Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today remarked that Education is a powerful weapon which can change the dynamics of the world, adding that semiconductor technologies are the future now.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing National Technical Conclave on India Semi-Conductor Mission (ISM) at Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Jammu,

The Conclave is being organised by GCET Jammu in technical collaboration with IIT Kharagpur and close association with Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and department of Industries and Commerce, J&K Government.

MLA, Nagrota, Devyani Rana; Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Director School Education Jammu, Naseem Javaid Choudhary; Director Technology at ISM, Dr. Manish Kumar Hooda; Director and Principal GCET Jammu, Dr. Sameeru Sharma; experts from IIT Jammu, Keynes technologies, senior faculty members of the college and large number of students were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena said that Education is a very powerful weapon which can change any aspect of the world, adding that semiconductor technologies are future and our lives are surrounded these things. She highlighted the importance of semiconductor technologies in shaping J&K’s economic growth, technological self-reliance, and future-ready workforce.

Minister Sakeena emphasized that institutions of higher technical education have a pivotal role in nurturing skilled talent, promoting research and fostering industry aligned curricula to meet the evolving demands of the semiconductor ecosystem.

Sakeena Itoo called upon academia, industry, and research institutions to work in close collaboration to create a robust pipeline of engineers and technologists equipped with cutting-edge skills. She stressed on the need to encourage start-ups within engineering institutions to translate research into scalable solutions.

Commending GCET Jammu for hosting the conclave, the Minister noted that such platforms enable knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and exposure for students and faculty to societal priorities in advanced technologies.

On the occasion, the Education Minister also said that the Auditorium of GCET Jammu will be upgraded on modern lines, adding that the institute has a rich legacy in educational sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

In her address, MLA Nagrota, Deyyani Rana said that the students and youth of J&K are very talented and they have proven their mettle in every field. She encouraged the students to actively engage in this Conclave as chip design and semiconductor technologies will be key drivers of future employment and innovation. She also stressed on importance of internships for young students in technological sector especially in emerging technologies, adding that to be competitive and employable is very important in present day technological job market.

Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Ram Niwas Sharma, in his address highlighted the importance of this institute for Jammu and Kashmir. He called upon the young students to be drivers of change and emerge as Job givers rather than job seekers in near future. He highlighted thay Capacity Building of faculty is must as per the emerging technologies and developments.

Director, India Semi-Conductor Mission, in his address spoke in length about the objectives of ISM.

In her welcome address, Director and Principal, GCET, Dr. Sameeru Sharma enlightened the audience about the broad contours of this National Conclave.

The Conclave will feature technical sessions, expert talks and interactive discussions with academicians, industry experts, and policymakers, focusing on opportunities and challenges under the India Semiconductor Mission.

The Minister, on the occasion also inaugurated PRISM portal of GCET Jammu, an integrated academic and examination system for the benefit of students as well as faculty of the college.

Earlier, Minister Sakeena also laid foundation stone of Canteen block of the college, to be constructed by R&B department at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.54 crores.