05/08/2026
GCW M.A. Road, in Collaboration with NIT Srinagar, Leads Initiative on Psychology-Driven STEM Learning
The JKST&IC (SREP 2025–26) funded project “Psychology Driven STEM Learning to Build Scientific Temper in the Border Villages of Kashmir”
was inaugurated on 4th August 2026 at Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar.
The programme was moderated by Dr. Eshrat Ara, Principal Investigator, who shared that the initiative emerged from a field-based insight during a visit to border areas. Developed in collaboration with Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, Co-Principal Investigator from NIT Srinagar, the project aims to build scientific temper, resilience, and innovation capacity among youth in border regions. She emphasized that while approval marked a milestone, the real impact lies in ex*****on and outreach, describing the initiative as “not just a programme, but the opening of a possibility.”
She further highlighted that following the pilot phase in Srinagar, the project will be implemented in border areas including Gurez, Uri, Karnah, and Keran, ensuring outreach to some of the most remote and underserved regions.
The project envisions training 120 Master Trainers and reaching over 6,000 students, with 600 students receiving direct hands-on exposure through STEM camps. It integrates psychology-driven pedagogy—including growth mindset, metacognition, and experiential learning—with accessible STEM tools such as sensors, microcontrollers, robotics, drones, and 3D printing, enabling students to address real-life community challenges.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. Malik Roshan Ara, Head, Department of Psychology. Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran introduced the project, outlining its interdisciplinary framework and long-term vision.
The event featured addresses by Guests of Honour, Mr. Muneer Ahmad Wani, Divisional Nodal Officer ATL, and Dr. Javid Ahmad Sheikh, Associate Professor, University of Kashmir and Regional Mentor of Change, NITI Aayog, who emphasized innovation, hands-on learning, and strengthening STEM education in frontier regions.
The programme was graced by the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq, Principal, GCW M.A. Road. She highlighted that the initiative integrates research, innovation, artificial intelligence, and human-centered learning to redefine STEM education, and emphasized collaboration with NIT Srinagar and interdepartmental synergy.
On the occasion, the Psy-STEM Lab was also inaugurated, marking a significant step towards promoting experiential and technology-integrated learning.
As part of the first day of the workshop, three technical sessions were conducted:
1. Psy-STEM Learning Framework
2. Basic Sensors & Block Programming
3. Arduino & ESP32 Applications
Aligned with national priorities such as NEP 2020, Atal Tinkering Labs, and Startup India, the project aims to culminate in student-led innovations, community problem-solving prototypes, and a scalable psychology-driven STEM model for the region.
The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. Naureen Naseer.
The inaugural session marked the beginning of a 3-day Master Training Workshop aimed at equipping educators to foster scientific temper, critical thinking, and innovation, particularly among students in border and underserved areas of Kashmir.
