Webinar Series: Convergence 360 inaugurated at GDC Baramulla

Former DGP, Uttar Pradesh & Chancellor, Noida International University; noted author, & Ambassador, Dy. DG ICCR, New Delhi deliver online talks

BARAMULLA, December 28: The inaugural session of the webinar series ‘Convergence 360: Exploring Advances in Science, Humanities, and Technology – 2023,’ titled ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Navigating the Future with Strategic Administration and Progressive Policy Making,’ was held today at Government Degree College (GDC) Baramulla.

The event was organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of GDC Baramulla under the patronage and guidance of Principal Secretary J&K Higher Education Department, Alok Kumar. The event marked a significant milestone in fostering academic exploration under the umbrella of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

The inaugural day of the webinar featured Prof. Vikram Singh (IPS), Former Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, and Hon’ble Chancellor of Noida International University, Prof. Neerja Mattoo, an eminent writer and educationist, and Abhay Kumar, Deputy Director-General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi.

Dr. Syed Mutahar Aaqib, Coordinator IQAC, moderated the first session of the webinar and introduced the theme and objective of the webinar series.

Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Nodal Principal Kashmir Division College formally e-inaugurated the webinar series. He emphasized the role of a forty-trillion-dollar economy in leading Viksit Bharat 2047 to success and underscored the significance of education in colleges and schools for the future of the country. He also congratulated the organizers for such an initiative.

The guest speaker for the first session was Prof. Vikram Singh (IPS), Hon’ble Chancellor of Noida International University and Former DGP, Uttar Pradesh.

In his lecture, Prof. (Dr.) Vikram Singh outlined the keys to a futuristic Viksit Bharat, emphasizing justice, transparency, professionalism, good governance, and social sensitivity. He highlighted notable steps, including abolishing black colonial laws, modernizing the police infrastructure, and implementing a ninety-day maximum for judgment pronouncement.

Prof. Singh praised achievements in friendly policing, e-governance, and literacy rates, urging a collective effort to improve the quality of education. He endorsed NEP 2020, ‘Make in India,’ and the manufacturing of indigenous weapons as crucial steps.

Earlier, Prof. Mohammad Farooq Rather, principal of the college, welcomed guests and participants from across the country. He spoke about India’s diversity and its notable ascent in global education rankings, moving from 30th to the top 10. Prof. Rather focused on the imperative of imparting quality skill education as a forward trajectory for the country.

The inaugural function concluded with Prof. Tariq Ahmed Chalkoo, Dean of Skill Development and Staff Secretary, proposing a formal vote of thanks.

The second session of the day, ‘On Translation: The Dynamics of Interpretation Across Cultures,’ featured distinguished speakers Prof. Neerja Mattoo, an eminent writer and educationist, and Ambassador Abhay Kumar, Deputy Director-General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi. The session included an interactive discussion and Q&A segment focusing on the nuances of translation across cultures.

Both speakers shared insights from their experience in translating texts and maintaining cultural integrity. The discourse prominently featured an exploration of ecological sensibilities in poetry, exemplified through a detailed analysis of Kalidasa’s works, such as “Meghdoota” and “Ritusamhara.” The discussion highlighted Kalidasa’s skill in articulating the emotions of flora and fauna, underscoring the relevance of his wisdom in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

Professor Neerja Mattoo, in her capacity as the editor of ‘Miraas,’ elaborated on the journal’s significant role in fostering communal harmony. She emphasized that ‘Miraas’ the journal’s objective is to bridge this gap by providing a space where diverse voices can engage in meaningful discourse.

Professor Mattoo also spoke about her inspiration from Kashmiri culture and the challenges in translating poetry, emphasizing the preservation of the poets’ unique voices.

Ambassador Kumar discussed his vision behind the “Earth Anthem” and his contributions to blending poetry with universal themes.

Dr. Naveed Ahmad of the Department of English proposed a vote of thanks in the second session of the webinar.

The webinar series, Convergence 360, exemplifies a commitment to broadening discussions and bringing together diverse voices in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.