Srinagar, Oct 5: In line with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led initiatives to promote emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity at the school level.
GenTechPro IT Solutions hosted students and faculty members of Government Boys Higher Secondary Institute (GBHSI), Khonmoh, Srinagar, for an industrial exposure visit aimed at familiarising them with the fast-evolving Information Technology sector.
The visit provided students with practical exposure to workplace practices, software development, computer networking, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure and emerging career opportunities in technology-driven fields.
The initiative assumes significance amid efforts in Jammu and Kashmir to expose school students to new-age technologies at an early stage and prepare them for changing academic, professional and employment requirements.
GenTechPro, a technology, proposal development and staffing firm with offshore operations in Srinagar and clients in the United States, introduced the visiting students to different aspects of its professional work environment and technology-driven operations.
Welcoming the students, GenTechPro CEO and Co-founder Dr. Hidayat Bukhari highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in education, employment and the future workplace. He said students in Kashmir need greater exposure to emerging technologies so that they are better equipped to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Dr. Bukhari said he had earlier put forward suggestions regarding education reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, including greater emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity at the school level.
“I am highly thankful to Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha for considering my suggestion with respect to introducing subjects such as cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence in computer science education at the school level during the fourth episode of ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ radio programme,” he said.
He said introducing students to contemporary areas of computer science at an early stage could strengthen technology education in Jammu and Kashmir and help young people identify career paths beyond conventional academic choices.
GenTechPro Co-founder and Director of Operations Syed Jahangir Nazir spoke about how Information Technology, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence are reshaping career opportunities across sectors.
He said exposing students to such subjects at the school level was important to help them understand future skill requirements, broaden their intellectual outlook and prepare them to explore opportunities in software, cybersecurity, data science, Artificial Intelligence and other technology-driven fields.
The industrial visit comprised 46 students from Classes IX to XII, including girl students, who interacted with professionals and observed different aspects of the organisation’s working environment.
During the visit, Samreen Tak, Proposal Lead at GenTechPro, briefed the students about the firm’s areas of work and explained the importance of remaining abreast of technological developments. She encouraged students to build digital skills and develop an understanding of how technology is increasingly becoming integral to different professions and industries.
Munawar Ahmad, Business Development Head at GenTechPro, said the growth of IT and AI-driven businesses could create new opportunities for students in Kashmir in employment, entrepreneurship and remote work. He said early exposure to the industry could help students understand how technology skills can be developed into viable careers and business opportunities.
Students and faculty members of the institute, including Dr Shafiya Yaseen, Senior Lecturer, Chemistry; Dr Sebiha Rehman, Senior Lecturer, Physics; Khalid Masroor, Senior Lecturer, Commerce; Tabarik Hussain, Teacher; Mohinder Paul, Teacher; Hilal Rather, Teacher; and Nazia Nazir, Vocational Trainer, IT, thanked GenTechPro for providing students with an opportunity to gain practical exposure to the IT industry and emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity.
They said such industry interactions complement classroom learning and help students understand the practical application of technology, workplace requirements and future career opportunities.
