The two-week Capacity Building Programme (CBP) on “Academic and Research Excellence in Higher Education,” organised by the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) and sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), concluded at the Tulmulla Campus In District Ganderbal. Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Course Director and Dean, School of Languages, presented the detailed report of the two-week academic engagement. She outlined how the sessions covered crucial areas including curriculum design, research methodology, ICT integration, and academic administration. “The central focus throughout these two weeks was quality—in teaching, participation, and reflection,” she remarked, adding that the programme encouraged “collective inquiry, active collaboration, and meaningful exchange of ideas.” She expressed satisfaction that the CBP not only achieved but exceeded its envisioned outcomes, fostering a spirit of excellence among all participants. Dr. Minu Mahajan, Chairperson, Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE), J&K, delivered the valedictory address as Chief Guest. In her remarks, she underscored that faculty development is the cornerstone of a strong and future-ready education system. “The strength of a nation lies in the competence of its teachers,” she noted, urging educators to adopt innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and student-centric methodologies in line with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Dr. Mahajan emphasized that higher education must move beyond conventional instruction toward nurturing creative and critical thinkers equipped to lead India’s global knowledge aspirations. She complimented the CUKashmir Vice Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath for making strides on the academic and infrastructure front after assuming the office. In his Presidential Address, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Vice-Chancellor, CUKashmir, applauded the Department of English and the organising committee for conducting a programme of such scope. He encouraged participants to translate their learnings into institutional reform, capacity building, and community outreach. “Teachers are the architects of educational transformation,” he said, “and their engagement with the spirit of NEP 2020 will determine how effectively India achieves its goals of equitable and innovative higher education.” He elaborated on the evolving role of universities in nurturing employable graduates through Skill Development Courses, Value-Added Modules, and Multidisciplinary Offerings. He urged faculty to integrate creativity and ethics into every academic endeavour, ensuring that higher education remains both globally competitive and locally relevant. The ceremony concluded with distribution of certificates and mementoes among participants. The two-week programme witnessed interactive sessions led by eminent resource persons from premier universities across India. Topics ranged from research design, publication ethics, and academic leadership to Indian epistemology and digital pedagogy. Notably, lectures by Prof. Basavaraj Donur, Prof. Sumeer Gul, Prof. Neeru Snehi, Prof. Sachchidanand Mishra, Dr. Prerna Malhotra, and Prof. Viney Kapoor Mehra deepened understanding of the ethical and creative dimensions of academic practice. Participants also engaged in experiential field visits to Sonamarg and Pahalgam, linking classroom learning with community realities and sustainable development goals.