2 day International Conference on “Advances in Computer Sciences” begins at Srinagar

SRINAGAR, March 17: A two day International Conference on ‘Advances in Computer Sciences & Technology’ began here today at Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar, with academicians and subject experts deliberating on recent trends in the field.

Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Professor Qayyum Husain was the chief guest on the inaugural ceremony while Nodal Principal Kashmir, Professor Khurshid Ahmad Khan was the guest of honour.

In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor said that computers and the allied technologies have revolutionized every sphere of today’s life. “The discipline of computer science itself has undergone a lot of changes over the years, which makes this conference all the more important. Artificial Intelligence (AI), for instance, has emerged as a very exciting and important field, opening up plethora of possibilities for the future.”

“Keeping the developments in the field of Computer Sciences and other disciplines, Cluster University Srinagar proposed to introduce several new courses in the varsity’s second Academic Council meeting including Masters/Honors programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science; Honors programme in Graphic Designing & Visualization; Diploma programmes in Digital Marketing, Block Chain Management, Cloud Computing and Cyber Security,” Professor Qayyum added.

“These courses not only meet the industry requirements and technological advances made in the respective fields, but are also in line with the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP-2020).

At the same time, we have to be aware of apprehensions and ethical dilemmas related to AI,” he added.

The lead talk of the conference was delivered by Marc Canter, CEO Instigate.ai and Co-Founder Macro-Media, USA. He shared an interesting case study on decentralized computing with professionals from different backgrounds coming together to offer international services with the concept of viral marketing. He cited the examples of ‘SauceNet’ and ‘Instigate.ai’.

In her welcome address, Principal of the host college, Professor Ruhi Jan Kanth said, “With technology touching every aspect of our lives, unprecedented opportunities for human progress and development are unfolding. Computer Science and allied fields are key enablers of the growth and prosperity around the world. With this conference, we aim to develop a better understanding of the changes happening in the world of information technology with innovation and creativity spearheading this evolution.”

The Plenary Talk was delivered by Professor and former Head, Department of Computer Sciences, BHU, Promod Kumar Mishra. He spoke extensively about the underlying concepts of Metaverse and Machine Learning. He also cited an example of India’s first metaverse wedding reception.

In his keynote address, Professor Akshay Agarwal of IISER Bhopal highlighted the new possibilities offered by Artificial Intelligence. He gave an interesting presentation on the power of AI and the future implications of the same. 

Organizing Secretary of the conference, Dr. Sameer Kaul, spoke about the relevance of the conference and introduced the theme and sub-themes spread across the technical sessions of the two-day event.

On the occasion, newsletter of the host institution ‘College Times’ was also released. Three books authored by the faculty members of the host college- Prof. Sheba Drabu, Professor Sania Shakeel and Dr. Riffat Aman- were also released on the occasion.

The inaugural session was also attended by Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone and Registrar, Prof. Khurshid Mir.

The first technical session was based on the theme of ‘Machine Learning & Neural Networks’ with Dr. A.H. Moon, Dean Research, IUST, as Chairperson. He also delivered the Lead Talk for the session. The second technical session of the day was based on ‘AI & machine Learning’ with Dr. Majid Zaman, Controller Examinations, University of Kashmir, as the Chairperson and Lead Speaker.

Dr. Abina Habib moderated the proceedings of the inaugural session while Dr. Suhail Ahmad was the rapporteur. Dr. Bilal Maqbool Beigh presented vote of thanks.