Sopore, November 13: A two-day National Conference on “Frontiers in Basic Sciences: Advancing Climate Resilience, Drug Discovery and Epigenetic Medicine” concluded at Government Degree College (GDC) Women’s Sopore on Thursday.
The conference, held on 12th and 13th November, brought together scientists, researchers, and students from across the country to explore new developments in climate science, biomedical research, and epigenetics.
MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar was the chief guest at the inaugural session. Other dignitaries in the presidium included Prof. Subeena Chiloo, Principal GDC Women’s Sopore; Mr. Shabir Ahmad Raina, ADC Sopore; Mr. Iftikhar Talib, SSP Sopore; Prof. Aijaz Hakak, Principal Amar Singh College; and Prof. Maryam Sarwat from Amity University, Noida.
The session began with the National Anthem followed by the traditional Izbandh ceremony. Students sang the college Tarana written by Prof. Shad Ramzan. The event was professionally moderated by Prof. Zubair Sayeed Masoodi, Head, Department of Computer Applications.
In her welcome address, Principal Prof. Subeena Chiloo highlighted the importance of research-oriented events and assured that such academic gatherings would continue for the benefit of students and faculty. She also appreciated Organizing Secretary Dr. Jaffar M. Bhat and his team for successfully conducting the conference.
Prof. Aijaz Hakak, Principal Amar Singh College, spoke about the need to protect the environment and preserve water bodies, urging that the ethos of “An Posh Tel Yel Van Posh” be followed in spirit.
Prof. Maryam Sarwat appreciated the conference theme of collaboration and knowledge sharing, while ADC Sopore Mr. Shabir Raina lauded the organizers for prioritizing climate resilience as a core subject.
The college newsletter was released on the occasion by the dignitaries, including editor Prof. Falak Naz, graphic designer Khalid Bashir, and student editors Taskeenah Latief and Adfar Jan.
SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib commended the college for bringing together experts from different scientific fields on one platform.
MLA Irshad Rasool Kar praised the college for its achievements and assured full support for its development, including the construction of a new auditorium block.
After the inaugural session, the MLA and other dignitaries inaugurated the RFID-based library facility of the college. Librarian Nusrat Jabeen Khan gave a presentation on the system’s benefits, which impressed the guests for its modern and efficient access to resources.
The conference featured several technical sessions.
The first technical session focused on Epigenetic Regulation, chaired by Dr. Syed Sajad with a keynote by Dr. Altaf Bhat from the University of Kashmir. Participants included Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Rather, Younis Majeed, Dr. Nowsheen Hamid Bhat, and Sheikh Suhail. Dr. Syed Mubarak Hussain from the University of New Mexico, USA, delivered an online talk. Dr. Sumiya Jamsheed served as rapporteur.
The second-day session, chaired by Dr. Saleem Farooq, focused on Natural Products: Therapeutic Potential and Drug Discovery. Dr. Syed Sajad Hussain delivered the keynote. Presenters included Himanshu Gautum (Amity University), Dr. Mehraj Din Talie (GDC Bandipora), Faliq Iqbal Bhat, Junaid Shafi Banday, Tajamul Islam, and Safiya Mehraj. Dr. Irfana Showqi was the rapporteur. Other presenters included Qureshi Najmu Saqib, Iqra Gulzar, Munazah, Khushboo Akhtar, Iram Naseer (SP College Srinagar), and Dr. Maryam Sarwat. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Tantary reported the session.
The third technical session, chaired by Dr. Shaista Qadir, featured a keynote by Prof. Farooq A. Lone from SKUAST-K on Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture. Papers were presented by JP Mathi Guru, Dr. Showkat Subhan Mir, and Dr. Mariya Akhtar Wani.
The valedictory session was attended by Prof. Ab. Rashid Malik, Principal GDC Kupwara; Prof. Mohammad Shafi, Principal GDC Boys Baramulla; and Prof. Maryam Sarwat. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Tantary, Member Secretary, presented a detailed conference report, followed by a vote of thanks by Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad Dar, Head, Department of Physics. Dr. Aadil Mohi-ud-Din Sheikh, HoD Kashmiri, conducted the proceedings.
Technical assistance during the conference was provided by Mr. Majid and Mr. Afaq under the supervision of Dr. Khalid Bashir.
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