International Affairs Division Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) in collaboration with the Lincoln University College, Malaysia, organised an international symposium on “Perspectives of Research, Publications, and Innovations in Global Context,” at Tulmulla campus In District Ganderbal. The symposium was graced by CUKashmir Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Professor at the School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, Prof. V. Venkata Ramana (keynote speaker), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Lincoln University College, Malaysia, Prof. Sandeep Poddar, Dean, International Affairs, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Dean School of Life Sciences, Prof. Abid Hamid Dar, faculty members, research scholars and other university functionaries. Presenting the concept note, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari described the symposium as a moment for introspection about the purpose and direction of research. “Research is not merely about data or metrics—it is a journey of disciplined curiosity and ethical responsibility,” she said. Prof. Tiwari cited numerous Indian funding agencies, encouraging scholars to explore emerging schemes. However, she reminded the participants that “research should not become a race for publications or citations—it should remain rooted in social relevance and national priorities.” Sharing CUKashmir’s growing footprint at global level, she informed that many faculty members have participated in research and teaching assignments across countries including China, Thailand, Hungary, France, Sweden, Denmark, South Korea, and Portugal. In his talk about “Innovation Ecosystem In Asia vis-a-vis Europe,” Dean School of Life Sciences, Prof. Abid Hamid Dar, reflected on India’s remarkable transformation into a land of business opportunities, emphasizing how geography and demography together form the nation’s greatest economic assets. He noted that India’s vast and diverse population, spread across varied climatic zones and cultural regions, provides an unparalleled market for innovation and entrepreneurship. “Our strength lies not just in numbers, but in the diversity of needs and aspirations—from the villages to the metropolises—each offering a distinct opportunity for enterprise,” he observed. Prof. Abid highlighted how the equitable growth of both rural and urban economies, along with improved connectivity and digital inclusion, is fueling a wave of new-age entrepreneurship. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. V. Venkata Ramana spoke on creating “innovation ecosystems” within universities. “Universities must evolve into powerhouses of innovation,” he asserted. “From local to regional to national to international levels, innovation should begin in our own classrooms and communities. What matters is not the grandeur of a place, but the greatness of ideas it nurtures.” Prof. Ramana emphasized that while technology changes rapidly, the teacher remains the true catalyst of transformation. “A good teacher under a tree can create more impact than an AI lab without mentorship,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause. He highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, urging departments not to work in silos. “Invite the social sciences to your science seminars. Let engineers talk to philosophers. Innovation thrives when disciplines intersect,” he advised. Prof. Sandeep Poddar, shared insights from the ASEAN region—comprising 11 countries of diverse culture and history—where research output has surged dramatically due to strong government policies, performance metrics, and international collaboration. Highlighting Indonesia’s Science and Technology Index (SINTA) and open-access publishing ecosystem, Dr. Poddar explained how national mandates, funding incentives, and cross-country partnerships have positioned the ASEAN bloc as a model for developing nations. “Government-driven policies and the culture of collaboration have turned Southeast Asia into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said. He further underscored the importance of academia-industry partnerships, citing examples like Ganofarm R&D Sdn Bhd—an agro-tourism enterprise that combines organic mushroom farming with education and training—and Homegrown Farms in India, which employs 80 percent women in aquaponics. Dr. Poddar drew attention to regional leaders like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon, and Tan Hooi Ling, co-founder of Grab Holdings, as examples of innovation translating into social transformation. “Innovation is not about gadgets—it’s about improving lives,” he concluded. In his presidential remarks, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath emphasized the need for aligning technology, management, and human values as the three pillars of sustainable growth. He elaborated that research nurtures new knowledge, academics spread it, and outreach applies it to societal needs. “These three functions,” he said, “must coexist for universities to remain relevant and impactful.” Prof. Ravinder Nath highlighted his vision of developing international collaborations for the university, citing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Lincoln University Malaysia as a major step forward. He also announced the formulation of a five-part immersion policy encompassing cultural, social, skill, knowledge, and library immersions, allowing students to earn micro-credits through short-term international exposure programs. The Vice-Chancellor further underlined the importance of funding opportunities for research, noting that numerous unexplored national and international agencies provide grants even in the social sciences. “Research excellence is not a matter of luck—it is about vision, perseverance, and the courage to explore beyond familiar funding agencies,” he said. Earlier, the proceedings of the symposium were also held in the Department of Biotechnology, under the guidance of Dean School of Life Sciences, Prof. Abid Hamid. Dean International Affairs, Prof. Sandhiya Tiwari acknowledged the support of the administration, particularly, the Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir for smooth conduct of the programme.