SRINAGAR: The two-week long Refresher Course in Multidisciplinary Research Methodology concluded today at Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road here.
The course was organized by GCW Srinagar in collaboration with UGC-Human Resource Development Centre of University of Kashmir.
Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan was the Chief Guest during the valedictory function of the Refresher course while as former Director General, Department of Economics and Statistics, G.A. Qureshi, was the Guest of Honour.
In her valedictory address, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nilofer Khan underscored the need for colleges and universities to collaborate for successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020). Prof. Khan emphasized on building the capacity of teachers, including research acumen, in the light of the requirements of NEP-2020.
Speaking about the relevance of organizing such refresher courses in research methodology, especially for college teachers, the Vice Chancellor referred to the emphasis on the research component in the NEP-2020 even at the undergraduate level.
Stating that female teachers generally tend to conduct and publish less research work mostly owing to additional domestic responsibilities, Prof. Khan said that it is important for female educators to balance their personal and professional life.
Referring to its illustrious history, Prof. Khan said that it is a premier institute of higher education for women in the region. “Many women of eminence have studied here and earned a place of distinction in their respective fields. I am happy that the university could collaborate with this college for the refresher course,” she said, while assuring of all possible assistance from the university in conducting more such productive programmes in future as well.
“Kashmir University has old ties with this college though it’s no longer affiliated with us, but we would love to do handholding and collaborate in various programmes,” Prof. Khan said.
Speaking during the valedictory session, G.A. Qureshi spoke about the importance of data and proper methodology on topics of policy implications. He said feedback based on proper research can go a long way in helping the government frame new policies and schemes or revisit the existing ones.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and other dignitaries, Principal of the host college, Prof. Ruhi Kanth said it was for the first time that a college from Kashmir division conducted such an extensive programme in research methodology which in itself can be deemed as a major initiative. She thanked Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir for her consent to collaborate with the college in this respect. Prof. Ruhi also referred to the relevance of the programme with respect to NEP-2020 implementation.
Director, UGC-HRDC, KU, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Darzi while speaking on the occasion thanked the host college for reposing trust in HRDC for conducting the course. He referred to various activities conducted by UGC-HRDC to provide adequate opportunities for the professional and career development of teachers in higher education system. Prof. Darzi said HRDC provides opportunity for the teachers to update their knowledge and learn new methods of curricular transactions.
On the occasion, Coordinator HRDC-KU, Dr.Sumeer Gul read out a detailed report of the course proceedings, spanning 48 technical sessions, during which resource persons from various disciplines dealt with different dimensions of research methodology. Around 30 teachers from various colleges participated in the course.
On the occasion, some participants also shared their experience and feedback about the course which began on 18 October 2022 inaugurated by Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Qayyum Husain.
Others present on the occasion included Principal of the host college, Prof. Ruhi Jan Kanth; Director, UGC-HRDC, Kashmir University, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Darzi; Coordinator HRDC, Dr. Sumeer Gul and Coordinator of the course from host college, Dr. Rajou Kumar Pandita.