be paired with community engagement and ethical values to contribute effectively to nation-building. Similarly, Prof. Atikur Rahman, Registrar of NIT Srinagar, pointed out that higher education serves as a vital platform for dialogue and social cohesion, advocating for enhanced collaboration between academia and society to tackle contemporary challenges. Prof. J. N. Balia discussed the transformative potential of higher education in cultivating socially conscious citizens, urging institutions to go beyond knowledge dissemination to instill values like empathy and civic responsibility.
Dr. Sunil Sharma called for strong partnerships between educational institutions and local communities, encouraging student participation in outreach and community development initiatives to foster leadership and societal contributions. Dr. G. G. Sawhney emphasized the importance of value-based education in addressing social challenges, advocating for ethical leadership and mutual respect within academic environments. Rajeev noted that higher educational institutions could act as catalysts for social transformation by promoting active citizenship and community participation. Dr. Vijay Sharma reinforced the idea that social harmony is achieved through continuous dialogue and shared values, urging students to engage in community welfare initiatives. The seminar concluded with an interactive session where participants exchanged views on enhancing social cohesion through academic institutions, focusing on practical strategies for improving outreach programs and promoting inclusivity. The event was coordinated by Dr. Vijay Kumar and Dr. Harveer Singh Pali from NIT Srinagar, underscoring the collective commitment to fostering a harmonious and progressive society through sustained engagement between educational institutions and communities.
