Jammu & Kashmir LG Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Kashmir College of Engineering and Technology in Ranbirgarh, Srinagar. In his address, he congratulated the Chairman, Kashmir College of Engineering & Technology, Sh Raja Aijaz Ali, and the entire team for their efforts in strengthening technological excellence in academia, fostering innovation, and nurturing a future-ready skilled workforce. He spoke about the rapid transformation occurring in the industry sector due to the 4th Industrial Revolution. He emphasised the need to strengthen Industry-Academia collaborations to meet the demands of this new era. He stressed fostering an innovation culture in engineering colleges and realigning the curriculum to meet evolving industry requirements. He highlighted that skills, rather than degrees, will shape the future of industries. He noted that the future workforce must possess critical skills such as cognitive abilities, logical reasoning, and technical expertise to build sustainable careers. He also discussed the ongoing reforms in the education sector under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aimed at promoting startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir. He offered valuable suggestions for exploring opportunities in the engineering and technology sectors.Pointed out that the demand for professionals in engineering and technology has surged. Today, industries seek a workforce equipped with specific skill sets. Therefore, the focus should be on building capacities aligned with the skills required for both current and future job positions. The inauguration of the Kashmir College of Engineering and Technology signifies a significant step towards bridging the gap between academia and industry. By fostering a culture of innovation and aligning educational curricula with industry needs, Jammu and Kashmir can produce a workforce equipped with the critical skills necessary for future-proof careers. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of LG Shri Manoj Sinha, the region is poised to become a hub of technological excellence, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. The emphasis on skills over degrees will ensure that the youth are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly evolving industrial landscape.