MAHENDERGARH, 25.11.24-The Central University of Haryana (CUH) Mahendergarh, in collaboration with the National Geospatial Program (NGP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has started a Winter School on Geospatial Science and Technology from 25 November2024. This program was inaugurated by the Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar, Central University of Haryana in which the chief guest was Professor Tahir Hussain, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Minority Affairs, Govt. of India, New Delhi and the keynote speaker was Professor Sanjay Kumar Jain, Visiting Professor, Centre of Excellence in Disaster Mitigation and Management, IIT Roorkee.
Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar emphasized that in the contemporary era, geospatial science, which is dedicated to the comprehensive study of the Earth and its complex systems, has become increasingly significant. This advanced field of science has been playing a pivotal role in addressing a wide range of challenges and opportunities. Its applications are expanding rapidly across numerous domains, including but not limited to urban planning, where it facilitates efficient land use and sustainable development; agriculture, where it supports precision farming and resource optimization; global climate change studies, where it provides critical data for understanding and mitigating environmental impacts; and various other areas of research.
Chief Guest Professor Tahir Hussain emphasized that if we talk about the whole world, today most of the countries are using geospatial technology and its use is increasing day by day and India is leading in this. In all these fields, geospatial science has consistently proven to be a powerful and indispensable tool, driving innovation and fostering a deeper understanding of our planet.
Professor Sanjay Kumar Jain highlighted the growing importance of geospatial technology, emphasizing its expanding role in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development. Using case studies on Himalayan glaciers, he demonstrated its efficiency in monitoring climate change indicators and managing water resources. He also outlined its broader applications in urban planning, agriculture, and environmental conservation, underscoring its critical role in scientific research and tackling 21st-century challenges.
Dean Professor Rajesh Kumar Gupta emphasized the significance of such programs, highlighting their role in enhancing the university's reputation and contributing to capacity building. Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Head, Department of Geography welcome the dignitaries and introduce the program. He stated that it is a key initiative to build knowledge and capacity in geospatial technologies using open-source software. With a curriculum covering GIS, remote sensing, and digital image processing, it combines lectures, labs, fieldwork, and a mini-project for practical learning. Aligned with the 'Aatam Nirbhar Bharat,' 'Digital India,' and NEP 2020 goals, the Winter School contributes to sustainable development, good governance, and workforce development in geospatial science. It features three training levels, with the current session focusing on Level 1: Standard Program.
As part of a DST-supported initiative, 11 institutions, including the Central University of Haryana, were selected nationwide. Participants, ranging from educators to researchers, represent a wide geographical spread across India from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. He also thanked Department of Science and Technology for funding the programme. Dr. Kheraj anchored the programme and present the brief overview of the program and Dr. C.M. Meena presented vote of thanks. On this occasion Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Dr. Kamraj Sindhu, Professor Veer Pal Yadav, Dr. Ashok Kumar Sharma, Dr. Mona Sharma, Dr. Ashok Jangra Mr. Sanjit Kumar, Dr. Kajal Kumar Mandal and scholars and students of the department were present during this occasion.