Srinagar, India – The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) recently showcased its prowess in geospatial sciences by clinching three prestigious awards at the National Geospatial Awards 2024. These accolades were presented during celebrations of Open Source GIS Day at the Victor Menezes Convention Centre (VMCC) in IIT Bombay.
The awards underline SKUAST-K’s impactful contributions and commitment to advancing geospatial technology under the National Mission on Education through ICT, an initiative sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The event was organized under the aegis of the FOSSEE GIS project led by IIT Bombay.
SKUAST-K was honored with the Best University Award, recognizing its active role in the FOSSEE-GIS project and its leadership in promoting geospatial education. The university’s integration of geospatial technology into its curriculum has set a precedent in enhancing academic and practical understanding of this pivotal field.
Dr. Shabir Ahmed Bangroo, a faculty member at SKUAST-K, received the National Geospatial Emerging Faculty Fellow Award. Dr. Bangroo’s innovative research has significantly contributed to advancing agricultural practices, environmental management, and urban planning through the use of sophisticated geospatial technology.
Moreover, a student and faculty-led startup based at SKUAST-K, named Farm Health Tech, was awarded the Best Geospatial Startup Award. The startup has been instrumental in developing new techniques to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability through the use of geospatial technologies. Shahid Shuja Shafai, CEO of Farm Health Tech, expressed his team’s pride and commitment to leveraging geospatial technologies for agricultural advancement and sustainability.
These series of awards not only recognize SKUAST-K’s educational endeavors but also its practical contributions towards addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including climate change and food security, through innovative technology.
The National Geospatial Awards aim to foster excellence in the geospatial sector and promote a culture of collaboration and innovation across academic and industrial landscapes. By recognizing outstanding contributions in this field, the awards drive forward the integration of geospatial technologies in diverse sectors.
SKUAST-K’s recognition at such a national platform is a testament to its leading role in the integration of cutting-edge technology in education and research, which not only enhances academic learning but also equips students with relevant practical skills imperative for tackling modern-day challenges. Through such initiatives, SKUAST-K is poised to make significant contributions to sustainable development and technological advancement in the region.