Experts Call for Tech-Driven Rural Growth at UBA Workshop in Srinagar
Srinagar: The Regional Coordinating Institute (RCI), National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, in collaboration with the National Coordinating Institute (NCI), IIT Delhi, on Tuesday held a one-day orientation workshop on Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) for Participating Institutions (PIs) across Jammu and Kashmir.
The event saw the participation of 51 representatives from higher educational institutions, focusing on the role of academia in driving rural transformation.
The program was inaugurated by Prof. M.F. Wani, Regional Coordinator of RCI NIT Srinagar and member of UBA’s National Executive Committee. Prof. Wani presented a detailed progress report on UBA initiatives in J&K and outlined future plans to enhance their impact. He thanked the Ministry of Education, NCI IIT Delhi, and the NIT Srinagar administration for their support.
Prof. Atikur Rehman, Registrar NIT Srinagar and Guest of Honour, reflected on UBA’s early challenges and highlighted its evolution into a bridge between universities and villages. “When academia and villages join hands, they can develop solutions that are practical, sustainable, and locally relevant,” he said.
The workshop featured multiple expert sessions:
Ms. Manavee Ajit Singh, Senior Project Scientist, UBA IIT Delhi, demonstrated the newly launched UBA ERP Portal, guiding participants on registration, proposal submission, and monitoring.
Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, Technical Coordinator, UBA NIT Srinagar, showcased the role of 3D printing and drones in agriculture, from precision farming to affordable tool manufacturing.
Er. Bashir Ahmad, MD, JK Green Technologies, emphasized the potential of solar energy for powering rural households and industries, urging youth to explore solar entrepreneurship.
Prof. Sami Ullah, Coordinator, Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, addressed the risks of plastic pollution, while also pointing to recycling and reuse as entrepreneurial opportunities for rural communities.
The workshop concluded with participant feedback, certificate distribution, and a vote of thanks by Prof. Wani, who acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Education, NCI IIT Delhi, and NIT Srinagar administration.
