In a first, Kashmir agriculture varsity opens up to foreign students, to rope in overseas Indian consulates for promotion

The varsity is in the process of inviting ambassadors of foreign countries stationed in India to infuse confidence about the changing situation in Kashmir

Tapping on the “peace dividends”, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Monday threw open admissions to foreign students in the Valley, for the first time ever, and is in the process of inviting ambassadors of foreign countries stationed in India to “infuse confidence about the changing situation in J&K”.

“Kashmir lagged behind because of what struck in the 1990s. We witnessed the collapse of institutions. Otherwise, Kashmir would have been a hub of knowledge export. Now, we are getting a level field. We are confident of reversing what was lost. As a first step, admission of foreign students has started this year in a big way,” said Dr. Nazir A. Ganai.

The brochure to admit foreign students for graduate, post graduate and doctorate courses was launched on Monday on the SKUAST-K’s main campus in Srinagar’s Shalimar. It offers to admit foreign students twice a year for the autumn and the spring sessions, unlike only autumn sessions for the national students. 

“This will allow foreign students to process their applications without wasting time. The admission process will be easy and based on credits, the way foreign universities attract our students. Kashmir will provide the best platform to allow students to test their innovations, given the geographical location,” Mr. Ganai said.

The brochure points out how the situation has changed in Kashmir under the BJP rule and after downgrading of Article 370 in 2019. 

With the new political initiatives taken by the present government, the internal peace, prosperity and tranquility has been restored to Kashmir, which was evident from millions of tourists who visited in 2022. It’s an important component for welcoming students from abroad, the brochure reads.

“We are planning to invite ambassadors of foreign countries to Kashmir soon for an education fair. We will also involve the Indian consulates present across the globe to promote the admission scheme overseas,” Mr. Ganai said.