Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, inaugurated a two-week Capacity Building Programme (CBP) on “Academic and Research Excellence in Higher Education” at the Tulmulla Campus on Monday. The programme, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), aims to strengthen pedagogical skills, research competencies, and innovation among educators.

Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar (CUS), Prof. Mohammad Mubeen; Dean, School of Legal Studies (SLS), Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir; Dean, School of Languages (SoL) and Course Director, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari; Dean, School of Education (SoE) and Director DIQA, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani; and I/c Controller of Examinations, Prof. C. Naseema were present along with faculty, scholars, and participants from across India.
In her welcome address, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari described the CBP as a strategic initiative to empower educators in the evolving academic landscape shaped by NEP 2020. She said the programme focuses on pedagogy, research methodology, and data analysis, integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) with modern analytical tools like SPSS and regression analysis.
Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir emphasized that teaching today demands continuous learning and technological adaptation. “A teacher is now twice a student—first to learn and then to teach,” he remarked, urging educators to embrace collaboration and ethical research.
Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani said NEP 2020 envisions educators who blend innovation, research orientation, and technological fluency. “This programme equips teachers to meaningfully respond to the demands of a changing educational environment,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Mohammad Mubeen highlighted the shift from exam-centric education to critical and creative learning. “Our system must produce knowledge creators, not just degree holders,” he said, stressing that capacity building is essential for national progress.
In his presidential address, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath underlined the importance of institutional vision and strategic planning. “To achieve eminence, universities must craft long-term development plans defining where they aspire to be in the next 15 years,” he said.
The session concluded with remarks by Co-course Director Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal, who announced that the programme will include expert-led sessions and interactive workshops. He extended gratitude to senior university officials and the organising team for their support.
Co-course director, Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal conducted the programme and said, the CBP will feature interactive sessions, and expert lectures by eminent scholars and practitioners. He added that the programme will enable participants to refine their research and teaching skills. He also proposed the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Registrar, Prof. Nisar Ahmad Mir, senior functionaries, and all the organising committee members for their valuable support and guidance. Thereafter technical sessions were conducted by the experts.