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Dentavision 2025 charts a new course for dentistry in Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar: The Indian Dental Association (IDA) Kashmir central branch successfully hosted Dentavision 2025 at Hotel Sarovar Premiere, Srinagar. The landmark summit brought together leading dental professionals, academicians, policymakers, innovators, and young practitioners from across India under the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Inspire – The Future of Dentistry in J&K.”

The event opened with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) H. U. Malik, Patron of the summit, who emphasized the urgent need for collaboration, innovation and youth engagement to strengthen the region’s oral healthcare ecosystem.

Delivering the keynote address, Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, IAS, MLA Gulmarg and former secretary, Tourism and Education, highlighted the role of healthcare, education, and tourism as complementary drivers of professional growth in Jammu & Kashmir. He praised IDA Kashmir for creating a platform that blends knowledge-sharing with policy-oriented discussions.

Dentavision 2025 featured a series of high-impact panel discussions by renowned experts including “Future of Dentistry in Jammu & Kashmir – Way Forward”
Prof. (Dr.) Altaf Hussain Chalkoo, Professor & HOD, Oral Medicine & Radiology, Government Dental College Srinagar.

“Is Dentistry Still a Promising Career? Exploring New Employment Avenues for Young Dental Surgeons” by Prof. (Dr.) Mohammed Shakeel, Professor & HOD, Maxillofacial Surgery, SKIMS MCH Bemina; Project Director, MAAYA Cleft & Cranio-Facial Centre, New City Hospital Srinagar.

“Bridging the Gap: Financial Support & Self-Employment Opportunities for Unemployed Dental Surgeons in J&K” by Ejaz Ayoub, Research Scholar (Economics, NIT) and Certified Professional in Economics of Money & Banking, Columbia University.

“Ethical Practice in Dentistry: Safeguarding Patient Trust in J&K” by Dr. Sanjeet Singh Risam, Head, Department of Dentistry, Government Medical College Anantnag.

The sessions were moderated by Sardar Nasir Ali Khan, noted media professional, and Saba Reshi, anchor and digital banker, who ensured insightful and interactive deliberations.

One of the notable highlights of the summit was the launch of IDA Kashmir Central Branch’s quarterly newsletter, The Oral Health Conversation. The publication will serve as a platform to share updates on emerging trends, research, and opportunities in oral health while fostering professional networking across the region.

In his vote of thanks, Dr. Adil Malik, Organizing Secretary, expressed gratitude to all panelists, delegates, and participants for contributing to the summit’s success. He noted that Dentavision 2025 marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to address pressing challenges such as employment for young dental surgeons, ethical practices, and technological advancements in oral care.

Dentavision 2025 concluded with a shared vision: to create new pathways for innovation, employment, and patient-centered dentistry in Jammu & Kashmir. The event set the stage for future collaborations among practitioners, policymakers, and institutions to elevate oral healthcare standards in the region.

IDA Kashmir conducts To***co Cessation Certification

Srinagar: The Indian Dental Association (IDA) Kashmir Central Branch today conducted a To***co Cessation Certification Program at Jawahar Nagar for its members. The initiative aimed to equip dental professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to help patients quit to***co use.

Through this program, the IDA seeks to strengthen the role of dentists in promoting public health by addressing to***co consumption, a significant contributor to oral and general health issues. The event featured workshops, expert talks, and training sessions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of to***co cessation and effective intervention strategies.

Expert talks were delivered by Dr. Majid Shafi (Psychiatrist) and Dr. Mohd Nasier, (State Project coordinator, Vital Strategies J&K) who shared valuable insights on the importance of to***co cessation and its impact on both oral and overall health. Their sessions provided dental professionals with practical strategies to assist patients in quitting to***co, underscoring the critical role of dentists in to***co control and public health advocacy.

The workshop was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Hilal Ahmed Joo, President of the IDA State Branch, along with the Dr Syed Ishtiyaq Gilani President and Dr Adil Malik Secretary of the IDA Kashmir Central Branch. Their presence highlighted the significance of the program in empowering the dental community to contribute more effectively to public health, particularly in to***co cessation efforts.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Humaira, the convener of the workshop. In her closing remarks, she expressed gratitude to the participants, expert speakers Dr. Majid Shafi and Dr. Mohd Nasier, and distinguished attendees, including Dr. Hilal Ahmed Joo and the leadership of the IDA Kashmir Central Branch. She emphasized the importance of the program in promoting to***co cessation and the collective role of the dental community in advancing public health initiatives.

Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, University of Kashmir, Awarded Doctor of philosophy

Srinagar: Shahid Ali Khan, the Cultural Officer, University of Kashmir, has been awarded a Ph.D degree by NAAC A+ accredited Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal (VBSP) University, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, under the Faculty of Management Studies in Business Economics. His research, titled "Cultural Tourism in the Kashmir Valley: An Economic Impact Analysis to Ascertain Strategies for Competitive Advantage from a Global Perspective," focuses on the vast potential of cultural tourism in Kashmir, offering strategies for enhancing its competitive edge in global tourism markets.

With over 18 years of experience at the University of Kashmir, Shahid has been instrumental in mentoring thousands of students, helping them develop vital skills in debating, theatre, soft skills, and leadership. He has provided them with an understanding of the democratic and parliamentary systems of India, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in both academic and extracurricular arenas. His efforts have empowered students from various backgrounds to achieve success beyond the classroom, becoming leaders and innovators in their fields.

In addition to his role at the university, his extensive experience and expertise make him a sought-after judge at national-level competitions organized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi. He has also represented the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, where he evaluates student performances from across the country in youth parliament competitions. His involvement in these prestigious platforms highlights his deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and cultural ambassadors.

Shahid is also widely recognized as a renowned anchor, having anchored thousands of events for the University of Kashmir, showcasing his versatile skills in event management and communication. He has worked with Doordarshan, anchord National Level events brought Kashmir's vibrant culture to wider audiences across India.

An accomplished event manager, Shahid has organized numerous festivals, workshops, and cultural events aimed at the holistic development of students. His background as an actor and theatre professional has enabled him to infuse creative energy into his educational initiatives, further elevating the university’s cultural landscape. Through his vast network and expertise, Shahid has facilitated global exposure for students, taking them to various parts of the world and providing them with opportunities to engage in international cultural exchanges.

Shahid's recent doctoral achievement further solidifies his role as a leader in youth and cultural empowerment. His extensive experience in the areas of cultural tourism, education, and student development equips him with the unique ability to guide the youth to new heights, creating opportunities that align with global standards and NEP 2020 goals.

His tenure as the Coordinator for the Red Ribbon Club, further demonstrates his commitment to social causes. His work in this area has created awareness and participation in important health and social issues among the youth.

His Ph.D marks a significant milestone, not just for him personally, but for the institution he serves in reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and cultural enrichment. His leadership continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, enhancing the cultural, literary and academic profile of Kashmir on both national and international platforms.