MAHENDERGARH, 16.12.24-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 concluded a Winter School program on Geospatial Science and Technology on 15 December, 2024. This program was inaugurated by Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar, Vice Chancellor of the University. He emphasized the significance of such programs, highlighting their role in enhancing the university's reputation and contributing to capacity building. Prof. Kumar further elaborated on the transformative potential of this technology in addressing key challenges and opportunities in the contemporary world. The applications include advancements in agriculture through precision farming, innovations in urban planning and sustainable development, addressing global climate change through better monitoring and modelling, and promoting transparency and efficiency in good governance practices.
The valedictory function of the training program was graced by Dr. Subha Pandey, National Geospatial Program Coordinator, Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, as the Chief Guest. In her address, Dr. Pandey emphasized the significance of the training program, underscoring how it aligns with the Department's broader efforts to advance geospatial technologies through various initiatives. She highlighted the critical role such programs play in equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet emerging challenges in the geospatial domain. Dr. Pandey engaged with the participants in a lively interaction session, where she gathered valuable feedback on the program. During her speech, Dr. Pandey elaborated on the transformative potential of geospatial technologies, showcasing their applications across diverse fields. She also drew attention to the resources available through the IGET DST portal, emphasizing how these tools and platforms can empower researchers, professionals, and policymakers alike. Additionally, Dr. Pandey introduced the participants to the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) initiatives. Dr. Pandey concluded her address by encouraging participants to actively utilize the knowledge and resources gained during the training, contributing to the advancement of geospatial technologies in their respective domains.
Participants namely Mr. Anil Kumar, Ms. Sunita Beniwal, Dr. Nikesh Sharma, Dr. Suman Kumari, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Soni and Dr. Dhirender Kumar share their feedback regarding the program and cultural aspects of the department and the university. They praised winter school program conducted by the Department of Geography and the cultural and academic environment of the university.
Prof. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Dean, School of Basic Sciences welcomed the chief guest and the participants and highlighted role and importance of geospatial technologies in real world. Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Coordinator & Head of the department presented detailed report of the 21 days' program. He stated that in this training program 25 participants teachers and research scholars took the training on geospatial technologies from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. He stated that it is a key initiative to build knowledge and capacity in geospatial technologies using open-source software. 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.
Dr. Jitendra Kumar said that Prof. Sanjay Kumar Jain and Prof. R.D. Garg from IIT Roorkee, Dr. Sultan Singh from HARSAC, Prof. Nina Singh and Prof. Parmod Kumar from Maharshi Dayanand University, Prof. Atiqur Rahman from Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, Prof. P.K. Joshi from JNU, Mr. Khushpal Dahiya, Director of GeoSolutions, Gurugram, Dr. Vipin Kumar from IGU Meerpur, Dr. Pawan Kumar from CBLU, Bhiwani, Prof. Pawan Kumar Sharma and Prof. Bhaskar Das from Central University of Haryana and Geography departmental faculty members acted as resource persons.
Dr. Jitendra Kumar thanked Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar, Vice Chancellor for his unwavering support and encouragement, Registrar Prof. Sunil Kumar for all administrative and financial support and Dean school of basic sciences Prof. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Dr. Subha Pandey, Scientist at the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, and Dr. Shamita Kumar from the Department of Geoinformatics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, who serves as the nodal officer for this program and organizing team of this winter school program Prof. M.L. Meena, Dr. Kheraj, Dr. C.M. Meena, Mr. Sanjit Kumar, Dr. Kajal Kumar Mandal, Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Mona Sharma, Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Dr. Ankush Vij, Dr. Ravi Pratap Pandey, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dr. Neeraj Karan Singh, Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Dr. Mukesh Upadhay, Dr. Ravi Kumar and research scholar especially, Asmita, Lakshmi, Brahampal, Tanisha Sharma and M.Sc. Geography students especially Priyam Kumar Satyam, Amitesh and Rajveer who work hard day and night to make this event successful.
Ms. Vandana Dangi anchored the programme and presented the brief overview of the program and Mr. Sanjit Kumar presented vote of thanks. On this occasion Mr. Ankur Mehta from Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Dr. Ravi Pratap Pandey, Dr. C.M. Meena and scholars and students of the department were presented during this occasion.