Ganderbal, May 20: Department of Mathematics, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration with Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, organized a five-day online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Mathematical Intelligence: AI Perspectives and Practices” from May 18, bringing together academicians, researchers, and experts from India and abroad to deliberate upon the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in advancing mathematical sciences and addressing real-world societal challenges.
Addressing the participants, FDP Convener Dr. Haribhau R. Bhapkar said the programme was being organized under the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath and reflected the university’s commitment towards nurturing students with a “Panchamukhi” personality—academically excellent, physically fit, intellectually sharp, mentally alert, and spiritually elevated. He said the university was building academic ecosystems that motivate both faculty and students to think innovatively and contribute towards the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He emphasized that the Deptt of Mathematics was committed not merely to organizing academic events, but to ensuring that research creates meaningful societal impact.
Highlighting the collaborative achievements of CUKashmir and VIT Pune, Dr. Bhapkar announced that the institutions have jointly developed and patented an AI-enabled Smart Oxymeter prototype designed to save lives during harsh winters in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. He said the institutions are planning to launch a pilot project covering 100 to 500 households during the coming winter season
In his speech, Prof. Parikshit N. Mahalle highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence in addressing contemporary societal issues and called for greater interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers and institutions. He encouraged participants to utilize the FDP platform to inspire innovation and transformative research among students and young scholars.
Chief Guest Prof. Vinayak Joshi, observed that mathematics serves not only as the language of science but also as the driving force behind the future of Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized that strong mathematical foundations are indispensable for building ethical, robust, and reliable AI systems. Appreciating the joint initiative of CUKashmir and VIT Pune, he said such collaborative programmes effectively bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and societal applications while advancing the experiential learning objectives envisioned under NEP-2020.
The FDP features 16 eminent keynote speakers from India and abroad, including experts from Romania, the USA, Denmark, Dubai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Srinagar, and other academic centres. The programme has been coordinated by D. Namrata Wasatkar, Dr. Virendra Dhotre, Dr. G. M. Sofi, Dr. Kalyani Ghuge, Dr. Ganesh Pise, Prof. Aoudumbar Londhe, and other faculty members from CUKashmir and VIT Pune.
Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean School of Physical and Chemical Sciences Prof. C. Naseema, and Director VIT Pune Prof. Rajesh Jalnekar congratulated the organizing team of the FDP.