Ehsaan Yousf
Srinagar, June 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.”
Reiterating the University’s commitment to promoting digital literacy and innovation, Prof. Khan observed that the purpose of such capacity-building initiatives should extend beyond merely understanding Artificial Intelligence. She stressed that the real objective is to enable educators and academic administrators to utilize AI productively and responsibly in delivering meaningful, efficient and impactful solutions to contemporary academic and administrative challenges while nurturing an innovation-driven academic ecosystem.
In his address, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Saurabh Bhagat (IAS) who was chief guest on the occassion 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.
Referring to the growing adoption of AI across governance and public service delivery, Shri Bhagat highlighted several interventions undertaken by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir 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. He said the University is committed to mentoring the next generation of AI professionals through contemporary curricula, interdisciplinary learning and the progressive integration of AI into academics, research and institutional practices.
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. He observed that AI should be viewed as an enabling tool capable of strengthening academic governance, teaching-learning processes and institutional management, adding that academic leaders must acquire the necessary competencies to effectively integrate AI into educational administration and classroom practices.
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. She observed that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant or futuristic concept but has become a practical force shaping every profession. She noted that in the near future, professionals across disciplines will increasingly be evaluated by their ability to effectively understand and utilise AI tools within their respective domains, making digital readiness an indispensable institutional priority.
Dr. Javaid Ahmad Sheikh conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session, while Dr. Manzoor Chashoo proposed the vote of thanks on the occassion.
The workshop will continue over the next two days with technical sessions, expert interactions and hands-on deliberations aimed at enabling academic leaders to build future-ready, AI-enabled institutions.
