SMVDU, Katra. Sh. Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of States for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, GoI, visited Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), and interacted with the SMVDU Faculty. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. RK Sinha, welcomed the hon’ble minister, and briefed him about the achievements of the university. A brief video showcasing SMVD university’s infrastructure, labs, students’ achievements, and its top placements was also displayed. Prof. Sinha highlighted that SMVDU finds place in top 100 Engineering and Management institutions, in top 50 Architectural institutes as per NIRF Ranking 2021, and the university has secured the 80th position in Times Higher Education Impact Ranking 2021. Prof. Sinha emphasized how university is leaving no stone unturned in addressing the issues of climate change and generating 900 kw green solar electricity. Also, he informed the hon’ble minister that SMVDU has a potential to become a Centre of environmental research projects in J&KUT in which researchers can address issues related to environment and climate change. Sh. Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar, highlighted that SMVDU provides an appropriate place for such environmental projects, being situated around 3-4 wild-life sanctuaries in the vicinity. Dr. Supran Sharma, Dean, School of Management, informed how the university has been assisting IFS Officers by organizing training programs twice in a year. Other Heads and Deans also submit their suggestions in this regard. Hon’ble Minister was pleased with the progress of the university and directed that SMVDU may submit research proposals addressing environment issues and climate change. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks.