'Every generation has a role in building a stronger India': Director NIT Srinagar

• Institute celebrates 80th I-Day with patriotic fervour
• 10 NIT Srinagar NCC girl cadets participate in main parade at Bakshi Stadium

SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm, with the Institute leadership calling upon students, faculty and staff to uphold the values of freedom, integrity, innovation and service to the nation.

In-Charge Director Prof. (HAG) Roohi Naaz presided over the Independence Day celebrations and unfurled the Tricolour at the Institute’s football playground, reaffirming NIT Srinagar’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and dedicated service to the nation.

The celebrations were attended by Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, Deans, Heads of Departments and Centres, faculty members, administrative officers and staff. Security In-Charge Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat served as the Nodal Officer for the programme, while Dr Aravi Muzaffar conducted the proceedings with patriotic fervour.

The celebrations also featured a ceremonial parade, with multiple contingents participating in the march-past. The Institute’s Security Wing contingent was led by Parade Commanders Manzoor Ahmad Shah and Manzoor Ahmad Mir.

In-Charge Director Prof. Roohi Naaz took the salute from the Parade Commanders and inspected the participating contingents during the march-past, adding to the patriotic spirit of the celebrations. She was also accorded a guard of honour by NCC cadets Meenu and Nikita.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Roohi Naaz said Independence Day was not merely a celebration of India’s freedom but also a reminder of the responsibility entrusted to every generation to contribute towards building a stronger nation.

“Every generation has a role in building a stronger India,” Prof. Roohi Naaz said, stressing that the academic and scientific community has a particularly important role in transforming knowledge into innovation and innovation into meaningful solutions for society.

Prof. Roohi Naaz paid tribute to the freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices for the country’s Independence and expressed gratitude to the soldiers and security personnel safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile ecological environment, Director said NIT Srinagar has a special responsibility to contribute towards climate-resilient infrastructure, clean energy, sustainable technologies, water conservation and environmental protection.

She also called upon students to embrace emerging technologies while maintaining scientific temper, integrity and social responsibility, and urged the Institute to further strengthen research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry-academia collaboration.

Registrar NIT Srinagar Prof. Atikur Rehman said the Institute has a special responsibility in nation-building as an institution entrusted with preparing young minds for India’s technological, economic and social progress.

“Knowledge becomes truly meaningful when it is used for the welfare of society,” Prof. Atikur Rehman said, urging students to pursue excellence while remaining committed to integrity, inclusiveness and service.

He said technological advancement must remain rooted in values and social responsibility, and called upon students to use their education and skills to address challenges related to climate change, sustainable development, clean energy, healthcare, education and connectivity.

Prof. Rehman Registrar expressed gratitude to the local administration for its support and cooperation in facilitating the Independence Day celebrations. He said the coordinated efforts of the administration and Institute fraternity contributed to the smooth and successful conduct of the programme.

This was followed by a separate flag-hoisting ceremony at Fountain Park, where Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman unfurled the national flag in the presence of administrative officers, staff and members of the Institute’s security wing led by Security Officer Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat.

Faculty members, officers, staff and research scholars later participated in the official Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the national flag.

A special moment of pride for NIT Srinagar was the participation of 10 girl cadets of the Institute’s NCC Unit in the 15th August Parade at Bakshi Stadium. The cadets were selected by the 9 J&K Girls Battalion NCC.

The selected cadets were Yashasvi Yadav, Kirti Srivastava, Deachan Chorol, Priyanka Khilery, Ekta, Chitra Sachan, Yashi Chaudhary,  Marasim  Suri, Sahasra and Mariya Yadav.

Associate NCC Officer (ANO), Lt. Dr. Nitika Kundan, congratulated the 10 girl cadets on their selection for the 15th August Parade at Bakshi Stadium, describing their participation as a proud moment for NIT Srinagar and its NCC Unit. She appreciated their discipline, dedication and commitment, and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

Various cultural programmes were also organised on the campus as part of the Independence Day celebrations, with students and families of faculty members participating enthusiastically.