Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Nassem Javaid Chowdhury, Director, SCERT-J&K, and under the able guidance and support of Syed Shabir Ahmad, Joint Director, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, the Divisional Level National Science Seminar-2026 was successfully organised at SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, Bemina, Srinagar, on September 29, 2026.
The Seminar was organised by Department of Education, Science and Mathematics (ESM), SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, on the theme “Indian Energy Basket 2047: Prospects and Challenges.”
The event brought together school students from different districts of Kashmir Division, providing them an important platform to present their scientific understanding, ideas and perspectives on India’s future energy requirements and challenges.
The programme commenced with the inaugural session, wherein Shakeel Ahmad Bhat Head Academic Unit-II, delivered the welcome address, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Tabasum Khan, who highlighted the significance of the theme and the need for developing scientific awareness and an informed understanding of emerging energy challenges among students.
The Seminar witnessed participation from students representing various districts, including Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian and Srinagar.
The highlight of the event was the selection of Sareena Shafiq, a Class 9 student of DMPS Pampore, Pulwama, as the winner of the Divisional Level National Science Seminar-2026. Her selection marked the culmination of the academic presentations and evaluation conducted during the Seminar. The official participation record identifies Sareena Shafiq as a Class 9 participant from DMPS Pampore.
The Seminar culminated with a valedictory function, which was attended by Syed Shabir Ahmad, Joint Director, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, and Javid Ahmad Banday, SCERT-J&K Central Office, along with participating students, escort teachers, District Nodal Officers and members of the organising team.
Speaking on the occasion, Javid Ahmad Banday emphasised the importance of developing scientific temper and critical thinking among students from the foundational level. He stressed that sustained exposure to scientific activities and inquiry-based learning can help young learners develop curiosity, reasoning and an analytical approach towards issues of contemporary relevance.
The Joint Director, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, Syed Shabir Ahmad, congratulated all the participating students, the winner, escort teachers, District Nodal Officers and the organising team for the successful conduct of the Seminar. He appreciated the efforts put in by all stakeholders in making the event a meaningful academic platform for students.
In his address, the Joint Director also stressed the importance of organising similar academic and scientific events on a regular basis, observing that such initiatives can play a vital role in inculcating scientific temper and critical thinking among young and budding students.
As part of the valedictory proceedings, the participating students were felicitated with participation certificates and medals, while the escort teachers and District Nodal Officers (DNOs) were also felicitated in recognition of their support and contribution to the successful conduct of the Seminar.
The winner, Sareena Shafiq of DMPS Pampore, was presented the winner’s trophy by the Joint Director, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, Syed Shabir Ahmad.
The entire proceedings of the Seminar were moderated by Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Senior Academic Officer, SCERT-J&K, who anchored and coordinated the programme throughout the day.
He facilitated the inaugural proceedings, introduced the theme and speakers, guided the participating students through the various stages of the programme, coordinated the transition between the written aptitude test and the seminar sessions, and moderated the presentation and Question-Answer segments.
Gulzar ensured the smooth and systematic conduct of the proceedings in accordance with the scheduled programme and provided necessary coordination and guidance throughout the seminar sessions.
The felicitation ceremony provided an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of students, teachers, DNOs and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful organisation and participation in the Divisional Level National Science Seminar.
The event concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Javid Ahmad Dar, marking the formal culmination of the day-long programme.
