Centre will focus on innovation and technology: Director

Srinagar, May 27: India’s first Centre for Technology Intervention for Elderly and Disabled (CTIED)  inaugurated at National Institute of Technology Srinagar

Addressing the members, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal said it is a proud moment for the entire institution that it is taking lead in this noble initiative. It is a historic day and opportunity for our students to shape their future, he said.

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 Prof. Sehgal congratulated the CTIED team members for the noble idea and informed them that no such initiative has been taken by any of the technical institutes, or universities in the entire country.

“Differently-abled persons are part and parcel of the society and we should help them through innovations and technology. I believe this centre will bridge the gap between community and technology,” he said.

Prof. Sehgal also highlighted problems faced by the differently-abled persons and stated that technical innovations will lessen their problems and troubles. If this centre will succeed in its motive that will be our biggest contribution to society, he said.

The Director NIT also suggested developing mechanisms in institute for the multi-disciplinary projects covering various fields of engineering. He urged CTIED members to encourage and motivate the students across various branches to work for technical innovation in this area.

Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said that NIT Srinagar has already taken various initiatives for Differently-abled persons including the construction of ramps and other support systems.

“We are ready to empower and support these PwDs for the noble cause both morally and financially. They do not only need the society’s sympathy, but we need to empower them with innovation and technology,” he said.

The CTIED is headed by Chairman, Dr M. A. Bazaz while Dr Neeraj Gupta (EED), Dr. H. S. Pali (MED) and Dr. Ravi Bhushan (EED) are the coordinators of the centre.

In his address, Dean Research and Consultancy, Prof. M. F. Wani discussed social obligation toward society. He appraised members about the importance of working in this sector.

“This centre will enhance positive physical and psycho-social factors related to good health, and develop technological innovations through research, education and service partnerships,” he said.

Prof. Wani stated that this centre will act as a platform for the entire community. The objective of this centre will be to create transformation for a wider perspective of the society, he said.

Chairman of CTIED, Dr M. A. Bazaz apprised the members of the various technological innovations in tackling disability in the elderly and disabled in the country.

He also highlighted the goals and vision of the CTIED. Prof Bazaz later expressed his gratitude to Director NIT Prof. Sehgal led the administration in establishing this innovative centre.

“This centre will work towards the development of innovative, assistive technology and services that are affordable and appropriate in terms of culture, gender, and age of the elderly,” he said.

Earlier, Coordinator CTIED, Dr Neeraj Gupta welcomed all the members present and apprised them of the various issues faced by the elders and disabled in the whole country.  

The inauguration ceremony was attended by all deans, heads of departments and centres.