SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday urged the academic leaders to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) with responsibility and ethical values, adding that AI is reshaping education, governance and virtually every sphere of human activity.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing the valedictory session of two-day Digital Readiness Workshop for Academic Leaders on the theme “Building AI-Ready Institutions” at Kashmir University here today.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo described Artificial Intelligence as a transformative force that is reshaping education, governance and virtually every sphere of human activity. She said that AI is steadily becoming an indispensable part of almost every profession and urged academic leaders to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to harness its immense potential for the greater public good.
Calling for the judicious and ethical use of AI, the Minister said the technology has already demonstrated remarkable capabilities in diverse sectors, including healthcare through early detection of critical diseases, agriculture by improving crop quality assessment and weather forecasting, and disaster mitigation through predictive technologies. She observed that such interventions have the potential to significantly improve governance, decision-making and service delivery when implemented responsibly.
Meanwhile, Department of Urdu, University of Kashmir ( KU) organised the release of Durr-e-Naayaab (The Rare Pearl), a biography authored by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, at Main Campus here today.
The event brought together eminent academicians, literary personalities, students, scholars and writers to celebrate a work that chronicles the life, public service and enduring legacy of veteran political leader late Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo.
The book release function was presided over by Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan, while Sakeena Itoo attended the programme as the Chief Guest and author of the book.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo expressed her gratitude to the Department of Urdu and the University of Kashmir for organising the release of Durr-e-Naayaab at the UT’s premier institution.
Describing the occasion as deeply meaningful, the Minister said that she considered it a tribute to the enduring legacy of her late father and appreciated the University’s initiative in bringing the work before the academic community. “I thank the Department of Urdu and the University of Kashmir for honouring the rich legacy of my late father by releasing this book at this premier institution and highest seat of learning,” she said.
Calling Durr-e-Naayaab perhaps the most meaningful contribution she could make to society, the Minister said the biography represented years of painstaking research, reflection and emotional commitment. She remarked that if she was ever asked to identify her greatest contribution beyond public life, she would point to this book, which documents the values, struggles and unwavering commitment of a leader whose life was devoted to public service.
