Srinagar, Jun 29: In a significant initiative aimed at fostering digital transformation in higher education, the University of Kashmir (KU) in collaboration with Intel, inaugurated a two-day Digital Readiness Workshop for Academic Leaders on the theme “Building AI-Ready Institutions” which started here at KU on Monday.
The workshop has been designed to equip academic leaders with the knowledge and strategic insights required to effectively integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching, learning, research and institutional governance.
The programme focuses on key areas including Digital Mindset and Leadership, AI for Academic Excellence, Institutional Readiness and Transformation, and AI Tools, Platforms and Integration, with an emphasis on preparing institutions for an AI-driven future.
The two-day workshop is being attended by faculty members, officers and academic leaders of the University who will engage in intensive deliberations on leveraging AI for institutional excellence.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan Chief Patron of the workshop said, “We must acknowledge the paradigm shift that has taken place in the entire teaching-learning pedagogy with the advent of Artificial Intelligence and the way modern institutions of higher learning and research are evolving. Academic institutions can no longer remain passive observers of this transformation but must actively embrace technological innovation to remain relevant and globally competitive.”
In his address, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Saurabh Bhagat who was chief guest on the occasion underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration among academia, industry and government to fully harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence.
“The future of higher education lies in meaningful partnerships where academic institutions, technology leaders and government work together to create innovative and sustainable solutions. AI has the potential to significantly enhance the productivity, efficiency and decision-making capabilities of academic leaders and institutions,” he said.
Bhagat highlighted several interventions undertaken by J&K Government in sectors such as medical diagnosis, agriculture, urban governance, infrastructure development and disaster mitigation, where AI-enabled tools and chatbot-based platforms are now being designed to deliver effective and citizen-centric solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Registrar, KU Prof. Naseer Iqbal said that the University has already positioned itself at the forefront of AI-driven academic innovation by introducing programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Robotics, besides integrating AI-related courses across various B.Tech programmes offered at different campuses.
In his remarks, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir and Dean Academic Affairs, IUST, Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, emphasised the need to introduce AI-oriented academic interventions at the college level so that students are exposed to emerging technologies from the very beginning of their higher education journey.
In her remarks Shatarupa Dasgupta, National Program Manager, Intel Digital Readiness Programs, provided valuable insights into the essential elements of building AI-ready institutions, including visionary leadership, skilled human resources, strategic roadmaps and comprehensive digital readiness.
