Srinagar, Aug 1 (JKNS): A One-Day National Workshop-cum-Outreach Programme on “Significance of Statistics in Present Digital Era” was organized today at the Conference Hall of S.P. College, Srinagar, to commemorate the 133rd birth anniversary of Prof.(Dr.) P.C. Mahalanobis, popularly known as the father of modern statistics in India.
The programme was jointly organized by the Division of Social and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), and S.P. College, Srinagar.
The workshop was held under the patronage of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, and Prof. (Dr.) Arshad Hussain Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry. The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) S.N.Z. Geelani, Head, Division of Social and Basic Sciences and Convener of the programme, who warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, participants, faculty members, and students. Prof. (Dr.) Bilal Ahmad Bhat, the organizer of the event, introduced the dignitaries and speakers, highlighted the objectives of the workshop, and emphasized the growing importance of statistical science in addressing contemporary challenges.
The organiser at the outset thanked University administration, Commissioner secretary, The Department of Science & Technology, UT of J&K and Principal S.P.College Srinagar for their support.
The programme was graced by eminent academicians and scientists, including Prof. Aquil Ahmed, Head, Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Aligarh Muslim University; Prof. Rahul Gupta, Rector, Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu; Dr. Bilal Ahmad, Joint Director, JKSTIC; Dr. G.A. Qureshi, Former Deputy Director General; Prof. Haris Izhar, Principal, S.P. College, Srinagar.
In their addresses, the dignitaries highlighted the transformative role of statistics, artificial intelligence, and big data in advancing agriculture, forestry, climate science, economics, resource optimization, and sustainable food security. Conveying her message to the gathering, Commissioner Secretary Babila Rakwal (JKAS) said that while disseminating the scientific and research acumen, such engaging programs act as guiding light for the students in deciding their career options and that JKSTIC is open to collaborating and organizing such programs for the blooming buds of the Valley.
A major attraction of the workshop was the enthusiastic participation of more than 20 research scholars and over 150 students from universities, degree colleges, higher secondary schools, and middle schools besides NGO as well as govt officials from various departments, who showcased their scientific understanding through oral and poster presentations.
The programme also paid rich tributes to Prof. (Dr.) P.C. Mahalanobis, acknowledging his pioneering contributions to Indian statistics, national planning, sample survey methodology, and institution building, which continue to shape evidence-based policymaking in the country.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Dr. Abdul Roof Shah, GDC Bemina who expressed sincere gratitude to the distinguished guests, speakers, organizing committee especially Dr Rafiq A.Mir, Mr.Inam, Ms Farhana, Ms Sehreen, Ms, Urwa, invited guests Principal Dr. Khursheed A.Bhat (Bandipora), Ms Arshi Rafiq (Fisheries Dept Govt. of JK), Mr. Bashir Ahmad (Qazigund), Mr. Intizar Ahmad, Mr. M. Ramzan, Mr. Naseer Ahmad Bhat, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad (Sopore), Prof. Ronika Yousuf, Prof. Sahiba Fatima, Mr. Sahil Rashid, Ms. Mariya Mushtaq participants especially from North Kashmir, media representatives, and all stakeholders for making the event a grand success.
The organiser specially thanked Dr. Bilal Ahmad (joint Director, JKST&IC) for staying in program whole day as well friends from press Wadi Ki Awaaz and others who helped in giving wide publicity to our program.
The programme reaffirmed the growing relevance of statistics in the digital age and inspired participants to harness data-driven approaches for sustainable development and informed decision-making. (JKNS)