KATRA, NOV 23: The 8th National Geo-Research Scholars Meet (NGRSM) commenced on Friday at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) campus in Katra.
The 8th NGRSM organized jointly by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and the Schools of Civil Engineering, Physics, and Architecture at SMVDU, the event is set to run until November 25, featuring technical sessions and fieldwork led by renowned scholars.
The meet has attracted over 70 research scholars from premier institutions across India, along with participants from SMVDU.
As per the release issued to The Newsroom 24 – Awaz, the inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. S.K. Tandon, a distinguished geologist and former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, who served as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Prof. Talat Ahmad, Chairman of the Board of Governors at WIHG and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir and Jamia Millia Islamia, and Prof. M.G. Thakkar, Director of the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, and acting Director of WIHG. The event was presided over by Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SMVDU.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Pragati Kumar emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing major research challenges. He urged the scientific community to work together and leverage SMVDU’s infrastructure and resources for impactful research partnerships.
Prof. M.G. Thakkar lauded SMVDU and WIHG for organizing the event, encouraging participants to identify interdisciplinary problems and work collectively towards solutions.
Prof. Talat Ahmad reflected on his association with SMVDU and praised its unique contributions to education and research, urging attendees to make the most of the technical and fieldwork opportunities.
Prof. S.K. Tandon highlighted the evolution of geosciences over recent decades, noting how advancements in technology have fostered integration with other fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
Prof. J. Parumal, Conference Director, provided an overview of the event’s scientific program, while Dr. S.K. Wanchoo, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, delivered the vote of thanks.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by senior administrators and academics, including Prof. A.K. Das, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Ajay Kumar Sharma, Registrar of SMVDU; Pankaj Kumar Verma, Registrar of WIHG; and Neeraj Gupta, Finance Officer of SMVDU. Faculty members, students, and senior scientific staff from WIHG, Dehradun, also participated in the event.
