Chenab Valley Marks Global Academic Milestone as Bhaderwah Hosts Historic 2-Day Sustainable Development Conclave
Amir Iqbal Khan
Bhaderwah, Sept. 4: In a historic academic leap for the Chenab Valley, Government Degree (PG) College Bhaderwah in association with Government Degree College Kilhotran on Thursday concluded a landmark two day international conference focused on transformative education and sustainable development.
The summit, titled "Multidisciplinary Approach in Educational Research and Transformative Learning for Sustainable Development," marked the first offline international academic conclave of its magnitude to be held in the mountainous Doda district.
Organised in collaboration with the International Benevolent Research Foundation (IBRF), Kolkata and the Confederation of Indian Universities (CIU), New Delhi, the conference was sponsored by the Department of Higher Education (UT of J&K) and the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC).
The two-day deliberations brought together researchers, policy experts and scholars to formulate actionable solutions aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Bringing global scientific discourse directly to the youth of the Chenab Valley demonstrates our commitment to decentralising top-tier academic research," Principal GDC Bhaderwah Prof. Basharat Iqbal said during the inaugural session on Wednesday. Prof. Anita Jamwal, Principal GDC Kilhotran emphasized that inter-institutional synergy remains vital to addressing complex mountain ecology and regional development challenges.
International keynote addresses were delivered virtually and in person by prominent scientists including Dr. Saikat Kumar Basu from the University of Lethbridge, Canada and fisheries expert Dr. Binay Kumar Chakraborty from Bangladesh.
Parallel technical tracks delved into critical multidisciplinary frontiers including post-quantum cryptography, AI-driven horticulture, Himalayan wildlife preservation, green synthesis of nanomaterials, ecocriticism and the NEP-aligned 'Design Your Degree' framework.
Dignitaries, delegates and collaborating bodies widely credited Organizing Secretary Dr. Ajaz A. Wani Head of the Zoology Department and IQAC Coordinator at GDC Bhaderwah for curating an international calibre platform in the remote mountainous belt. Presenting the conference synthesis, Dr. Wani underlined that fostering collaborative linkages between premier national bodies like CIU and regional institutions is imperative to empower local researchers.
The conference culminated with a high profile valedictory session presided over by Doda Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal (JKAS).
"Academic events of this stature are catalytic for high-altitude regions like Doda. Bridging grassroots administrative challenges with cutting-edge multidisciplinary science is essential for climate resilience and sustainable growth," the Deputy Commissioner remarked.
The valedictory ceremony also featured Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda Kartik Shrotriya (IPS), Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal (JKAS), Principal GDC Sopore Dr. Syed Muzaffar Ahmad and former Principal S.C. Kotwal as Guests of Honour.
On the occasion, the dignitaries unveiled the college magazine "Shaheen", the official conference abstract book and a pioneering research volume titled "Compendium of Sciences", compiled and edited by the Department of Zoology hailed as a first of its kind achievement for degree colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. Prestigious national and international IBRF awards, certificates and mementos were presented to distinguished academicians before the event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Tasir Sharief Per, Head of Botany at GDC Kilhotran.
