Academics and outreach in COVID-19 times: SKUAST-K example

23 July 2020

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By: Dr Aijaz Ahmad Dar (Ph.D)

Health, happiness, and success depend upon the fighting spirit of each person. The big thing is not what happens to us in life – but what we do about what happens to us (George Allen)

With COVID-19 affecting all institutional business across the globe, in Kashmir, universities from academic to professional are no exception. In these trying circumstances and coincidence of this catastrophe with spring season, the season of hope and prime time for agricultural activities, the time of sowing for a better harvest, and harbouring a hope of survival during harsh and prolonged winter, viable options of reaching out to the public had to be looked into and explored on priority.

SKUAST-Kashmir under the guidance and leadership of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Professor Nazeer Ahmed rightly evolved herself to cope up with the crises. [Prof. Nazeer Ahmed is known and well respected for his vision and dedication. His passion for the growth of this agricultural university is unparalleled. Undoubtedly he has been the best Vice-Chancellor (as far as I know) in terms of commitment, contribution and achievement, and deserves extension till 65 years of age.The university is on the right track, please don’t derail it now].

The job of doing all possible and permissible physical activities for reaching out to the farming community for distribution of seeds, seedlings and planting material through all-important extension limbs of the varsity – Krishi Vigyan Kendras was done efficiently. District units managed the activities while adhering to the standard operating procedures laid down for containment of COVID-19.

The support received from district administrations was appreciable. Issuance of movement passes enabled the staff in hassle free execution of the mandated work. Response from farmers too was appreciable. Special thanks to young and old entrepreneurs for virtual mode of time to time interactions. A need-based and student-centric switch over to virtual teaching is laudable given our vulnerability to frequent closures and hiccups. Strangulated (2G) internet speed didn’t bother the dedicated staff and students. No limitations, only intrinsic motivation of contribution in the crises their sole motive.

Contribution of men and machinery to SKIMS/GMC Srinagar for COVID testing was another appreciable step. The devotion is worth acknowledgement and emulation. From quarantine centres in different campuses to quarantine officers through its efficient human resource development is laudable. It highlights the contributions of SKUAST-Kashmir in societal transformation in changing scenarios.

Bottom line: We can choose our attitude even though we can’t always choose our circumstances. If we can’t choose the direction of the wind, we can choose how to set our sail. The choice is either to act like a victor or a victim. It isn’t our position but our disposition that determines success.

The author is Subject Matter Specialist, Animal Science, KVK Kupwara. The views expressed in this article are personal.