SKUAST-K’s “Wheels to Wings” Initiative Makes History: Empowering Youth with special abilities Through Innovation and Inclusion

Srinagar / Aijaz Baba

In a landmark step towards social inclusion and empowerment, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with the Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), launched its trailblazing University Social Responsibility (USR) initiative titled “Wheels to Wings.”The historic program marks the first-of-its-kind initiative by any university in Jammu and Kashmir to provide hands-on learning and entrepreneurial exposure to youth with disabilities within a mainstream university ecosystem. The initiative has set a new precedent for inclusivity in higher education and community engagement.The “Wheels to Wings” program aims to transform challenges into opportunities by equipping specially-abled youth with skills in agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and dignity through knowledge-driven empowerment, blending compassion with capability-building.As part of the program, participants were given an immersive campus experience. They visited SKUAST-K’s Chrysanthemum Garden, an innovative floriculture project showcasing advanced cultivation techniques, and toured the SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE). The participants engaged in live demonstrations on nursery management, adaptive tools, plant propagation, and agripreneurship models supported by the university’s vibrant incubation ecosystem.Speaking at the event, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai described the initiative as “a turning point in SKUAST-K’s journey of inclusive excellence.” He urged the participants to “turn their limitations into leadership and become role models of resilience and innovation for Jammu and Kashmir.”Prof. Ganai highlighted that “Wheels to Wings” reflects SKUAST-K’s broader vision of “Education for All and Growth for All”, underlining the university’s firm commitment to inclusive education, skill development, and livelihood generation for all segments of society.The event created a wave of inspiration across the campus, as participants shared stories of hope, determination, and ambition. The program was widely appreciated by students, faculty, and social sector representatives, who termed it a historic move towards inclusive education in the region.Expressing appreciation for the team behind the initiative, Prof. Ganai extended gratitude to Director Research Prof. Haroon Naik, Registrar Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, and the SKIIE Centre team for their commitment and tireless efforts in making the program a resounding success.With “Wheels to Wings,” SKUAST-K has not only redefined its role as an institution of learning but also made history by turning its campus into a model of inclusivity, innovation, and empowerment truly living up to the spirit of social responsibility in higher education.