JU hosts national conference on “Innovations in Animal Sciences
Jammu : Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, Thursday emphasised inclusive nation building and a united fight against the drug menace. The Minister was addressing a National Conference on “Innovations in Animal Sciences: Integrating Conservation, Climate Resilience and Public Health Perspectives” held at the University of Jammu. The two day conference, being held on 12 and 13 February 2026, has been organized by the Department of Zoology, University of Jammu. It is being supported by the JK Science, Technology and Innovations Council (JKSTIC), Department of Science & Technology and Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).
Former VC Jammu University and Director Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad, Professor Manoj Kumar Dhar, Professor Emeritus AcSIR and CSIR, Lucknow Rakesh Pandey, HoD Professor Seema Langer, academicians, researchers and students attended the conference.
Speaking on the occassion Minister said that India is entering a transformative era characterized by innovation, sustainability, and collective progress, emphasizing the necessity of inclusiveness in nation-building to ensure equitable opportunities for all societal segments. He asserted that the new era belongs to India and called for a shared commitment to inclusive growth, social responsibility, and sustainable development. During the conference, Satish Sharma pointed out the increasing threats to fragile Himalayan ecosystems from climate change, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges. He stressed the need to integrate conservation efforts with climate resilience and public health strategies to secure a sustainable future. The Minister also underscored the role of technology-driven solutions, such as AI-powered monitoring and data-driven ecosystem management, in addressing environmental and societal challenges, while encouraging youth engagement through research and innovation. Addressing the issue of drug addiction, Sharma expressed the government’s commitment to combating substance abuse, describing it as a significant social and public health challenge that endangers the well-being of youth and communities. He called for a collective responsibility to protect youth and promote a healthier society through awareness, prevention, rehabilitation, and strict enforcement. The Minister reaffirmed the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the restoration of statehood is a legitimate democratic expectation. He emphasized the importance of constructive and constitutional efforts to facilitate this restoration, which would strengthen governance and enhance public participation. In his remarks, the Minister commended the University of Jammu for hosting the conference and recognized the efforts of Vice Chancellor Professor Umesh Rai and other faculty members in bringing together scientists, academicians, and researchers to discuss critical environmental and public health issues. He urged researchers and young scholars to leverage scientific innovation and technological interventions to tackle pressing challenges such as habitat loss, climate resilience, and drug abuse. The Minister expressed confidence that the conference would yield actionable ideas and collaborative solutions that contribute to sustainable development, eco-tourism growth, and the preservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural heritage. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity and collective resolve in building a stronger Jammu and Kashmir and contributing to a stronger India.
