A two-day workshop titled “Mind Over Matter: Confronting Stress, Addiction & Harassment – Creating a Culture of Care, Compassion & Courage in Engineering’ concluded at Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.

Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia was the Chief Patron of the workshop, Prof Roohie Naaz Mir (Dean R&C) as Patron, Head ECE Dr Gausia Qazi as Convenor, Head IID Centre, Prof. Najeeb-ud-din as Co-Convenor and Dr Yusra Banday was the Coordinator the two day event.

The event brought together inspiring minds and practical sessions to address critical challenges faced by students and professionals in engineering.

The workshop featured a rich curriculum that included keynote addresses, personality development sessions, Grit session, as well as focused sessions on stress and time management.

The key speakers included SP Hazratbal, Hilal Khaliq, who emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating addiction.

“Addiction thrives in isolation. We need to build systems of accountability and support where individuals feel safe seeking help,” he said, adding there is a role of educational institutions in spreading awareness.

 Founding Member of J&K Police Drug De-addiction Services, Dr. Mohd Muzaffar Khan spoke about the long-term impacts of unmanaged stress.

“Stress is a silent disruptor that can derail even the brightest minds. The key is not to avoid stress but to manage it with resilience and mindfulness,” he added.

Psychological Counselor Mr. Fairoz Malla underscored the significance of mental well-being in professional growth.

“Engineering may be about solving problems, but never forget to solve the problems within yourself first. Seeking counseling should be seen as a strength, not a stigma,” Mr Malla added.

The workshop also featured interactive training sessions led by Mahi Burza and Nazish Mushtaq from the Roots, who empowered participants with practical tools for personal growth and resilience.

The event was graced by the presence of Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, In-Charge Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. G.A. Harmain, Dean Faculty Welfare and other dignitaries.

On the occasion, Head ECE and Convenor, Dr Gausia Qazi said this 2-day workshop was designed to provide students with essential skills for academic success and personal well-being in today’s competitive environment.

“It mainly focused on four key areas—time management, personality development, grit, and stress management. It offered a comprehensive learning experience that addresses both academic challenges and mental health needs,” she said.

Dr. Gausia further said that each session of the 2 day workshop included interactive video lectures, quizzes, hands-on activities, and group discussions. 

Meanwhile student coordinators including Mohammad Sibgat Ullah, Shafee Farida, Urooj Fayaz, Mohammad Saif, and Varsha Saini ensured the seamless execution of the workshop.

The workshop also touched stress management session techniques to identify and manage stress through mindfulness and healthy coping mechanisms.

The speakers enlightened participants about legal actions related to harassment, empowering them with knowledge of their rights. 

It also highlighted drug abuse, raising awareness of its risks. By the end of the workshop, students will be equipped to manage their academic and personal challenges, fostering both success and well-being.