Excelsior Correspondent
AWANTIPORA, June 4: A two-day business fest aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship began today at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), organized by the Department of Management Studies in collaboration with the CIED IUST Foundation.
The event was inaugurated by Prof A H Moon, Dean Academic Affairs, in the presence of Registrar Prof Wahid Makhdoomi, Dean School of Business Studies Prof Parvez A Mir, industry consultant Syed Parvez Qalander, and Finance Officer Sameer Wazir.
In his inaugural address, Prof Moon highlighted the importance of experiential learning in nurturing entrepreneurial skills and praised the department for integrating such practices into academics.
While Prof Wahid emphasized building national-level linkages to help local products reach wider markets, Syed Parvez Qalander lauded the quality and innovation of Kashmiri entrepreneurs and called for aligning regional products with national standards.
Welcoming the participants, Prof Mir encouraged students to tap into niche markets and explore the potential of local resources.
The fest showcases over 70 stalls featuring ventures by IUST students and alumni, covering various sectors.
More than 700 participants, including students from schools and colleges across the region, engaged with the stalls and attended interactive sessions.
The event will continue on June 5 with more showcases and networking opportunities to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the School of Health Sciences, in collaboration with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Centre for Vocational Studies, conducted a Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Screening and Awareness Program at the campus.
As per a statement, the initiative was part of the DST-PURSE project under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, as a component of Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR).
It said the program aimed to educate students and staff about the rising threat of NCDs and the importance of preventive healthcare.
Prof Ayub Qadri, Dean of Health Sciences and IUST-PURSE Coordinator, spoke about the growing prevalence of NCDs and called for integrated health awareness at the institutional level.
Prof Afroz Ahmad Bisati, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, stressed the role of health education in shaping holistic learning as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Dr Zahida Rasool discussed early lifestyle changes to prevent chronic diseases, while Dr Muzaffar A Macha provided an informative session on breast cancer awareness.
Dr Fasil Ali detailed the rising burden of diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
Dr Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, encouraged students to become health ambassadors in their communities, promoting wellness through awareness.
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