Need to integrate AI and data analytics in curriculum: Governor

Shimla, Jun 9 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Governor and Chancellor Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday said there is a need to align academic programmes with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and information technology into the curriculum.

He said this while chairing the 17th senate meeting of the YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, held here, during which he reviewed academic, research and extension activities.

During the meeting, the governor commended its achievements in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and lauded its growing reputation in horticulture, forestry and mountain agriculture research.

Gupta also called for the timely

completion of the Board of Management’s reconstitution and encouraged stronger partnerships with financial institutions and industry to enhance employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the students.

Along with this, he virtually inaugurated the Nakshatra Vatika, Swa-Rozgar Dham and laid the foundation stone of the Digital Knowledge Centre and launched several University-developed products on this occasion. He also reviewed a presentation on the concept and objectives of Swa-Rozgar Dham.

Developed through a blend of Indian knowledge traditions, Ayurveda, biodiversity conservation and modern landscape design, the Nakshatra Vatika features 27 tree species associated with the Nakshatras, along with medicinal gardens, meditation spaces, yoga facilities and sustainable infrastructure.

Guta also inaugurated the Digital Knowledge Centre at the Satyanand Stokes Library. Equipped with advanced digital resources and smart technologies, the facility will provide students and researchers access to over 1.3 million books and more than 500,000 journals, magazines and newspapers.

During his visit, he inspected various University facilities, including laboratories, the bakery unit, floral craft laboratory, terrarium site and Swa-Rozgar Dham, appreciating the University’s efforts to promote practical learning, innovation and self-employment.

Gupta also commended the University’s contribution towards supporting farmers through the supply of quality planting material, seeds and modern agricultural technologies.

He stressed the importance of research excellence, climate-resilient agriculture, entrepreneurship and stronger collaboration between farmers, academia and industry. PTI/COR KSI KSI