Jammu, August 19,2026- SMVDU Foundation Day celebrations marked the 23rd Foundation Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha outlined a vision for research, innovation and nation-building. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the 23rd Foundation Day celebrations of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), where he felicitated achievers and delivered a keynote address outlining a comprehensive vision for the University’s future and its role in nation-building.
A Journey of Knowledge and Innovation
Extending greetings to the University family, the Lieutenant Governor described the occasion as a celebration of foresight, resolve and sustained effort that has transformed SMVDU into a centre of knowledge, innovation and social responsibility. He said the institution, blessed by Mata Vaishno Devi, carries in its name a tradition of devotion, strength and faith that inspires millions across India and the world.
“A university is not built by its buildings but by ideas, dreams, and possibilities,” the Lieutenant Governor said, highlighting the role of visionary leadership, dedicated faculty and curious students in shaping institutions that nurture not just knowledge but also humility, sensitivity and social responsibility.
Milestones in Research and Innovation
Reflecting on SMVDU’s 23-year journey, the Lieutenant Governor lauded its achievements in education and research. He noted that the University’s faculty have secured around 140 research projects, including international collaborations, and have established a state-of-the-art AI and Deep Learning Lab. SMVDU has also received 14 patents, incubated 30 start-ups, and introduced innovative initiatives such as peer-learning programmes. He urged the institution to deepen industry–academia ties by organising open-house meetings aimed at commercialising its patents and innovations.
He said the true measure of a university’s success ultimately lies in its students and alumni, who carry forward its reputation through their contributions to society and the nation.
Leveraging National Research Initiatives
The Lieutenant Governor encouraged SMVDU to make full use of major government initiatives, including the Rs 1 lakh crore research fund announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, and the PM Research Chairs scheme launched earlier this year. Recalling the Prime Minister’s address, he said the government had built a robust system of financial support so that no young person need face a lack of resources, and had called on the country’s youth to pursue ambitious research goals.
He asked the Vice-Chancellor to constitute a dedicated team of faculty and selected students to ensure the University submits the maximum possible number of applications under these schemes.
Underlining that research and innovation are meaningful only when they solve real problems and improve everyday life, the Lieutenant Governor said education remains the most powerful investment for universities, society and the nation. Citing examples of foreign universities generating substantial revenue through research and innovation, he urged Indian institutions to aspire to similar heights by focusing on research, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Addressing Structural Challenges
The Lieutenant Governor identified key challenges confronting Indian universities, including limited research output, faculty shortages, weak accountability mechanisms and inadequate industry linkages. He called for a fundamental shift in institutional mindset, urging universities to ask not “What should we teach?” but “What problems must we solve?”
He described India’s youthful population, creativity and risk-taking spirit as the country’s greatest assets, and said universities must work to transform students into creators of opportunities rather than mere job seekers. Pointing to India’s ability to innovate at low cost, its cultural and linguistic diversity, and its vast global diaspora, he urged SMVDU to align these strengths with its research ecosystem to develop solutions for real-world challenges in healthcare, the rural economy, urbanisation and digital innovation.
Call for Holistic Education
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of holistic education, calling for greater promotion of sports, arts, literature, debate and cultural activities alongside science and technology. He encouraged the University to engage more closely with rural communities, promote sustainable development, and draw on global best practices such as fieldwork-based learning, stronger industry partnerships and a robust vocational training ecosystem.
Vision for SMVDU by 2040
Looking ahead, the Lieutenant Governor laid out a long-term vision for SMVDU, urging it to emerge as a leading global knowledge centre with advanced research facilities in artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and climate science. He called for the development of digital learning networks across rural Jammu and Kashmir and greater emphasis on international student-exchange programmes to strengthen global collaboration.
He said the ultimate purpose of education extends beyond economic development to the creation of well-rounded individuals who understand themselves, respect nature and recognise their responsibility towards humanity. He urged SMVDU to harmonise modernity with human values and resolve to become “a pilgrimage centre of knowledge, a laboratory of innovation, and a beacon guiding society towards progress.”
“On this Foundation Day, I urge all of you to move beyond established paths and work courageously on the important issues… Our nation’s greatest wealth and strength is the passion, ingenuity and daring spirit of our youth. We must remember, the light of education becomes complete only when it moves beyond the walls of the University and reaches the last person in society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Other Announcements
The Lieutenant Governor invited suggestions from stakeholders for the establishment of a state-of-the-art International Museum of Goddess at Katra. He also inaugurated a Self-Help Group’s Bakery unit at SMVDU during the visit.
Dignitaries Present
The Foundation Day celebrations were attended by Dr Ashok Bhan, Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma and Ms Gunjan Rana, Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG, Udhampur-Reasi Range; Shri Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner Reasi; members of the University’s Executive Council; heads of various educational institutions; and senior officials, faculty, staff and students of the University.
