Srinagar: To deepen academic dialogue on the role of universities in national development, the Department of Nanotechnology, University of Kashmir (KU), hosted a colloquium talk by Prof. B.S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, on ‘The Role of Higher Educational Institutions towards Viksit Bharat’ at the varsity.
The talk aimed to highlight how academic institutions can contribute to the vision of a developed India by integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development in line with India’s vision for a self-reliant and developed future.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, welcomed Prof. Murty and highlighted the University’s focus on research-based learning and its growing interest in national collaborations.
“Such academic engagements are vital for institutional growth. We look forward to building partnerships with IIT Hyderabad to promote joint research, dual degrees and faculty-student exchange,” she said.
In his keynote address, Prof. B.S. Murty spoke about the evolving role of academic institutions in realising the vision of a developed and self-reliant India and stressed on the need to move beyond traditional teaching models by encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and strong linkages with industry.
“Higher education must lead the transformation towards a Viksit Bharat through deep research, incubation centres and translational technologies,” he said.
Dean of Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, and Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, also spoke on the occasion and reiterated the importance of academic networking for enhancing institutional capabilities and research culture.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Head, Department of Nanotechnology KU Prof. Rabia Hamid, highlighted the department’s academic strengths and research vision.
A brochure of the department’s upcoming international conference, ‘NBL-2025: Nanotechnology for Better Living’ was also released on the occasion.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Prof. Waseem Bari, Director, South Campus KU.
Prof. Murty later visited the department’s laboratories and held an interactive session with the faculty and research scholars, expressing appreciation for the ongoing research at the University.