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AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), through its Design Innovation Centre, is set to host a high-profile, two-day National Conference on “Innovative Pedagogies for Future-Ready Higher Education” from July 30 to July 31, 2026.

The mega academic event will be inaugurated by Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of the Higher Education Council, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, who will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest and deliver the keynote address. 

The conference aims to bring together Vice Chancellors, heads of institutions, and policy coordinators from across Jammu and Kashmir to strategize the implementation of the pioneering Design Your Own Degree (DYoD) initiative and National Education Policy (NEP-2020) frameworks.

Speaking ahead of the event, Vice Chancellor IUST, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, who is the patron of this significant conference, emphasised the salience of this dialogue in the backdrop of the NEP framework, which aims at a collaborative, student-centric, and technology-driven learning ecosystem. He called this conference a meaningful initiative to promote innovations and strengthen future readiness of higher education in the region. 

The two-day event features a comprehensive lineup of interesting sessions, including interdisciplinary breakthrough sessions by top academicians, including Prof. Shobha Bagai from the University of New Delhi, Prof Javed Hussain Mir, Professor of Practice, DYoD documentary screening that maps student creative projects. The conference will also feature an inter-institutional innovative project showcase, where students from IUST, University of Kashmir, University of Jammu, SMVDU, regional cluster universities, GDC Parade Jammu, and ICSC Kashmir will compete for prestigious innovation titles. The entire event will culminate on July 31 with a formal valedictory session presenting the Best Innovation Award and the Best Interdisciplinary Project Award to pioneering student teams. The conference is being coordinated by Dr. Inayet Rasool, Coordinator, DYoD Programme, IUST.

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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