J&K CM inaugurates the 41st National Convention of Chemical Engineers and National Seminar
02/09/2026
Srinagar, September 02 (KIP)-Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, JOmar Abdullah, today inaugurated the Forty-First National Convention of Chemical Engineers and National Seminar, being organized by the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre, on the theme “Biomass: A Sustainable Resource for Decarbonising the Economy.” The two-day national convention, being held on 2nd and 3rd September 2026, brings together eminent engineers, academicians, researchers, industry professionals and young engineering scholars from across the country for deliberations on sustainable technologies, emerging trends in chemical engineering and the potential of biomass in advancing decarbonisation.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, underscored the critical role of engineering, scientific research and technological innovation in addressing contemporary developmental challenges and advancing a sustainable future. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among academia, research institutions and industry to translate innovations from “lab to field” and convert scientific knowledge into tangible outcomes. The Chief Minister’s presence and inauguration marked the commencement of the two-day national convention, bringing together the engineering fraternity, academia, research institutions and industry for meaningful technical and professional deliberations.
In his address, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir who was the Guest of Honour, highlighted the vital role of engineers in the development of J&K and appreciated IEI for bringing together experts and professionals to deliberate on sustainable engineering solutions and emerging challenges.
The session was also attended by Guests of Honour Prof. Anurag Misra, Director, NIT Srinagar and Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir. Prof. (Dr.) G. Madhu FIE delivered the Presidential Address.
Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat, Chairman, IEI-JKSC, welcomed the dignitaries and participants, highlighting the Centre’s longstanding contribution to engineering discourse and its renewed focus on national seminars, technical deliberations and public-interest initiatives. He noted the historic significance of hosting the convention in J&K after several decades and reaffirmed the engineering fraternity’s commitment to contributing its expertise towards a developed, progressive and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir. He also emphasized the need to empower the engineering community to contribute its professional expertise more effectively, thereby enabling more efficient decision-making and ensuring better outcomes in the larger public interest.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister released the souvenir of the Forty-First National Convention of Chemical Engineers and National Seminar. He also felicitated eminent engineers, including Er. Manoj Shrivastava FIE, Dr. Kacham Anand Rao FIE and Er. Sayyed Parvez Qalander FIE. Young engineers Dr. (Ms.) Khushboo Suman and Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta were also presented on the occasion in recognition of their contribution and emerging role in the engineering profession and Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather and Dr. Tanveer Rasool, both from NIT Srinagar, were felicitated for their contributions as keynote speakers at the convention.
The inaugural session concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Er. Irfan Ahmad Reshi MIE, Honorary Secretary, IEI-JKSC. This was followed by the Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray Memorial Lecture delivered by Er. Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa FIE, Former Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department.
The technical session featured presentations by researchers, academicians and industry experts on diverse aspects of chemical engineering, sustainability and emerging technologies. Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta, Scientist-E, CSIR–Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad, presented his work on coal fly ash-derived mesoporous supports as sustainable alternatives for heterogeneous catalysts. Er. Adeeba Rouf, Research Scholar, NIT Srinagar, presented her research on the rational design of amine-based solvents for carbon capture through descriptor-based computational study and experimental evaluations. Dr. Khushboo Suman, Assistant Professor, IIT Madras, presented her work on kinetic effects on the phase behaviour and micro-structural transitions of a thermoresponsive polymer solution. Er. Manoj Kumar Shrivastava FIE, CEO, Shreas Industries Limited, Andhra Pradesh, delivered a presentation on “Engineering India’s Next Industrial Leap: From Manufacturing to Industrial Ecosystems.” Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather FIE, Associate Professor, NIT Srinagar, presented on aquatic biomass valorization through hydrothermal conversion and pathways to fuels, chemicals and value-added products.
The technical deliberations also included a panel discussion on the “Future of Chemical Engineers,” providing a platform for discussion on the evolving role of chemical engineering professionals in industry, research, sustainability and emerging technological domains. The day’s programme further included a felicitation ceremony and cultural event.
The Forty-First National Convention of Chemical Engineers and National Seminar will continue tomorrow with further technical deliberations and the valedictory session.