SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir and Indian Institute of Sustainability, Gujarat University, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate with each other for advancement of sustainable development and to help promote innovations, entrepreneurship and action-oriented research in several key areas.
The MoU was signed by Vice-Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Nilofer Khan and Prof Himanshu A Pandya, Vice-Chancellor, Gujarat University and Chairperson, Indian Institute of Sustainability, at a ceremony held at the University of Kashmir.
The MoU is intended to build mutual cooperation between the IIS and University of Kashmir to learn, assimilate and develop further on core strengthens, experiences and institutional objectives of the two premier institutions in the public interest of the advancement of training, research, studies, policy advice, consultancy, monitoring, systems and technology development. It also encourages collaboration between IIS and KU in areas related to development of livelihood,, farm and non-farm livelihood, climate change, rural development and natural farming, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor KU Prof Nilofer Khan said it is a momentous occasion to enter into a tie-up with IIS, Gujarat University, to help develop a holistic approach to sustainable development.
She said the University of Kashmir qualifies for international tie-ups with more than 500 universities in the world in accordance with the UGC guidelines and the varsity is committed to develop its linkages with reputed institutions in the country and abroad and become a leader in advancement of education and research.
Prof Himanshu Pandya, Vice-Chancellor, Gujarat University and Chairperson IIS said that by virtue of this MoU the two institutions can create a lot of value in different areas of mutual interest for development of both regions, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir, and contribute to making the country a leader in Sustainable Development Goals.
Sudhanshu Jangir, Director IIS, said that this MoU can help students of both the institutions to explore and research in areas like agriculture, entrepreneurship, sustainability, water and capacity building. He said that student exchange, co-guideship, faculty exchange, short-term and long-term joint programmes are part of the MoU.
Dean Academic Affairs KU Prof Farooq Ahmad Masoodi said the MoU focuses on mutual cooperation in some significant areas like climate change, sustainability, value chain and agro-processing which could eventually help the two regions to move towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. These areas, Prof Masoodi said, have been explored on the basis of local resources and local requirements of the two regions.
KU Registrar Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir delivered the welcome address at the MoU-signing ceremony, while Controller of Examinations KU Dr Majid Zaman proposed a formal vote of thanks.
Akshat Mehta, a student of IIS sang a song of Mahatma Gandhi ‘Ishwar Allah Tere Naam’ at the event, which was attended by Deans of various faculties of the University of Kashmir. Mr Nainesh Modi, Associate Professor Gujarat University and Mr Yogesh Parekh, Chief Librarian, Gujarat University, were also present on the dais. Academics and students from IIS Gujarat also attended the event.
