Srinagar, Feb 26 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday addressed the 21st Convocation of the University of Kashmir, congratulating graduating students and describing them as the “spring of Jammu and Kashmir in full bloom.”
Speaking at the convocation at the 21st KU’s convocation, Chief Minister Omar as per news agency JKNS said, it was an honour to stand in what he described as a “sanctuary of wisdom.”
“We are not merely on a university campus; we are in a sanctuary of knowledge that predates many modern nations,” he said, referring to the historic chinars of the campus. “To look at you today is to see the spring of Jammu and Kashmir in full bloom.”
Calling the day one of “succession,” Omar said the graduating students were the torchbearers of generations who preserved knowledge through difficult times. Quoting Kashmiri mystic poetess Laleshwari, he said, “Your formal education may end today, but your education of the self begins. Who are you in the context of today’s J&K? What is your role in the story of 2026?”
He paid tribute to parents and families, saying, “This degree belongs to them.” Citing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he added, “Your heaven lies under the feet of your mother,” urging students to remember the sacrifices of their elders.
The Chief Minister also lauded the faculty, saying they had “mentored souls” in an era of information overload and that the government and people of J&K owed them gratitude.
Referring to the recently presented 2026–27 budget, Omar said it was a “fiscal compass” aimed at transforming J&K into a modern and economically vibrant region. “It is not just a ledger of figures; it is a declaration of intent,” he said.
Highlighting that over 60 percent of nearly 60,000 degrees and medals awarded this year went to women, he termed it the “most powerful weapon against poverty and instability.” “We have moved from women’s welfare to women-led development,” he said, adding that through the Omid Scheme, nearly seven lakh women have been organised into 80,000 self-help groups.
Addressing the tourism sector, the Chief Minister said while destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam remain vital, the government is promoting border tourism in areas like Keren, Gurez and Titwal. He stressed sustainable development, noting concerns about receding glaciers and changing winters.
On agriculture, Omar spoke about a “high-density revolution” and linking orchards to global markets. “We need apps for real-time pest detection and blockchain for traceability,” he said, describing it as a “saffron and silicon vision” for J&K.
He also emphasised digital growth, stating that J&K’s climate makes it suitable for green data centres and knowledge-based industries. “We want job providers, not just job seekers,” he remarked.
Touching upon mental health, he acknowledged the pressures faced by youth and urged psychology and social work graduates to help destigmatise conversations around emotional wellbeing. “Success is not just a high salary; it is a peaceful mind and a resilient heart,” he said.
Reaffirming commitment to merit-based governance, Omar said, “Whether you are the son or daughter of a shikarawala or of a minister, your merit must be your only currency.”
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister urged students to carry the spirit of Kashmiriyat wherever they go. “Go to Bengaluru, Berlin or London, but carry the fragrance of these chenars in your heart,” he said. “Today, you are that light. May it shine bright and lead Jammu and Kashmir to its rightful place.” (JKNS)
