The Kashmir Wire

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

Dr. Jitendra Singh Unveils BioNEST Incubator, Setting Stage for Bioinnovation in Kathua

Kathua, 27.10.2025: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and Vice President CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Chief Guest at Bioinnovation Connect @ Kathua, today launched the BioNEST Incubator at the Industrial Biotechnology Park, Ghatti, Kathua during a largely attended event organised by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu.
Dr Jitendra Singh upon inauguration of this unique facility said that this is a day that Kathua and the entire Jammu region will remember as the beginning of a new era of scientific enterprise and economic transformation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the North India’s first Industrial Biotech Park was a flagship project of the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, implemented by CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and appealed to the youth and stakeholders to fully utilize this unique facility, where different kinds of job oriented skill development training will be imparted, support will be provided to startups, and agri-entrepreneurs and agri-startups will receive every kind of facility and incubation support. He emphasized that the BioNEST Incubation Centre is being established to provide incubation support to startups, innovators, particularly to the youth who wish to realise their ideas to technologies and products.
The Minister said that Kathua's selection as the site for this biotech park was strategic. Positioned advantageously in North India, this facility serves as a gateway for innovation not only from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh but also from neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The geographical positioning combined with the region's rich biodiversity makes Kathua uniquely suited to become North India's startup destination in the biotechnology sector. The resource richness and diversity of this region provide natural advantages that we must leverage fully.
He further revealed that six startups have been enrolled and will receive proper training and incubation support from the facility at IBTP Kathua. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that there are rich bio-resources, youth, and opportunities in this region. He appealed to all the youth of the region who want to work here to definitely prepare themselves in such a way that eventually they become job givers instead of job seekers.
Dr Jitendra Singh complimented the Department of Biotechnology, GoI, under the leadership of the Secretary DBT, and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) for providing the funds to build the infrastructure here. He also appreciated CSIR-IIIM team, for mentoring the project and urged for a synergy between central government, state institutions, and research organizations thus exemplifying the spirit of cooperative federalism.

Earlier Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, informed that the Industrial Biotech Park offers comprehensive facilities, including Fermentation & Enzyme Production Facility, Phytopharma Drug Extraction Facility, Cultivation of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Micro Propagation Facility, and Central Instrumentation Facility. He further mentioned that the BioNEST incubator is BIRAC’s dedicated scheme to create globally competitive bioincubation facilities across India. He also informed about the launch of job-oriented skill development programme from today in IBTP Ghatti.

The event featured the Launch of BioNEST Bioincubation Centre, Innovation Showcase Walkthrough featuring 35 Start-up Stalls, display of outcomes from CSIR-Aroma Mission, Floriculture Mission, highlights of the work carried out under the IIIM–Technology Business Incubator, Facility Tour, Demo Zone for Farmer-Focused Biotech Solutions, MoU signing with Industry & Academic Partners, Launch of Skill Development Training Programme, Felicitation Ceremony, Startup Success Stories presentations, Student & Scientist Innovator Interaction, Startup & Funding Agency Interaction, Industry & Farmer Interface, Investor & Startup Roundtable and Media Interaction. About 35 startup stalls
The event was organized under the patronage of, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary to GoI, DSIR, Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, GoI, and overall supervision of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, assisted by his team of HoDs and Scientists, including Er. Abdul Rahim, Dr. Asha Chaubey, Dr. Dhiraj Vyas, Dr. Shashank Singh, Dr. Sumit Gandhi, Dr. Naveed Qazi, Dr. Suphla Gupta, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Dr. Raj Kishore, Ajay Kumar, CoFA, Rajesh Gupta, AO, and Ram Singh, SPO.

20/10/2025

Bliss Star Hospital Anantnag: A Beacon of Hope and Healthcare in South Kashmir

Anantnag, October 20:— South Kashmir is witnessing a transformative leap in healthcare with the launch of Bliss Star Hospital, a cutting-edge multi-specialty facility that promises to deliver affordable, quality medical care with a heart. Located in the heart of Anantnag district, Bliss Star Hospital is set to become a vital lifeline for thousands in the region, bridging the long-standing gap in advanced healthcare services.

Dr. Aijaz Naik, Founding Director of Bliss Star Hospital, underscored the urgent need for sophisticated and reliable healthcare in South Kashmir. “For years, Anantnag has lacked access to advanced medical facilities. Bliss Star Hospital is here to change that narrative by offering state-of-the-art treatment backed by compassion,” Dr. Naik said.
With a mission to provide “Care with Compassion,” the hospital aims to raise the bar in private healthcare, offering world-class medical infrastructure and a team of esteemed doctors from India and abroad. The facility promises a holistic patient experience grounded in empathy and excellence.
Affordable Healthcare Through Innovation and Collaboration
Bliss Star Hospital is committed to making quality healthcare accessible and affordable. Dr. Naik highlighted the critical role of national health programs like the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which offers cashless medical coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family for critical treatments, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras that ensure affordable generic medicines for all.
The hospital also leverages cutting-edge technology, including telemedicine services such as the eSanjeevani platform, to extend healthcare beyond physical boundaries. “Affordable healthcare is achievable through a blend of technology, public-private partnerships, strategic funding, and preventive care,” explained Dr. Naik. He emphasized that integrating AI and telehealth, expanding government subsidies, and adopting value-based care models are key strategies for improving patient outcomes in the region.
A Vision Backed by Leadership and Expertise
The initiative has garnered strong support from leading healthcare professionals. Dr. A.G. Ahangar, former Director of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and a renowned cardiovascular surgeon, praised the hospital, stating, “The people of South Kashmir deserve access to quality healthcare. Bliss Star Hospital represents a monumental step forward in making healthcare a right, not a privilege.”
Director Imran Khan, who recently returned to Kashmir after over a decade abroad in Dubai, expressed his deep commitment to the project. “Our goal is to bring international healthcare standards to our homeland—combining affordability, compassion, and innovation. Bliss Star Hospital is more than just a medical facility; it’s a promise to serve our community and create local employment opportunities,” he said.
With its blend of modern technology, expert medical staff, and patient-centered philosophy, Bliss Star Hospital is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery in South Kashmir. It stands as a beacon of hope, promising to uplift the health and wellbeing of thousands while contributing to the region’s socio-economic development.
As Bliss Star Hospital opens its doors, the people of South Kashmir can look forward to a future where quality healthcare is not a distant dream but an accessible reality—right in their own backyard.