Two-day workshop on ‘Digital Transformation of Education in JK’ begins at SKICC

NIT Srinagar playing a crucial role in bridging the technological gap: Comm. Sect Edu. Saurabh Bhagat

Srinagar, Dec 19: The two-day workshop on ‘Digital Transformation of Education in J&K’ began on Monday at SKICC in Srinagar. The event is being jointly organized by Move Beyond, UNICEF India, and innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IIEDC), National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.

The event was presided over by Commissioner Secretary to Govt. Science & Technology Department, Mr Saurabh Bhagat, IAS, who was Chief Guest on the occasion, while Prof MF Wani, In-charge Director NIT Srinagar, and Bilal Ahmad, Joint Director JKSTIC were the Guests of Honour on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Saurabh Bhagat, IAS said NIT Srinagar is playing a vital role in bridging the technological gap in society and stated that the institution is working on the latest technologies that will benefit the common people.

“Providing quality education to every student is the priority of the UT Government. We will continue to support NIT Srinagar for their technological initiatives in the future,” he said.

On the occasion, Incharge Director Prof. MF Wani said they are already working closely with many educational initiatives under the Unnat Bharat Mission and have adopted many villages to reach the ground level.

“I am sure that we will address the career concerns of students in the region. We will help them and find the right direction leading to educational ambition, Prof. Wani said.

In his message, Prof. Rakesh Sehgal said that NIT Srinagar has done every bit towards the nation’s technological manpower capability building. 

“Both Move Beyond and IIEDC are doing appreciable work. I hope they will continue serving society and this workshop will act as a platform for high-end ideas to overcome challenges in the digital transformation of education,” Prof. Sehgal said.  

Guest of Honor, Mr. Bilal Ahmad, Joint Director JKSTIC said the two-day workshop is aimed to improve awareness of the rising potential of digital tools in education.

Institute’s Registrar Prof. Syed Kaisar Bukhari was also expected to attend the conference as a Guest of Honor but due to his engagements with the Ministry of Education could not attend the workshop.

In his message, Prof. Bukhari said holding such workshops on vital Digital transformation of Education in JK is the need of the hour.

“The mega event will bring synergy in finding novel and innovative solutions to the problems faced by the students in the region,” he said.

Prof. Bukhari said there is no dearth of talent among the youth of Kashmir but there is a need for proper guidance, counselling to enhance and encourage their capabilities.

CEO Move Beyond, Dr Saad Parvez, Head IIEDC, NIT Srinagar said the workshop is aimed to identify synergies between J&K’s ongoing digital learning initiatives.

“Showcase best practices in digital learning from across the country and internationally and devise a roadmap for the digital transformation of education in J&K,” he said.

Head IIEDC, NIT Srinagar, Prof Saad Parvez said IIEDC has the mandate to reach out to local youth. “This collaboration will provide an opportunity to connect us on the ground and offer solutions to students facing challenges in their careers,” he said.

Danish Aziz, Education Specialist, UNICEF India also highlighted the importance of Digital education and stated that they are already working closely with the Department of School Education, J&K Govt, in many educational initiatives.

Miss Pramila Manoharan, Education Specialist UNICEF India, Dr. Nasir Shah (Additional Director JKSTIC), and Terry Durnian (UNICEF), were among the dignitaries who were present on the occasion.

Earlier on Sunday, Move Beyond, UNICEF India & IIEDC, NIT Srinagar organized a Career Conclave 2022 that witnessed huge participation of students from different government schools across the Valley.

The conclave was organized in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir. Mr. Tassaduq Hussain (JKAS), Director of School Education, in Kashmir was the Chief Guest on the occasion.  

Mr Danish Aziz, Education Specialist, UNICEF India, Mr Sheikh Inayat Ullah, CEO Move Beyond, Dr Saad Parvez, Head IIEDC, NIT Srinagar, Miss Sushma RB, International Education Expert, Huzaif, Chief Operations Fastbeetle, and Mr Fayaz Dar, Founder Sagg Eco Village were also present on the occasion.

Danish Aziz, Education Specialist, UNICEF India discussed about the importance of holding career counselling programs.

 Sheikh Inayat Ullah, CEO Move Beyond deliberated upon the learning outcomes and conscious career choices. He mainly emphasized that there are many career choices but to undergo a process of career development is not a choice.

Tasaduq Hussain, Director School Education Kashmir said students must have a rational approach towards career development.

 They should explore unconventional careers and try to choose a field that is in line with their personality and talent, he said.

Dr Saad Parvez discussed about the design thinking process and its role in innovating, entrepreneurship and startup. 

He deeply engaged with students and impressed upon the changing technological world with its impact on employability in the world.

He said that there are many sectors that will become redundant while others like AI, Machine Learning, and Robotics will flourish.

Sushma RB, an international education expert deliberated in detail about the international opportunities and eligibility requirements abroad.  She discussed the study and settlement process in countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Fayaz Dar, Founder Sagg Eco Village motivated the students for having goals and plans in life and how to progress towards them. He asked students to carry a career diary with them for better career planning and execution. 

Huzaif, Chief Operations Fastbeetle discussed the formation of the startup Fastbeetle, its struggles, and how it has become the first start-up in the valley to receive funding from outside.