GANDERBAL: Former Advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Professor of Disarmament Studies at the Center for International Politics, Organization and Disarmament at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo Saturday interacted with the faculty members and officials of the Central University of Kashmir CUK) at Green Campus here.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj ud Din Mir, Director, IQAC, Prof. G. M. Bhat, Director R&D, Prof. Abdul Gani, Registrar, Prof. Fayaz A Nikka, Controller of Examinations, Prof. Parveen Pandit, Deans of Schools, Head and Coordinators of Departments, faculty members, administrative staff and scholars were also present during the interaction.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mattoo recalled about his childhood memories and growing years in Kashmir and described them as extraordinarily pleasant. He lauded the egalitarian way of life in Kashmir in early 1960s. He said that there is absolutely no negative memory impressed on his mind as far as growing up in Kashmir is concerned. He said that Kashmir taught him the value of cultural harmony among different communities, adding that Kashmiris had a very simple lifestyle.
Prof. Mattoo said that excellence in any field does not recognize competition, adding that hard work helps to scale heights, and achieve targets, even if the road is difficult. “From Srinagar to Silicon valley, excellence has takers.”
Prof. Mattoo reiterated that Kashmir issue can’t be resolved unless a policy, which is built on the imagination, vision and the will-power of the leaders of the two countries (both India and Pakistan), isn’t framed and executed. About the functioning of the CUK, Prof. Mattoo praised the overall academic progress made by the university within a short span of time, despite infrastructural constraints.
Responding to a query and reminiscing about his close association with former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Prof. Mattoo praised Mufti’s vision and said that his (Mattoo’s) decision to join politics was entirely due to the commitment shown by Mr. Mufti.
Later on he responded to the queries raised by the senior faculty members and the participants. This talk was part of series of talks by eminent personalities of the State under the theme “Know your Jewels” being organised by Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj ud din Mir, in his presidential remarks briefed the guest about the functioning and the achievements of the university. He said the university despite facing several impediments on infrastructure front and shifting from one place to another, has maintained the academic standards. “The examinations are conducted on time and the results are declared within the stipulated period,” he said adding the university also conducted the End Semester Examination on time post 2014 floods, which submerged the entire Srinagar city. Prof. Mehraj ud Din Mir said the varsity is conducting international seminars and workshops which are attended by the experts and scholars from within and outside the country. He said university has signed several Memorandum of Understandings with national and international universities and with departments of Jammu and Kashmir Government. He said the university has shifted majority of its academic departments to Ganderbal and is at present functioning from multiple campuses, adding the work on establishing the permanent campus, despite facing hiccups, is going on. Vice-Chancellor later felicitated the guest with a memento and thanked him for his maiden visit to the university.
Earlier, Director, IQAC, Prof. G. M. Bhat welcomed Prof. Amitabh Mattoo and gave a detailed account about his profile in academics and administration.
Prof. Bhat hailed Prof. Mattoo’s achievements in field of academics and administration within a short span of time.