JU organizes one-week Capacity Building FIP Workshop on GIS using Open Source software.

Jammu February 06: Department of Geography, University of Jammu, is organizing a one-week Capacity Building Faculty Induction Programme (FIP) workshop on “Application of Geographic Information System (GIS) using Open-Source Software in Geographical Studies.” The workshop commenced today at the Department of Geography, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), University of Jammu.

The inaugural function of the workshop was held in the Seminar Hall of the Department of Geology today. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp followed by the recitation of Saraswati Vandana. 

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In her address to young faculty members and research scholars, she urged them to remain steadfast in their academic endeavours and strive for excellence. She observed that today’s generation is uniquely privileged to have access to advanced technology, which offers immense opportunities for learning and innovation. At the same time, she stressed that meaningful research requires commitment, creativity, and strong interdisciplinary collaboration to make a lasting impact.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Milap Punia from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, delivered a lecture on “National geospatial policy 2022 and integrated geographical information management framework.” He highlighted the growing importance of geospatial technologies and emphasized the use of open-source software for societal development and evidence-based planning.

Dr. Rajender Singh, Organising Secretary of the workshop, outlined the key features of the programme, explaining that it has been carefully structured to help faculty members understand both the conceptual foundations and practical applications of GIS through open-source software.

On the occasion, a map showcasing the outcomes of a SERB(ANRF),DST,Govt. of India sponsored research project titled “Mapping Geographical Inequalities in the Spatial Distribution of Healthcare Facilities and Appropriate Site Selection for New Healthcare Infrastructure in Rural Jammu District” was released by the Chief Guest, Prof. Neelu Rometra. The project has been undertaken by Dr. Rajender Singh, Senior Scientist, Department of Geography, as Principal Investigator. The map was released in the presence of Prof. S. K. Pandita, Director, MMTTC and Guest of Honour; Prof. Milap Punia; and Prof. Sarfaraz Asgher, Head, Department of Geography.

Prof. Neelu Rometra congratulated the Principal Investigator and the project team for their commendable work in preparing maps depicting the spatial distribution of healthcare facilities across various medical blocks of Jammu district. These maps will be presented to the Director of Health Services (DHS), highlighting the outreach of academic research and its contribution to society.

Earlier, Prof. Sarfaraz Asgher, Convener of the event formally welcomed the distinguished guests and participants and highlighted the importance of using open-source software in GIS for academic and research purposes.

The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Shashi Prabha, who emphasized the importance of such capacity-building workshops in enhancing technical skills and academic competence among faculty members.

The inaugural function was attended by Dr. Inderjeet, Dr. Yudhveer Singh, Dr. Ajay Taroor, Dr. Suman Kumari, Dr. Devinder Manhas, Dr. Narendra Sharma, and Dr. Rankush K. Dhalotra, along with faculty members, scholars, and participants of the workshop which include the faculty members of the various colleges under Higher Education Department, Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir and M.A/M.Sc students of the Department of geography.