SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday inaugurated the 41st National Convention of Chemical Engineers and National Seminar, organised by the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Kashmir State Centre, on the theme “Biomass: A Sustainable Resource for Decarbonising the Economy.”
The two-day convention, being held on September 2 and 3, has brought together engineers, academicians, researchers, industry professionals and young engineering scholars from across the country to discuss sustainable technologies, developments in chemical engineering and the use of biomass to reduce carbon emissions.
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah stressed the importance of engineering, scientific research and technological innovation in tackling developmental challenges and building a sustainable future.
He called for stronger cooperation between universities, research institutions and industry to take innovations from the laboratory to practical applications and turn scientific research into tangible outcomes.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who attended the event as Guest of Honour, highlighted the contribution of engineers to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He also appreciated the Institution of Engineers (India) for bringing experts and professionals together to discuss sustainable engineering solutions and emerging challenges.
The inaugural session was also attended by Prof Anurag Misra, Director, NIT Srinagar, and Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir. Prof (Dr) G Madhu FIE delivered the presidential address.
Er Ferdous Ahad Bhat, Chairman, IEI-JKSC, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. He highlighted the centre’s contribution to engineering discussions and said the convention’s hosting in Jammu and Kashmir after several decades was historically significant.
Bhat also called for greater use of the expertise available within the engineering community to improve decision-making and outcomes in the public interest.
During the event, the Chief Minister released the souvenir of the national convention and seminar. He also felicitated eminent engineers, including Er Manoj Shrivastava FIE, Dr Kacham Anand Rao FIE and Er Sayyed Parvez Qalander FIE.
Young engineers Dr (Ms) Khushboo Suman and Dr Pavan Kumar Gupta were also recognised for their contributions and emerging roles in the profession. Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather and Dr Tanveer Rasool of NIT Srinagar were felicitated for their contributions as keynote speakers.
The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Er Irfan Ahmad Reshi MIE, Honorary Secretary, IEI-JKSC, followed by the Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray Memorial Lecture delivered by Er Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa FIE, former Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department.
The technical sessions featured presentations covering chemical engineering, sustainability and emerging technologies. Topics included the use of coal fly ash-derived materials for sustainable catalysts, carbon capture, thermoresponsive polymers, industrial development, and the conversion of aquatic biomass into fuels, chemicals and other value-added products.
Researchers and experts from institutions including CSIR–Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, NIT Srinagar and IIT Madras, besides industry representatives, participated in the technical deliberations.
A panel discussion on the “Future of Chemical Engineers” was also held, focusing on the changing role of chemical engineers in industry, research, sustainability and emerging technologies.
The programme also included a felicitation ceremony and a cultural event. The convention will continue on Thursday with further technical sessions and conclude with the valedictory session.
