A 5-Day Bootcamp on Artificial Intelligence and Drone Technology was inaugurated today at Government Degree College, Baramulla. The workshop is being organized by NIELIT J&K in collaboration with the college. This state-of-the-art training program, sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, under its flagship program for capacity building, aims to equip students with the latest skills in two of the most rapidly evolving technological fields.
The inaugural function was presided over by Prof. Mohammad Shafi Lone, Principal of GDC Baramulla, who praised the organizers for their foresight in arranging this crucial training program. He stressed the importance of upskilling in emerging technologies like drones and AI, noting that such initiatives can play a vital role in curbing unemployment by preparing students for future career opportunities.
Dr. Syed Mutahar Aaqib, Co-ordinator, IQAC, in his opening remarks, welcomed all the guests asnd participants and highlighted the transformative role of drone technology in diverse areas such as defense, agriculture, and tourism, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these sectors.
Dr. Nisar Iqbal Wani, Head, Post Graduate Department of Computer Sciences and Co-ordinator of the workshop provided an in-depth deliberation on the theme and objectives of the program, underscoring the bootcamp’s focus on practical exposure and its potential to enhance students’ employability in cutting-edge technologies.
Prof. Tariq Chalkoo, Dean of Skill Development/ Staff Secretary, lauded the initiative and stressed the importance of fostering more collaborations between NIELIT and various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to further enhance skill development initiatives. He also informed the gathering that GDC Baramulla is a registered training partner under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), committed to imparting skill-based training to students to prepare them for the evolving job market.
Dr. Ashiq Hussain Dar, Director of NIELIT J&K, delivered a detailed presentation on the evolution and mandate of NIELIT, explaining its pivotal role in promoting technological advancements and skill-building across various industries, from logistics to disaster management.
Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Fayaz, Joint Director of NIELIT and Co-ordinator of the workshop, discussed the structure of the week-long bootcamp, which combines theoretical knowledge with practical exposure to the fundamental aspects of drone technology, including design, operation, and the regulatory environment governing drone usage. Participants will gain hands-on experience through practical sessions where they will learn to pilot drones, understand aerial mapping techniques, and explore the use of drones in surveillance, agriculture, disaster management, and more.Led by experts in the field, the workshop aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current trends and future possibilities in drone technology.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge drone technology, participate in interactive discussions, and network with like-minded individuals and industry professionals.The program was also attended by students from GDC Sopore, who were accompanied by their faculty member, Ms. Iram, Assistant Professor in the Department of IT. The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Bilal Maqbool, Assistant Professor, Computer Sciences.
The inaugural function was followed by two technical sessions conducted by trainers, where hands-on training was provided to the participants on flying drones using simulators and real drones, along with a session covering the basics of avionics.The program saw enthusiastic participation from around 120 students, eager to enhance their skills in drone technology and AI. The bootcamp will run for five days and will conclude with an assessment test, after which participants meeting the required standards will be awarded certificates of achievement.This bootcamp marks a significant step forward in GDC Baramulla’s commitment to fostering innovation, preparing its students for the future of work, and promoting technological advancements in the region.(KNS)
