Srinagar, September 9, 2025 – Amid Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing struggle with devastating floods and landslides, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called on the University of Jammu (JU) to integrate innovation and sustainability into its academic framework. Speaking at the university’s Foundation Day ceremony on Monday, Sinha urged students and faculty to lead efforts in addressing climate challenges while fostering environmentally conscious development.Delivering the keynote address, Sinha emphasised a multi-dimensional approach to education, preparing youth to drive development that balances societal needs with ecological preservation. “Our youth must optimize resources through modern innovation and adopt sustainable practices to make the earth better for future generations,” he said, highlighting the shared responsibility to protect Mother Earth and promote environmental awareness across society.Sinha congratulated the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, and students on JU’s achievements, particularly its performance in the NIRF-2025 Rankings, which he described as a “revolution” in J&K’s higher education landscape. However, he urged the university to critically evaluate its rankings and set ambitious new goals through self-analysis and self-introspection. “The process of change on campus must continue uninterrupted, ensuring students remain determined, curious, and ready to face future challenges,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor advocated transforming classrooms into “thinking rooms” filled with curiosity and creativity, emphasizing experience-based, interdisciplinary, and project-based education to equip students for an unpredictable world. He called for the introduction of short-term professional courses focused on climate resilience, disaster management, and research into floods and landslides, which have recently caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage in J&K.In response to the region’s ongoing flood fury, Sinha urged JU to mobilize student volunteers to support relief and rehabilitation efforts.
“Once road connectivity is restored, the university must send groups of students to serve affected areas and prepare teams of volunteers to assist district administrations in rebuilding lives,” he said, underscoring the role of youth in crisis response.During the ceremony, Sinha felicitated distinguished alumni, retired teaching and non-teaching staff, and NSS/NCC volunteers for their contributions to JU’s legacy. The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited(Northern Region Transmission System – II) handed over a Public Address (PA) system and energy-efficient streetlights to JU under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, enhancing campus infrastructure and promoting sustainability through reduced energy consumption.The event was attended by Justice Tashi Rabstan, former Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor; Tarun Bajaj, Executive Director, PowerGrid; Dr. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean of Research Studies; Prof. J.P Singh, Dean of Academic Affairs; Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; along with faculty, alumni, and students.Sinha’s address builds on his recent Teachers’ Day remarks, where he stressed the importance of education for sustainable development. As J&K grapples with natural calamities, his vision positions JU as a leader in fostering climate-conscious education and community-driven resilience.
