Awantipora, November 11: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) continued its 20th Foundation Week celebrations today with a series of academic, cultural, entrepreneurial, and community outreach activities, highlighting the University’s commitment to sustainable rural development, creativity, youth empowerment, and inclusive, knowledge-driven societal growth.
The day commenced with the inauguration of the art exhibition titled “Praznaw – The Bloom of New Art” by Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, at the Wastoorwan Gallery of Art, Rumi Library. Organized in collaboration with Hunar Gaah, Srinagar, the exhibition features a diverse collection of paintings, calligraphy, portraiture, abstract work, and stone sculpture by Kashmiri artists. The exhibition reflects a vibrant tapestry of creative expression and represents a collaborative effort to celebrate and preserve local art traditions.
As part of the Foundation Week, the Department of Business Studies, in collaboration with CIED IUST, also organized a two-day Business Festival, bringing together 50 student entrepreneurs, 4 alumni innovators, and 4 established enterprises. The festival served as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and showcasing student-led business ideas. The event drew an enthusiastic response, with nearly 500 students from various educational institutions visiting the stalls and interacting with participants.
IUST also celebrated the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) Foundation Day on the theme “Sustainable Rural Development”, with active participation from students, teachers, and representatives from the university’s adopted villages. The celebration featured a poster-making competition and a tree plantation drive focusing on the sub-theme “Clean and Green Villages – Save Water, Plant Trees, and Build a Better Tomorrow.” Students from Government High Schools Barsoo, Gooripora, and Padgampora took part in the activities.
In the poster-making competition, Government High School Gooripora secured the first position, Government High School Padgampora achieved second place, and Government High School Barsoo secured the third position. The programme concluded with a Prize Distribution Ceremony, acknowledging the students’ creative contributions and reinforcing the spirit of community partnership.
