Srinagar, Feb 26 (JKNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called upon graduating students of the University of Kashmir to adopt a “nation-first” approach in life, asserting that education is not merely a privilege but the most powerful instrument of change entrusted to the youth.
Addressing the 21st Convocation ceremony, LG Sinha, as per news agency JKNS, congratulated medal winners, degree recipients, their parents and faculty members, and described the event as a milestone reflecting generational transformation and unwavering faith in modern education. “This convocation is not just a passage of time, but a story of change and fulfilment of collective aspirations,” he said.
Lauding Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofar Khan and the university faculty, the Lieutenant Governor credited them for strengthening the institution’s academic standing and nurturing young minds. He said the university today represents an identity whose graduates are competing nationally and internationally and contributing to multiple sectors of the economy.
Highlighting women’s achievements, LG Sinha said the fact that 186 out of 249 gold medals and 108 out of 164 PhDs were awarded to girls sends a powerful message. “When daughters are given equal opportunity and encouragement, they do not just participate — they lead and set new standards of excellence,” he said, terming women as drivers of development and pride of the nation.
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., the LG said the true function of education is to develop both intelligence and character. “Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education,” he remarked, adding that higher education must create ethical leaders capable of driving social and moral transformation.
Referring to rapid technological shifts, including artificial intelligence and digital revolution, Sinha said higher education institutions are operating at a historic turning point. He stressed the need for adaptability, interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of emerging technologies with human intelligence. “Learning is a lifelong process. It is no longer enough to memorise facts; students must be ready to unlearn and relearn,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged universities to promote innovation, research collaboration across disciplines and responsible use of AI tools, while ensuring ethical standards and avoiding bias in technological applications.
Calling upon students to view uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a threat, he said curiosity and creativity flourish when young minds are not afraid of change. “You are not just graduates; you are successors to a great responsibility,” he told the students.
Emphasising national development, LG Sinha said the country has invested heavily in their education and expects them to contribute meaningfully. “My mantra to you is one purpose, one priority — Country First. When you build the nation, the nation builds you back,” he said.
Concluding his address with “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that educated and capable youth will shape the future of India and take Jammu and Kashmir to greater heights. (JKNS)
