To create and widen intellectual space for inter-disciplinary research and inter-faith dialogue, the KU started admissions for M Phil and Ph D from this year, Vice- Chancellor (VC) Prof Talat said.
He said the aim is to conduct research in the fields of language, literature, art, culture, religion, philosophy and other region specific disciplines falling within the scope of the objectives of society.
Prof Talat further said that in order to give fillip to the institute in academics and research areas the institute will soon get sufficient faculty strength who would be experts in their respective fields.
“We have communicated it to the relevant quarters in University Grants Commission (UGC) and we are hopeful that the institute will soon get sufficient number of faculty members so as to cater to the needs of the students who come from different SAARC countries, said Prof Talat.
South Asia Foundation (SAF) is to uphold its core values of regional cooperation and peace through education and cultural interaction between the eight SAARC countries– Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
This will help preservation of Cultural Heritage of Kashmir and disseminating the information regarding the same among general public by publishing and projecting the research findings on the various aspects relating to Kashmir Studies which is the primary aim of the centre, the institute has to come up as a binding force amongst various SAARC countries.
SAF has been admitted into official relationship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and recognised as an Apex Body of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Its aims, objectives, and activities are in conformity with the spirit, purpose, and principles of the two international organisations.
Director IKS Prof Sidiq Wahid said that presently there are 22 students enrolled at IKS which also includes
one student from Afghanistan, one from Nepal and one from Bangladesh. Prof Wahid said that the institute strives hard to promote better understanding of the pluralistic culture of Kashmir vis-a-vis issues of contemporary relevance.
(Free Press Kashmir)
