Jammu, April 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the 11th National Conference and Exhibition on Emerging and Innovative Trends in Engineering Technology at Government College of Engineering and Technology Jammu, emphasizing the need to align technological progress with cultural heritage while promoting youth-driven innovation.

The two-day event, organized by GCET in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and the World Consortium of Universities, also saw the inauguration of a new School of Architecture building constructed at a cost of ₹19.71 crore.

Highlighting the role of architecture, Abdullah urged students to adopt modern approaches without losing touch with regional identity. He expressed concern over declining heritage conservation, noting that infrastructure should reflect cultural ethos rather than relying solely on contemporary designs.

Addressing the conference theme, he called discussions on artificial intelligence and machine learning highly relevant, particularly for tourism. Drawing from his experience, he said AI can enhance visitor experience and service delivery but cautioned against replacing human employment, stressing that technology must complement livelihoods.

He noted that while attracting tourists to Jammu and Kashmir is not difficult, ensuring repeat visits requires consistent quality experiences. He highlighted key tourism segments including pilgrimage tourism like Mata Vaishno Devi, border tourism such as Suchetgarh, and leisure tourism across the region.

The Chief Minister also announced funding for an auditorium at GCET and responded positively to a student proposal for an incubation centre, reaffirming the government’s focus on fostering startups and entrepreneurship among youth.

During the event, he released the conference e-proceedings featuring 28 shortlisted research papers and visited exhibition stalls showcasing innovative student projects. He interacted with participants and reviewed demonstrations across engineering, technology, and management disciplines.

Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo underscored the importance of innovation and research in education, calling for institutions to evolve into hubs of excellence. Other speakers highlighted collaboration, academic growth, and the importance of innovation-driven development.

The conference brought together academicians, researchers, industry experts, and students from across the country to exchange ideas on emerging engineering technologies