Indian Institute of Sustainability, Gujarat University and the University of Kashmir have embarked on a new journey of collaboration and advancement in sustainable development. The initiative started on 25th May, 2022 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Institute of Sustainability (IIS), Gujarat University and the University of Kashmir. The purpose of the MoU is to promote and foster academic and research cooperation in areas related to sustainable development.
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Himanshu Pandya and Sudhanshu Jangir, Director of IIS, GU, an initiative was taken to take this collaboration further. The University of Kashmir sent a delegation of students and faculty members to attend the “Kashmir Festival” at IIS, GU.
For this purpose, IIS, GU celebrated the “Kashmir Festival” from 22nd February to 2nd March. On 22nd February, the delegates and students of the University of Kashmir were welcomed by the faculties and students of IIS, GU. This ten-day event aimed to provide students with exposure to the diverse culture and sustainable development practices of Gujarat. The festival was designed to showcase the unique culture and heritage of Kashmir with the fusion of culture of Gujarat, with the students of both the universities performed traditional folk dances and songs.
During the ten-day event, several visits were conducted to help the students learn about sustainable development practices in Gujarat. The students visited various sites such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Science City, Dandi, and Amalsad Co-operative. These visits were very informative and helped the students of both universities learn about the latest sustainable development practices, agriculture entrepreneurship and cooperation.
The “Kashmir Festival” ended with a Valedictory function on 2nd March. Chief Guest Hon’ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation appreciated the efforts of Indian Institute of Sustainability. In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that India has been moving forward through coexistence for centuries and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the mulmantra of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ along with several initiatives to strengthen coexistence in a country full of diversities. He said that the diverse cultures, languages, cuisines and attires are our strengths. Hon’ble Minister also said Kashmir has developed a lot in terms of not only tourism but in the field of education and industries. He said the youth of Kashmir can learn a lot from the co-operative sectors of Gujarat and in return the youth of Gujarat can learn a lot about the cultural richness of Kashmir. He also added that Kashmir is the melting-pot of many cultures and a jewel in the crown of Mother India. He said that the changes taking place in Kashmir are important not only for the children of Kashmir, but also for the entire youth of the country. Shri Shah said that Last year around 1.80 Crore tourists visited Kashmir, they got to know Kashmiriyat and Kashmir culture and went back with a good message.
Dr. Jitendra Singh Ji, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), PMO office, stated “Kashmir Festival” will hopefully provide a very valuable exposure for the youth from Jammu & Kashmir. He added that the event of Kashmir Festival in the Gujarat University and the enthusiasm of the participants is an indication of this and the people of J&K, particularly the youth who do not wish to miss the opportunities in new India. The Minister referred to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indian Institute of Sustainability (IIS), Gujarat University and University of Kashmir for establishment of IIS at University of Kashmir. He said, the mutual collaboration for joint studies, research, study program, the training program, entrepreneurship, Policy Design and Analysis, policy advocacy, implementation of SDGs etc will get a new high after the MoU. it took seventy years to establish true concept of “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat” and under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi ji that this is historical moment and true beginning of Amrit Kaal. He also applauded the effort of team of Indian Institute of Sustainability, Gujarat University, especially Prof. Himanshu Pandya and Shri Sudhanshu Jangir.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Minister Dr. Singh also launched the poster of global conference “Sustainable Farming for Sustainable Culture”, which will be organised by Indian Institute of Sustainability, in collaboration with University of Kashmir, Indian Institute of Sustainability Ladakh, North East Hill University Shillong, and YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Himachal Pardesh, with the partnership of universities of G 20 countries.
Smt. Mona Khandhar, IAS officer (Economic Affairs), also praised the efforts of Indian Institute of Sustainability and stated that these collaborations can contribute significantly to the G20 summit. She added that sustainability is one of the important priorities in G20. She also mentioned that establishment of Indian Institute of Sustainability is the need of hour.
Prof. Himanshu Pandya, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Gujarat University, called it a historic moment and a step forward in fulfilling the dream of Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel of a united India. Sudhanshu Jangir, Director IIS, GU, expressed his support for the students’ sustainable innovation development. Students of KU were awarded with certificate of participation from IIS, GU.
The cultural exchange was a highlight of the event, with students from both universities performing traditional folk dances and songs from each other’s regions. This exchange helped students understand the rich culture and heritage of both regions. Especially the singing of students group from University of Kashmir the famous Gujarat poem “More Bani…” and famous Kashmiri Tarana “Tamanna Chaani..” by Suruchi Thakor, student of IIS, mesmerised the people, which ever happened in the country.
Three female students Razia Farooq (Master in General Studies from Baramulla), Shahnaza (Masters in Polical Science from Shopian), and Mehvi Farooq (Master in Zoology from Baramulla) from the University of Kashmir were inspired by the cooperative sectors of Gujarat and will begin an Apple Value Chain Management project in Kashmir under the mentorship of Director, IIS. This initiative will not only promote sustainable practices but also provide employment opportunities for the people of Kashmir.
The event was a heartwarming success, with emotional goodbyes as the students of the University of Kashmir left Gujarat on 3rd March to return home. The collaboration between the University of Kashmir and Gujarat University marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable development and a united India. It is a step forward in creating a better future for the country, where students from different regions can come together, learn from each other, and work towards a common goal of sustainable development.
Prof. Nawchoo, Dean Research, University of Kashmir said the hospitality, warmth and true sprit of togetherness showed towards the students and delegates of University of Kashmir, by the Director, staff and students of IIS, GU melted the heart of all the delegate members, which will be having exponential impact on Kashmir towards the philosophy of “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat”. He said the whole team of IIS, GU had put tireless efforts to make the Kashmir festival a grand success. He also invited faculty members of GU to participate into upcoming G 20 event of University of Kashmir, where hospitality will be taken care by KU. He also thanked Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, Prof. Himanshu Pandya, Director IIS, GU, Sudhanshu Jangir and the whole team of IIS, GU.
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