Srinagar, Aug 15: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour, with the institute leadership calling upon students, faculty and staff to uphold the values of freedom, integrity, innovation and service to the nation.
In-Charge Director Prof. (HAG) Roohi Naaz unfurled the Tricolour at the institute’s football playground in the presence of Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, deans, heads of departments and centres, faculty members, officers and staff.
The celebrations featured a ceremonial parade by contingents of the institute’s Security Wing and other participants. Prof. Roohi Naaz took the salute and inspected the contingents during the march-past. She was also accorded a guard of honour by NCC cadets Meenu and Nikita.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Roohi Naaz said Independence Day was not merely a celebration of freedom but a reminder of the responsibility of every generation to build a stronger India.
She stressed the role of the academic and scientific community in converting knowledge into innovation and innovation into meaningful solutions for society.
Paying tribute to freedom fighters and expressing gratitude to soldiers and security personnel safeguarding the country, she highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile ecology and said NIT Srinagar had a special responsibility to contribute towards climate-resilient infrastructure, clean energy, sustainable technologies, water conservation and environmental protection.
She urged students to embrace emerging technologies while maintaining scientific temper, integrity and social responsibility. She also called for greater focus on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry-academia collaboration.
Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman said NIT Srinagar had a significant role in nation-building by preparing young minds for India’s technological, economic and social progress.
“Knowledge becomes truly meaningful when it is used for the welfare of society,” he said, urging students to pursue excellence while remaining committed to integrity, inclusiveness and service.
He stressed that technological advancement must remain rooted in social responsibility and encouraged students to apply their skills to challenges including climate change, sustainable development, clean energy, healthcare, education and connectivity.
A separate flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at Fountain Park, where Prof. Rehman unfurled the National Flag in the presence of administrative officers, staff and security personnel.
Faculty members, officers, staff and research scholars subsequently attended the official Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the Tricolour.
A special moment of pride for NIT Srinagar was the participation of 10 girl cadets of its NCC Unit in the 15th August Parade at Bakshi Stadium. The cadets—Yashasvi Yadav, Kirti Srivastava, Deachan Chorol, Priyanka Khilery, Ekta, Chitra Sachan, Yashi Chaudhary, Marasim Suri, Sahasra and Mariya Yadav—were selected by the 9 J&K Girls Battalion NCC.
Associate NCC Officer Lt. Dr. Nitika Kundan congratulated the cadets, describing their participation as a proud moment for the institute. She appreciated their discipline and dedication and wished them success in their future endeavours.
The celebrations concluded with cultural programmes on the campus, in which students and faculty families participated enthusiastically.