GANDERBAL: The two-week Capacity Building Programme (CBP) on “Academic and Research Excellence in Higher Education,” organised by the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) and sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), concluded at the Tulmulla Campus here Friday.

Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Course Director and Dean, School of Languages, presented the detailed report of the two-week academic engagement. She outlined how the sessions covered crucial areas including curriculum design, research methodology, ICT integration, and academic administration. “The central focus throughout these two weeks was quality—in teaching, participation, and reflection,” she remarked, adding that the programme encouraged “collective inquiry, active collaboration, and meaningful exchange of ideas.” She expressed satisfaction that the CBP not only achieved but exceeded its envisioned outcomes, fostering a spirit of excellence among all participants.

Dr. Minu Mahajan, Chairperson, Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE), J&K, delivered the valedictory address as Chief Guest. In her remarks, she underscored that faculty development is the cornerstone of a strong and future-ready education system. “The strength of a nation lies in the competence of its teachers,” she noted, urging educators to adopt innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and student-centric methodologies in line with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Dr. Mahajan emphasized that higher education must move beyond conventional instruction toward nurturing creative and critical thinkers equipped to lead India’s global knowledge aspirations. She complimented the CUKashmir Vice Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath for making strides on the academic and infrastructure front after assuming the office.

In his Presidential Address, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Vice-Chancellor, CUKashmir, applauded the Department of English and the organising committee for conducting a programme of such scope. He encouraged participants to translate their learnings into institutional reform, capacity building, and community outreach. “Teachers are the architects of educational transformation,” he said, “and their engagement with the spirit of NEP 2020 will determine how effectively India achieves its goals of equitable and innovative higher education.” He elaborated on the evolving role of universities in nurturing employable graduates through Skill Development Courses, Value-Added Modules, and Multidisciplinary Offerings. He urged faculty to integrate creativity and ethics into every academic endeavour, ensuring that higher education remains both globally competitive and locally relevant.

Acknowledging the tremendous efforts in enhancing the Central University of Kashmir’s academic and administrative standardisation, Vice chancellor Prof. Nath felicitated Prof. Sandhya Tiwari with a Shawl along with the Chief Guest Dr Minu Mahajan.

The ceremony concluded with distribution of certificates and mementoes among participants.  The two-week programme witnessed interactive sessions led by eminent resource persons from premier universities across India. Topics ranged from research design, publication ethics, and academic leadership to Indian epistemology and digital pedagogy.

Notably, lectures by Prof. Basavaraj Donur, Prof. Sumeer Gul, Prof. Neeru Snehi, Prof. Sachchidanand Mishra, Dr. Prerna Malhotra, and Prof. Viney Kapoor Mehra deepened understanding of the ethical and creative dimensions of academic practice. Participants also engaged in experiential field visits to Sonamarg and Pahalgam, linking classroom learning with community realities and sustainable development goals. Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal, Course Co-Director and Sr Asst Prof. gave an overview of the programme’s objectives and outcomes. 



Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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