Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 29

The University of Kashmir, in collaboration with Intel, on Monday launched a two-day digital readiness workshop aimed at preparing higher education institutions for the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching, research and academic governance.

The programme, titled Building AI-Ready Institutions, brings together university administrators, faculty members and academic leaders to examine strategies for incorporating AI into institutional planning, digital transformation and classroom learning.

According to the organisers, the workshop focuses on digital leadership, AI-enabled academic excellence, institutional preparedness and the practical integration of AI tools and platforms to help universities adapt to rapidly evolving technological changes.

Inaugurating the workshop, Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan said higher education institutions could no longer remain passive observers of technological transformation and must embrace artificial intelligence to remain globally competitive.

“We must acknowledge the paradigm shift that has taken place in teaching and learning with the advent of artificial intelligence. Institutions of higher learning must actively adopt technological innovation if they are to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world,” she said.

Khan said the objective of such programmes extended beyond understanding AI and sought to equip educators and administrators with the ability to deploy the technology responsibly and effectively in addressing academic and administrative challenges.

Commissioner Secretary, Information Technology Department, Saurabh Bhagat, who attended as chief guest, stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence.

“The future of higher education lies in meaningful partnerships between universities, technology leaders and governments. Artificial intelligence can significantly improve productivity, institutional efficiency and decision-making,” he said.

Bhagat said the Jammu and Kashmir government was increasingly adopting AI-enabled solutions in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, urban governance, infrastructure development and disaster management to improve public service delivery.

University Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal said the institution had already introduced academic programmes in artificial intelligence, data science and robotics while integrating AI-related courses into several engineering programmes.

He said the university remained committed to preparing future professionals through updated curricula, interdisciplinary learning and greater integration of AI into research and institutional practices.

Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, and Dean Academic Affairs at the Islamic University of Science and Technology, Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, called for introducing AI-oriented learning at the college level so that students develop familiarity with emerging technologies early in their higher education.

He said artificial intelligence should be viewed as a tool for strengthening teaching, academic administration and institutional governance rather than as a replacement for human expertise.

Shatarupa Dasgupta, National Programme Manager for Intel Digital Readiness Programmes, said building AI-ready institutions required visionary leadership, skilled human resources and well-defined digital strategies.

She said artificial intelligence had evolved from a futuristic concept into an essential professional tool and would increasingly become a key measure of competence across disciplines.

The workshop will continue over the next two days with technical sessions, expert interactions and practical discussions focusing on building digitally resilient and AI-enabled higher education institutions.