Jammu, July 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday launched a series of transformative academic initiatives at Cluster University Jammu, describing them as a major milestone in reshaping higher education in Jammu and Kashmir and equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to meet future global challenges.
Addressing a large gathering at the university, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the innovative “Design Your Degree” programme, a student-centric initiative that empowers learners to customise their academic journey by selecting subjects based on their interests, abilities and career aspirations.
Highlighting the significance of multidisciplinary education, LG Sinha said the rapidly evolving world demands young minds capable of integrating knowledge from different disciplines to develop innovative solutions for complex global challenges.
“The frontiers of knowledge are continuously expanding. The 21st century will welcome those youth who possess the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple fields and discover new solutions. The future belongs to those who recognise possibilities rather than boundaries,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated integrated academic programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics and Geography, stressing that scientific progress in the modern era depends on collaboration across multiple fields of study rather than isolated disciplines.
Referring to pressing global concerns such as climate change, he said sustainable solutions require collective contributions from environmental science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography and several other disciplines. He expressed confidence that the newly introduced programmes would nurture researchers capable of addressing complex issues through a holistic and interdisciplinary approach.
In another major initiative, LG Sinha inaugurated the Department of Vedic Studies and launched a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems, asserting that quality education must combine scientific advancement with India’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage.
He said the country’s ancient knowledge traditions—including the Vedas, Upanishads, Ayurveda, Panini’s contributions to linguistics, and Aryabhata’s achievements in astronomy and mathematics—represent a remarkable legacy of scientific inquiry, logic and innovation that deserves greater academic recognition.
“The programme will enable students to explore India’s civilisational wisdom while simultaneously pursuing modern education,” he remarked.
The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the Semiconductor Skilling Programme in collaboration with IIT Madras, describing it as a landmark initiative aligned with India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing and innovation.
“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has resolved to become a leader in technology development and manufacturing. This programme will equip students with cutting-edge expertise required for future industries and strengthen India’s position in the global deep-tech ecosystem,” LG Sinha said.
Calling upon students to embrace innovation, research and continuous skill development, he said every new skill acquired and every innovation pursued would contribute significantly to India’s journey towards self-reliance and global leadership.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the newly introduced academic programmes reflect a modern educational philosophy deeply rooted in India’s cultural identity while preparing students to compete successfully in an increasingly interconnected global environment.
During the event, LG Sinha also launched the Postgraduate Programme in Environmental Sciences with Minor Specialisation in Renewable Energy, a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Dogri Translation, released the Nasha Mukt Bharat Activity Report, and inaugurated the renaming of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office-cum-Secretariat Complex as “Suryaputri Tawi Bhawan” and the old IIM Campus as “Chandrabhaga Campus.”
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Registrar Ankur Mahajan, heads of constituent colleges, faculty members, university officials and a large number of students.(KNC)
