SRINAGAR: The The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu and Kashmir State Centre, organised a panel discussion to mark World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, bringing together engineers, academicians, industry professionals and young engineers to deliberate on the evolving role of engineering in addressing contemporary developmental challenges.
The programme was held under the theme “Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future Through Innovation and Digitalisation,” focusing on the integration of modern technologies and innovative engineering approaches to support sustainable infrastructure development and responsible technological growth.
Introducing the programme, Er Irfan Ahmad Reshi, Honorary Secretary of the IEI JK State Centre, highlighted the global significance of World Engineering Day, which recognises the contributions of engineers in advancing sustainable development and technological progress. He also moderated the discussion and emphasised the need for dialogue among professionals and stakeholders to address emerging engineering and development challenges.
Delivering the welcome address, Er Ferdous Ahad Bhat, Chairman of the IEI JK State Centre, underscored the crucial role engineers play in shaping resilient infrastructure systems and strengthening sustainable development frameworks. He said the engineering community must adopt modern technologies and encourage collaboration between institutions, industry and government agencies to effectively respond to challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanisation and technological transformation.
The technical session featured a multi-stakeholder panel discussion involving experts from diverse engineering fields and professional backgrounds. Among the panelists were Er Kaisar Javeed Giri, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology; Dr Saad Parvez from National Institute of Technology Srinagar; former Chief Engineers Er Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa, Er Rafiq Ahmad Rafiq and Er Farooq Ahmad Wani; Er Bodh Raj, Chief Engineer of the Mechanical and Hospital Engineering Department, Kashmir; Er Aijaz Ahmad Mir from NIT Srinagar; and Superintending Engineers Er Anjum Anbreena and Er Najmus Sehar.
During the discussion, panelists shared insights on the evolving landscape of engineering in the digital era and stressed the importance of integrating emerging technologies with sustainable development strategies. They deliberated on key issues including the future of engineering professions in an increasingly digital world, the role of innovation in achieving sustainable development, and the application of smart engineering approaches to enhance infrastructure efficiency and reliability.
The experts also discussed the need to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility, expand the use of digital tools and data-driven decision-making in engineering systems, and introduce reforms in engineering education to prepare the next generation of engineers for rapidly changing technological environments.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed, during which participants from academia, industry and the engineering community engaged with the panelists on issues related to digital transformation, sustainable engineering practices and the future direction of engineering education and professional development.
Organisers said the outcomes and recommendations emerging from the discussion would be compiled into a policy document by the Institution and submitted to relevant government authorities and policy stakeholders for further consideration.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the panelists, members of the Expert Review Committee, engineers, academicians and students who participated in the event. The discussion reaffirmed the importance of engineering innovation, digital transformation and collaborative engagement in advancing sustainable development goals and promoting responsible infrastructure development.
