Srinagar, Dec 30: The first J&K Women’s Science Congress “Women in Science: An Initiative for Women Scientists’ was recently held at SP College here.
 Principal, SP College, Dr Nazir Ahmad Gilkar at the Congress highlighted its objectives and sought cooperation of all stakeholders for making it a success.
 Minister for Science and Technology, Animal Husbandry and IT, Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi was the chief guest.
 The Minister emphasized the need for the teaching fraternity to make science a general subject for all classes of society. “The Government is engaged in designing policies and programmes for the purpose, which would revolve around the development of science and technology,” he said.
 Ruhullah, according to a statement issued by the college, asked the Principal to formulate a proposal for popularising science subjects among all the enthusiastic students of the State.  Citing examples of various prominent women scientists including Madam Curie, the Minister asked the women folk of the State to prove their mettle in various fields of science and technology by taking up the science stream from the very beginning of their academic career.
 Earlier, former Director, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical Centre, New Delhi, Dr. Daman Saluja presented keynote address.
 While Director, CORD, University of Kashmir, Prof. Azra Nahaid Kamili presented the thematic address wherein she highlighted the role of women in science and the initiatives that are to be taken in this respect.
 Dr. Seemin Rubab, Associate Professor, National Institute of Technology, Hazratbal, and Srinagar presented the special address and stressed upon the introduction of mathematics as a compulsory subject up to the Higher Secondary level and also highlighted the need for encouraging girls to take up STEM subjects.
 There were five technical sessions on five different themes which included: Earth and Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical and Material Sciences, Applied Sciences and Social and Allied Sciences.
 Dr. Meenakshi Munshi, Director, DBT, New Delhi was the closing keynote Speaker. In her key-note address Dr. Meenakshi acknowledged the audience to the various DBT Initiatives for researchers in general and women researchers in particular.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST