Welfare of artisan community and folk-artists is one of my prime objectives: LG
Shadow Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 28:
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urges all the universities of the Union Territory to set up Artificial Intelligence (AI) labs for cutting-edge research and innovation.
The Lt governor said this while addressing the ‘National Science Day’ seminar at University of Kashmir on Friday.
Speaking on the unprecedented technological advancement taking place globally, the Lieutenant Governor urged all the Universities of J&K UT to set up Artificial Intelligence Labs for cutting-edge research and innovation.
Lt Governor Sinha emphasised the promotion of advancements in science and technology to foster creativity andand innovation for a sustainable future.
He said the AI Lab will be a separate entity within the Science and Technology Department through multidisciplinary collaboration with industry, researchers, educators, and technologists.
“We cannot imagine a future without AI. It will have a profound impact on every aspect of our lives, and that’s why it is critical to enable our youth to develop their AI knowledge, reskilling and upskilling the workforce to keep up with AI trends and to make J&K UT more competitive”, he said.
AI Labs in the Universities will directly coordinate with local industries for the integration of new discoveries and innovation of AI into businesses. The research will also focus on the current status of AI use and ways to enhance its adoption to boost productivity and profit,” the Lieutenant governor said.
He asked the Universities to adopt a flexible approach towards AI and offer short-term courses, keeping in mind the rapid advancement of AI and according to the industry trends.
The Lieutenant Governor said, “Scientists, Technologists and Entrepreneurs will power the journey of Viksit Bharat. They will drive India’s scientific and technological progress and provide a strong foundation to the innovation ecosystem of Jammu Kashmir.
In the near future, AI will be most needed by health and emergency services workers, industry managers, and social and business leaders. It will be the responsibility of all AI labs of Universities to conduct workshops and weekly training modules for them so that our entire workforce in J&K becomes AI literate and leaders from various sectors are also better equipped to make the right decision.”
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the students and the faculty members to collectively work on integrated action, through a five-year plan, to use the power of new technology like AI in the development of Jammu Kashmir.
He said the AI Lab will be a separate entity within the Science and Technology Department through multidisciplinary collaboration with industry, researchers, educators and technologists.
The Lieutenant governor extended his greetings on the occasion and paid tributes to renowned scientist Sir C.V. Raman. This year, the theme for National Science Day is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the Srinagar Heritage Festival ‘Soan Meeraas’ at Kashmir Haat, today.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to all the participating artisans & artists, and appreciated the collaborated initiative by the District Administration Srinagar and Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre J&K. He said, the Srinagar Heritage Festival commemorates the achievements and contribution of our great artisans, folk artists, writers and honours our unique and diverse cultural heritage which will inspire the future growth.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his resolve to revive the cultural and artistic heritage of Jammu Kashmir and drive positive changes in the lives of the citizens, especially those associated with the world of art, crafts and culture.
“Welfare of artisan community and folk-artists is one of my prime objectives. I also wish to see that every child is connected to the roots and every youth carrying the rich legacy of artisan community is empowered to contribute in J&K’s economic growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that, in the last four and a half years, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, well-planned policies and their time-bound implementation has ensured that our craftspeople, artisans and artists are provided with better resources and opportunity to prosper and flourish.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the emergence of Srinagar city as the cultural nerve centre of Jammu Kashmir. He shared the dedicated measures taken by the government to transform the cities of the Union Territory into the confluence of ancient traditions and modern facilities.
He further emphasised the important role of youth, artists community and enlightened citizens in preserving the cultural heritage, and also spreading awareness on environmental protection.
“Preservation and promotion of heritage is crucial for sustainable development of the cities and to improve urban quality of life. I believe culture is a way of life and we must involve young generations, inheritors of our rich legacy, to protect cultural and natural heritage,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released a book titled “Iconic Women of J&K”. He also felicitated the students and artists participating in Srinagar Heritage Festival.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor visited the Traditional village, Art Gallery and witnessed exhibitions, live demonstrations of sports and various traditional cultural activities.
During the Srinagar Heritage Festival, a number of events were organised at Jhelum Riverfront, Dal Lake and Kashmir Haat providing a memorable experience for participants and visitors, besides building a strong sense of identity, fostering community cohesion.
Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Rajiv Omprakash, DIG CKR; Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Ms Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; senior officials of Security forces, Police and Civil Administration, artisans, artists, youth and people from all walks of life were present.
