Early Times Report JAMMU, May 14: Government SPMR College of Commerce, first ever in its academic history, inaugurated its prestigious Two-Day International Conference on "Manoeuvering Business, Society and Culture in the New World Order" amidst great academic fervour and intellectual enthusiasm. The grand inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of eminent academicians, policymakers, administrators, researchers, industry experts and students from across the country and abroad. The international conference, catalyzed and supported by the J&K Science, Technology and Innovation Council, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, and J&K Bank, Canal Road, Jammu, commenced with the arrival and ceremonial welcome of the Chief Guest and distinguished dignitaries, followed by floral felicitations and the soulful rendition of Vande Mataram. The traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp symbolized the triumph of knowledge and enlightenment. The Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education and Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Ms Sakeena Masood Itoo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In her inspiring address, she emphasized the transformative role of education in building an inclusive, progressive and innovation-driven society. She highlighted the urgent need for academic institutions to cultivate ethical leadership, social responsibility and global perspectives in order to effectively navigate the emerging challenges of the new world order. Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu East, Guest of Honour, applauded the initiative of the college in organizing a conference of international significance and remarked that such academic engagements provide valuable opportunities for constructive dialogue on pressing socio-economic and cultural issues confronting modern societies. Prof. Dr. K. S. Chandrasekar Rao, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, delivered a thought-provoking address on the changing dimensions of global business, higher education and cultural integration. He highlighted the significance of adaptability, innovation and intellectual resilience in responding to the complexities of the modern world. Prof. (Dr.) S. Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, underscored the need for collaborative academic ecosystems that encourage critical inquiry, policy-oriented research and meaningful engagement with contemporary global realities. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Prikshit Manhas, Director, CEC, UGC, who shared profound insights into the changing paradigms of education, technology and global academic ecosystems in the contemporary world order. He highlighted the necessity of integrating technology, innovation, MSME learning and research-driven pedagogies in order to prepare institutions and learners for emerging global challenges. Earlier, Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Gupta, Principal of the college, formally welcomed the distinguished guests, delegates and participants. In his welcome address, he reiterated the institution's commitment towards academic excellence, quality research and global engagement. He remarked that the conference aims to provide a vibrant forum for the exchange of innovative ideas, scholarly perspectives and sustainable solutions to contemporary socio-economic challenges. The morning session also featured the first Technical session of the conference, which witnessed insightful and thought-provoking invited lectures delivered by renowned international scholars. Dr. Gurpreet H. Kaur, Research Scholar at Purdue University-MICA Lafayette, Indiana, United States, delivered an insightful talk on "Sustainability Oriented Storytelling in Tourism," highlighting the transformative role of sustainable narratives in reshaping tourism industries worldwide. |