Awantipora, Nov 10: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) celebrated its 20th Foundation Day today with a special commemorative programme held at the University Campus. Jenab Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Jenab Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, and Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments attended as Guests of Honour.
In his Presidential Address, Jenab Omar Abdullah appreciated IUST’s remarkable progress in a short span of time and commended the University’s emphasis on technology, innovation, and contemporary education. He assured full support of the Government in strengthening the University’s growth trajectory and hoped that the University’s radio station would help broadcast university knowledge outcomes, and programs to a wider stakeholder community.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Jenab Nasir Aslam Wani, expressed pride in IUST’s rapid development and appreciated the University’s initiatives such as Design Your Own Degree, entrepreneurship programs, and contributions to sustainable development, disaster management, and environmental protection. Hon’ble Minister, Jenab Javaid Ahmed Dar, congratulated the University about its achievements and initiatives. He spoke about the importance of quality education in shaping the future of youth. He asked the university to use innovations to address societal issues facing the J&K region.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, outlined the University’s Institutional Development Plan and its seamless alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. He highlighted IUST’s robust skilling and innovation ecosystem, digital governance and strategic expansion plans. He also announced IUST’s participation in the National Student Satellite Mission, expressing hope that one of the 75 satellites, titled “Kashmir Satellite,” will be launched from IUST by end of the next year.
Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon, Dean Academic Affairs, highlighted the academic and research milestones of IUST over the past two decades. A short film showcasing the University’s growth in startup innovation, skill development, and youth capacity building was also screened on the occasion. The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Prof. Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi, Registrar, IUST, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, faculty, students, and guests.
On the occasion, the University Annual Report was formally released. The Chief Minister also felicitated five IUST students who brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir by winning gold medals at national-level sporting events, acknowledging their outstanding achievements. MoUs with various industries and organizations were also exchanged to strengthen industry–academia collaboration. Two major facilities, the Community Radio Station and the Girls’ Hostel, and a Tech Expo showcasing student innovations were formally inaugurated by the Chief Minister as part of the Foundation Day celebrations.
