Srinagar, February 28: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called upon universities in Jammu and Kashmir to set up artificial intelligence (AI) laboratories to drive research and innovation in the region. Speaking at the 'National Science Day' seminar at the University of Kashmir, he emphasized the necessity of AI adoption for progress in various sectors.
"It (AI) will have a profound impact on every aspect of our lives, and that's why it is critical to enable our youth to develop their AI knowledge…to keep up with AI trends and to make J-K Union Territory more competitive," Sinha stated.
AI Labs to Drive Innovation and Industry Integration
The Lieutenant Governor proposed that these AI labs could function as independent entities under the Department of Science and Technology. He stressed that collaboration between academic institutions and local industries would be essential for integrating AI-driven discoveries into businesses and various sectors.To build AI literacy among the workforce, Sinha recommended that universities introduce short-term AI courses, conduct regular workshops, and organize weekly training modules. These initiatives, he said, would help professionals across different industries make informed decisions based on AI-driven insights.
AI for Local Development and Sectoral Challenges
Highlighting the importance of AI in addressing local challenges, Sinha urged students and faculty members to formulate a five-year plan focused on leveraging AI for the development of Jammu and Kashmir.“Our focus should also be on such innovations that provide solutions to the challenges of different sectors at the local level,” he remarked. However, he cautioned that AI technologies must be free from biases to ensure fair and ethical implementation.
Inauguration of Synthetic Athletic Track
As part of the event, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated a synthetic athletic track at the Kashmir University campus, further promoting infrastructure development in the education sector.National Science Day and Its Significance
National Science Day is observed annually on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by physicist Sir C. V. Raman in 1928. This year, the theme for the occasion is "Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat."Sinha’s push for AI-based research and education aligns with the broader goal of empowering Indian youth and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a competitive hub for technological advancements.