Min Sakeena Itoo outlines transformative role of education in building inclusive society

JAMMU, MAY 14: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated Two-Day International Conference on “Manoeuvring Business, Society and Culture in the New World Order” at Government SPMR College of Commerce here today.
MLA Jammu East, Yudhvir Sethi; Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, Prof. Dr. K. S. Chandrasekar Rao; Director Colleges, Prof. Sheikh Aijaz Bashir; Director, CEC, UGC, Prof. Prikshit Manhas; Principal SPMR College, Prof. Sunil Gupta; Deans of different faculties of Cluster University of Jammu, Principals and former Principals of various Government Degree Colleges from across the Jammu Division, senior academicians, intellectuals, administrative officers and other distinguished dignitaries from the fields of higher education, research and public administration, faculty members of the college and large number of students were also present on the occasion.
The conference also witnessed the presence of eminent academicians, policymakers, administrators, researchers, industry experts from across the country and abroad.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasized on the transformative role of education in building an inclusive, progressive and innovation-driven society. She highlighted the urgent need for academic institutions to cultivate ethical leadership, social responsibility and global perspectives in order to effectively navigate the emerging challenges of the new world order.
The Minister highlighted the need for collaborative thinking and innovative approaches to ensure sustainable growth, inclusive development and preservation of cultural values amid changing global realities. She appreciated the efforts of Government SPMR College of Commerce for organizing an international platform aimed at encouraging meaningful discussions on issues of global significance.
The Minister also interacted with scholars and participants and expressed confidence that the deliberations during the conference would contribute towards generating valuable insights and policy-oriented recommendations.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Yudhvir Sethi applauded the initiative of the college in organizing a conference of international significance and remarked that such academic engagements provide valuable opportunities for constructive dialogue on pressing socio-economic and cultural issues confronting modern societies.
Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, Prof. Dr. K. S. Chandrasekar Rao delivered a thought-provoking address on the changing dimensions of global business, higher education and cultural integration. He highlighted the significance of adaptability, innovation and intellectual resilience in responding to the complexities of the modern world.
Director Colleges, while speaking on the occasion, underscored the need for collaborative academic ecosystems that encourage critical inquiry, policy-oriented research and meaningful engagement with contemporary global realities.
In his keynote address, Director, CEC, UGC, Prof. L Prikshit Manhas shared profound insights into the changing paradigms of education, technology and global academic ecosystems in the contemporary world order. He highlighted the necessity of integrating technology, innovation, MSME learning and research-driven pedagogies in order to prepare institutions and learners for emerging global challenges.
While delivering welcome address, Principal, Prof. Sunil Gupta reiterated the institution’s commitment towards academic excellence, quality research and global engagement. He remarked that the conference aims to provide a vibrant forum for the exchange of innovative ideas, scholarly perspectives and sustainable solutions to contemporary socio-economic challenges.
The morning session of the conference featured the Technical session, which witnessed insightful and thought-provoking lectures by renowned international scholars. Dr. Gurpreet H. Kaur, Research Scholar at Purdue University–MICA Lafayette, Indiana, United States, delivered an insightful talk on “Sustainability Oriented Storytelling in Tourism,” highlighting the transformative role of sustainable narratives in reshaping tourism industries worldwide.
Another significant session was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Gurmeet Singh, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President Research and Innovation, Dean School of Business and Management, University of South Pacific, Fiji, who addressed the gathering virtually on the theme of the conference. His address emphasized adaptability, cultural resilience and innovation as key drivers of global progress.
The Coordinator of the Organising Committee, Prof. Rekha Gupta, Head, Department of Commerce, Govt. SPMR College of Commerce, presented an overview of the conference objectives, themes and academic significance, emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches in understanding the rapidly changing global socio-economic order.
The Minister also released Conference Abstract Book, showcasing the diverse scholarly contributions and research insights presented by academicians and researchers from various institutions.
Over the course of two days, the conference will host technical sessions, panel discussions and scholarly interactions designed to foster intellectual exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration among participants. Various faculty members and research scholars from and outside the UT will participate in this august two-Day Event.
Several eminent resource persons from within the country and abroad, including experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Fiji, Malaysia and Israel, along with distinguished scholars from University of Delhi, University of Kerala, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Central University of Punjab, will share their valuable insights and deliberate upon diverse dimensions of the conference theme during various technical sessions.