SRINAGAR: The Kashmir University (KU) Wednesday hosted the live-streaming of the inaugural ceremony of three semiconductor manufacturing facilities by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, here at the Media House Auditorium.
Nearly 500 students, mainly from the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) background, witnessed the proceedings of the event.
The highlight of the event was the inaugural speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he emphasised the relevance and significance of chip manufacturing that is expected to make India self-reliant and a prominent semiconductor manufacturing hub.
“Youth of India are capable and they need an opportunity. The semiconductor initiative has brought that opportunity to India today,” he stated.
The event was followed by screening of short videos and documentaries on ‘India Semiconductor Mission’, giving insights into the ecosystem of manufacturing and utility of India-made semiconductors.
Similar arrangements were made by the satellite campuses for wide participation and engagement, an official statement issued here read.
KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan; Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal; Dean, Students Welfare, Prof Aneesa Shafi; Director, Information Technology and Support System (IT&SS), Dr Maroof Naieem Qadri; Director, Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC), Dr Salima Jan; deans of various schools, heads of different departments, officers of the administration, faculty, scholars and students attended the event and keenly listened to the Prime Minister’s speech.
In a post-event interaction with the university’s public relations representative, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan said that without the active participation of the people this endeavour could not have been achieved.
“Our students and youth are the key stakeholders of this national mission. We need to encourage young minds, especially from STEM disciplines, to participate in such endeavours,” she maintained.
On the side-lines, KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal said that the varsity is committed to promote and sponsor any such endeavour that aims to strengthen the technological ecosystem of the nation.
“We provide all the necessary financial assistance and required guidance to our innovators through different schemes and scholarships to ensure their end-products reach the relevant stakeholders and be beneficial to the public at large,” he added.
An open discussion (Manthan) ensued among participants followed by an invited speech by Dr Manzoor Ahmad Chachoo (Scientist D), Department of Computer Sciences, KU, who deliberated on topics like the Internet and AI (Artificial Intelligence) with special emphasis on the challenges AI and AI-like technologies pose to the future generations, read the release.
“As the whole world is overwhelmed by the music and magic of AI, we as responsible global citizens have to use such tools and technology with utmost care and ethics,” Dr Manzoor said.
The arrangements were coordinated by the offices of the Dean, Students Welfare; Director, IT&SS, and Director, EMRC, the release added.