‘Transformation taking place in J&K’s educational landscape’
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Apr 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today urged the youth to use the skills acquired at the universities in nation-building and improving people’s lives.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Sinha while addressing the alumni meet of Sharda University here said: “Education is a rare opportunity and represents infinite power. Education is the only asset and it is like a small lamp which has the power to defeat the immense darkness. Youth should explore the spiritual and cultural dimension of education and cherish its value system,” he said.
The LG highlighted that alumni play a crucial role in networking and mentorship, building the reputation of the educational institute and helping in knowledge sharing.
Click here to watch video
“Alumni serve as role model and inspire young students to achieve their goals. The next two decades is expected to be the best time for knowledge economies in the world. You as the knowledge keeper will be responsible for transferring expertise earned in the university to the economic sector to drive growth and build developed India,” Sinha said.
“To give back to the society and nation, alumni should promote a value-based system in jobs or enterprises, so while developing their full potential, they can also motivate the young generations to contribute towards nation-building,” he added.
The LG also spoke on the transformation taking place in the educational landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, under the “guidance” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sinha issued a stark warning cautioning that India risks becoming a “digital colony” of technologically advanced nations unless its educational institutions and youth urgently prioritize innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).
The LG identified the need for self-reliance in technology and called for a transformative approach to education and research.
Sinha focused on India’s lag in AI development compared to global leaders like the U.S. and China. He pointed to China’s recent launch of the DeepSeek AI model as a wake-up call, questioning why India had yet to produce comparable breakthroughs.
“While other nations are pioneering AI, we remain consumers rather than creators of this technology. If we do not act now, we risk becoming a digital colony, dependent on foreign innovations,” he warned.
To counter this trend, Sinha outlined several key measures. He stressed the need for universities to integrate cutting-edge research into their curricula and foster stronger ties with industries. He praised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a transformative step toward promoting critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.
The LG highlighted the growth of Jammu and Kashmir’s startup ecosystem, noting that over 1,000 startups, including many led by women, have been registered in the region. “I have had the privilege of attending convocations in nearly every university in Jammu and Kashmir. The most satisfying thing for me is that in every convocation I attend, at least 70% of gold medals are won by girls. Over 70% of graduates are girls. The youth are full of energy. We must ignite the fire within them so they can move forward with new energy and strength.”
Referencing Kalhana’s 11th-century work Rajatarangini, which described the region as the sacred abode of Goddess Sharada, the embodiment of knowledge, Sinha linked this historical legacy to modern-day challenges, urging students and educators to reignite India’s tradition of innovation.
Drawing lessons from history, Sinha reminded the audience of India’s past technological prowess, such as the production of Wootz Steel, one of the finest metals in ancient times, gifted by King Porus to Alexander the Great. He also noted how Indian sailors mastered navigation long before Western science developed similar techniques. “We were once the ‘Golden Bird’ because of our innovations, not just our resources. We must reclaim that spirit,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sinha outlined his vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, highlighting the role of youth and education in achieving this goal. He celebrated the academic achievements of women in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that they now win over 70% of gold medals in university convocations. He also called for closer collaboration between academia and industry to ensure that education translates into real-world solutions.
The LG expressed confidence that institutions like Sharda University could play a pivotal role in shaping India’s technological future. “Our goal is not just to award degrees but to equip students with skills that enable them to innovate, learn, and succeed in life. This is the greatest need today. To all alumni present here, many of you in years to come will be at the peak of your careers. People like me won’t be around then, but your creativity and imagination will remain.”
Ms Sakina Itoo, Minister for Higher Education, Aftab Malik, Chairman, District Development Council, Srinagar; Pradeep Kumar Gupta, Chancellor, Sharda University, faculty members, students and alumni of Sharda University and their family members were present on the occasion.
Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey, former Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, and senior officials of civil and police administration were also present.
The post LG urges youth to use Varsities’ acquired skills in nation building appeared first on Daily Excelsior.