Srinagar, Oct 31: A five-day workshop on health, road safety, environmental awareness and community welfare commenced at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Saturday under the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme.
Organised by the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme Unit in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering, the workshop will conclude on November 4. It is being held under the theme “Waste to Wealth and Vocal for Local.”
Referring to the theme “Waste to Wealth”, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, highlighted the need to adopt an interdisciplinary approach towards converting industrial waste into useful resources and developing low-carbon materials.
Emphasising individual responsibility towards environmental protection, the Director urged students to take small but meaningful steps in their daily lives, including reducing electricity consumption, planting trees and adopting sustainable practices.
Referring to the solar-energy initiatives of Professor Solanki of IIT Bombay, he highlighted the potential of renewable energy in reducing dependence on conventional resources.
Dr. Jitendra Gurjar is the Nodal Officer of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme, while Dr. H. S. Pali and Dr. Jitendra Gurjar are serving as the Programme Coordinators.
Registrar Prof. Atikur Rahman underlined the importance of taking awareness initiatives beyond classrooms and connecting academic activities with the needs of society. He stressed that programmes focusing on health, road safety and environmental protection can help develop a stronger sense of civic responsibility among students.
Expert lectures on road safety were delivered by Dr. P. K. Agrawal, Professor at MANIT Bhopal, and Prof. M. S. Mir of NIT Srinagar, focusing on responsible road behaviour, traffic discipline and public awareness to prevent accidents. The programme also included a yoga session.
Dr. Jitendra Gurjar, Nodal Officer, Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP), acknowledged the valuable support and contribution of Prof. J. A. Bhat, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, towards the successful organisation of the programme.
Dr Jitendra also highlighted the relevance of the workshop’s theme, particularly the need to promote responsible waste management and transform waste into valuable resources.
On November 1, a Dhanwantri medical camp will be organised in collaboration with a delegation of doctors from Maharashtra-based Hum Trust. The schedule includes a medical camp and first-aid awareness sessions for students, faculty and staff, followed by a special health awareness session on medical issues concerning girls, to be conducted by female doctors.
The third day, November 2, will focus on environmental awareness, with sessions on sustainable practices and waste management. On November 3, participants will attend an expert lecture on “Vocal for Local”, highlighting the importance of promoting indigenous products and local initiatives.
