Srinagar: The Department of Bio-resources, University of Kashmir, on the occasion of National Science Day launched a medicinal and aromatic plants’ database on the theme ‘Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat’ in Gandhi Bhawan here on Wednesday.
The entire event was hosted and coordinated by Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Department of Bio-resourses, University of Kashmir.
The session was inaugurated by Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, highlighting the importance of celebrating National Science day. Special emphasis was made on the globalization of science, and the background for the origin of this day was addressed.
This was followed by various eminent dignitaries, including Prof. Mohd Sultan Bhat, Dean Research, University of Kashmir, thanking the organizing secretary, Dr. Manzooor Ahmad Mir for organizing such a significant event.
He congratulated Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir for successfully organizing such events in the past as well, especially the Breast Cancer awareness month. Thus, influencing young minds towards developing scientific temperament. Prof. Mohd Sultan Bhat in his talk addressed the contribution of India in research output, where India has jumped from 81 (for the year 2015) to 40th rank as per the Global Innovation Index.
He also talked about the developments of India in terms of innovations, including indigenous patents, Vaccine development, and space science. He also brought light to the research profile of Kashmir University and its pursuit of excellence.
He concluded by thanking Dr. Manzooor Ahmad Mir for his immense and innovative contributions for the greater good of the society.
The session was further continued by Dr. Mushtaq Siddiqi, Ex- Vice chancellor, IUST, Awantipora, who delivered his talk highlighting the importance of participation from young students and scholars.
He also shared the motivational stories about the noble prize awardees, thus motivating the young audiences to develop scientific acumen, with special emphasis on the discovery of LED.
On the National Science Day under the theme indigenous technologies for Viksit Bharat a comprehensive Medicinal & Aromatic Plant Database was released for the general Public. The database has been developed by the Coordinator of Bioresources Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir.
The database was first of its kind from University of Kashmir that will display all the information regarding the rich repository of the medicinal and aromatic flora of Jammu and Kashmir. All the experts congratulated Dr. Manzooor Ahmad Mir for such a novel step in terms of Database concept.
Also, Dr Hilal Khaliq Bhat, superintendent, Hazratbal Srinagar, focused on the contributions made by Dr. Manzooor Ahmad Mir in his field and the Kashmir University in general, citing examples he thrust on the bond of teachers and students, especially in the higher secondary settings where one could easily influence young minds.
The session also witnessed an interesting presentation delivered by Dr. Mohd Altaf Bhat, coordinator, CIRI, university of Kashmir, where he focused on why to study Science. He also talked about the newly developed department CIRI of University of Kashmir and encouraged all the research scholars as well as the school students to visit the department and utilize the facilities over there.
The session was then concluded by the wonderful talk of Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Parray, Sr. principal Scientist, CSIR IIM Srinagar.
Dr. Zahoor in his presentation shared a thought provoking case of a patient with TB, highlighting the communication gap between science and Media.
The inaugural session was then followed by a technical session where several students from various schools throughout the valley and many research scholars presented their science models and posters taking the theme into consideration. The session was witnessed by several experts from the field who evaluated the said projects to their best.
An interesting documentary highlighting the Biodiversity of Kashmir valley and the threat it possesses due to the adverse climate change was showcased in the event. The documentary highlighted the experiences of the local Gujar community, talking about the adverse climate changes in J&K, especially the melting of glaciers. The documentary was curated by Er. Abdul Rashid from EMMRC, University of Kashmir.
The event was then followed by the valedictory function where Dr. Manzoor A Mir, Head Department of Bioresources thanked all the dignitaries, eminent speakers, other respected participants, faculty members and students and scholars for their immense efforts and participation in the programme very positively.
The session witnessed the prize distribution, and certificate distributions to the participants and others.
