SRINAGAR: The Department of Sociology, Amar Singh College, on Friday organised a one-day national conference on the theme “Sustainable Srinagar: Building Resilience in Fragile Ecosystems”, supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The event aligned with the national vision of Mission Viksit Bharat 2047.
The conference was inaugurated by Shantmanu (IAS), Financial Commissioner, Higher Education Department, and Additional Chief Secretary, JK Government, as the Chief Guest. Other officials present included Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, JK; Prof Seema Naaz, Nodal Principal, Kashmir Division Colleges; Prof Aijaz Ahmad Hakak, Principal, Amar Singh College and Co-Patron; Prof Wilayat Rizvi, Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar; Prof Khurshid Ahmad Mir, Controller, Cluster University Srinagar; and Dr. Shabnum Ara, Head, Department of Sociology and Conference Convener.
Dr Shabnum Ara introduced the conference theme and shared details of the related ICSSR project. Prof Aijaz Ahmad Hakak welcomed the participants and led guest felicitation. Dr Tariq Ahmad Raja, Chief Scientist, Department of Statistics, SKAUST, spoke on the importance of advanced technologies like AI in sustainable development. Prof Manoj Kumar Teotia, Department of Sociology, CRRID Chandigarh, delivered the keynote address, calling for innovative approaches to sustainable urban development while preserving natural ecosystems. Prof Seema Naaz and Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir also addressed the gathering.
In his remarks, Shantmanu stressed the need to protect traditional ecosystems and socio-cultural heritage of Srinagar and Kashmir Valley. He acknowledged the efforts of Amar Singh College in creating a platform for policy discussions.
During the event, the Amar Singh College Newsletter was released. Shantmanu also felicitated Prof Naseer Ahmad Lone, Dean of Sciences, and Prof Nazir Ahmad Kuttay, Dean of Social Sciences, Cluster University Srinagar, who retire on May 31. The inaugural proceedings were moderated by Numan Sofi and Saniya Mukhtar, undergraduate students. Dr. Syed Umrah from the Department of English presented the vote of thanks. A tree sapling was planted on the college campus by Shri Shantmanu after the inaugural session.
The conference included four technical sessions covering topics such as urban planning, environmental stewardship, community engagement, sustainable tourism, youth participation, and inclusive growth. Nearly 40 research papers were presented in offline and online formats.
The valedictory session was chaired by Prof Ishaq Ahmad Wani, Head of the English Department. Prof Manoj Kumar Teotia delivered a special address, followed by remarks from Prof Wilayat Rizvi and environmentalist Faiz Bakshi, who was the chief guest. Prof Aijaz Ahmad Hakak delivered the concluding remarks. Certificates were distributed to guest speakers, presenters, and organisers. Prof Mudasir Roshan, Department of Botany, delivered the final vote of thanks.
The conference brought together academic, administrative, and research communities to deliberate on practical frameworks for sustainable development in Srinagar. It was attended by Deans of Cluster University Srinagar, students, researchers, and faculty from institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
