JAMMU: The Two-Day JK Science Congress 2025 commenced today with great enthusiasm at PSPS Govt. College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, in collaboration with J&K Science Technology and Innovation Council, Department of Science & Technology, is bringing together researchers, academicians, scientists, students and innovators from across the region.
Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, was the Chief Guest whereas Abdul Majid, Director Finance, Higher Education, was the Guest of Honour on the occasion.
Principal Prof. (Dr.) Gitanjali Andotra, while welcoming the participants, highlighted the significance of the Science Congress in fostering scientific temperament and research culture.
She acknowledged the guidance and support of Shantmanu, Financial Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department and Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, Science and Technology, for encouraging such innovative events aimed at motivating budding scientists and researchers.
This was followed by the introduction of the theme of the Conference, presented by the Organizing Secretary, Dr. Aran Kumar, outlining its objectives and key highlights.
Dr. Om Prakash Sharma Vidyarthi PCCF, Member JNK Biodiversity Board, Sahitya Akademi Awardee, while presenting the keynote address, spoke on the emerging frontiers of science and the transformative role of research in national development.
He emphasized the importance of innovation, ecosystem, interdisciplinary collaboration, and capacity building in scientific institutions.
A major highlight of the JK Science Congress 2025 was the formal release of the abstract book, “Sarovar” unveiled by the Chief Guest and key members of the organizing committee, showcasing a diverse range of research contributions submitted by scholars, faculty members, innovators and young researchers from across the region.
Prof. K. S. Chandrasekar, Chief Guest and Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, addressed the gathering, highlighting the crucial role of universities in nurturing scientific inquiry and research excellence. He encouraged students to explore cutting-edge technologies and contribute to knowledge creation through high-quality research.
As a token of gratitude, mementos were presented to the distinguished guests by the Principal and the organizing committee.
The event was honoured by the presence of senior officials such as Neelam Khajuria, Additional Secretary, DST; Anshuman Singh, Additional Secretary, DST; Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Bhat, Additional Director, JKSTIC; Bilal Ahmed Bhat, Joint Director, JKSTIC, Department of Science and Technology; Shruti Khanna, Assistant Director, JKSTIC and Ishita Choudhary, Accounts Officer, JKSTIC.
The afternoon session featured parallel technical sessions and paper presentations, where participants presented their research findings across various scientific domains.
The plenary speakers who chaired the sessions were Prof. Vishwa Murthy Shastri, Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi; Prof. Akash Sharma, SKUAST Jammu; Dr. Sujata Kundan, Associate Professor, Central University of Jammu; Prof. Pankaj Biswas, Faculty of Sciences, SMVDU Katra and Dr. Vinitaa Sharma, Central University of Jammu.
The day concluded with a vibrant cultural program, showcasing rich artistic traditions of the region. The proceedings were conducted by Prof. Sugandha Mahajan and Prof. Archana Bhat.
