SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed a seminar marking National Science Day at the University of Kashmir, where he extended his best wishes and paid homage to renowned physicist Sir C.V. Raman. The theme for this yearโs observance was โEmpowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat.โ
In his keynote speech, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of scientific progress, knowledge-sharing, and fostering creativity and innovation for a sustainable future. He highlighted the rapid technological advancements worldwide and urged all universities in Jammu & Kashmir to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) Labs to drive cutting-edge research.
He announced that these AI Labs would operate as independent units under the Science & Technology Department, collaborating across disciplines with industry experts, researchers, educators, and technologists.
โAI is the future, and its impact on every sector is undeniable. It is essential to equip our youth with AI expertise and ensure workforce reskilling and upskilling to keep pace with technological trends. This will make Jammu & Kashmir more competitive in the digital era,โ the Lieutenant Governor stated.
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He further explained that AI Labs in universities would work closely with local industries to integrate emerging innovations into business practices. Research efforts would focus on evaluating current AI applications and strategies for enhancing adoption to boost productivity and economic growth.
The Lieutenant Governor urged universities to adopt a dynamic approach by offering short-term AI courses aligned with industry requirements and rapid technological progress.
โScientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs will drive the vision of Viksit Bharat. Their contributions will shape Indiaโs scientific landscape and strengthen Jammu & Kashmirโs innovation ecosystem. In the coming years, AI will be crucial for healthcare workers, emergency responders, industrial leaders, and business strategists. Universities must take responsibility for organizing workshops and training sessions to ensure AI literacy across various sectors,โ he emphasized.
Calling for a five-year roadmap, the Lieutenant Governor encouraged students and faculty members to work collectively on integrating AI and other advanced technologies into Jammu & Kashmirโs development. He stressed the need for innovation that addresses local challenges while ensuring that AI systems adhere to ethical standards and remain unbiased.
He also commended the University of Kashmir for its contributions to scientific research and education.
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The seminar featured addresses by Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, Emeritus Professor at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), and Prof. Anil Bharadwaj, Director of the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, who spoke on citizen participation in astronomy and advancements in Indiaโs space science.
Organized by the Department of Physics, University of Kashmir, in collaboration with Vigyan Bharati, New Delhi, the seminar commemorated Sir C.V. Ramanโs discovery of the Raman Effect.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated a Synthetic Athletic Track Surface at the University of Kashmir campus.
The event was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, Commissioner/Secretary of the Science & Technology Department Saurabh Bhagat, Dr. Som Dev Bharadwaj, Organizing Secretary of Vigyan Bharati, along with scientists, faculty members, and a large number of students.
