Jammu, Nov 13 (KNO): Reiterating that need of the hour is to standup against terrorists and their eco-system, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that it’s the duty of the society to expose the anti-national and anti-peace elements.
Addressing the 19th (Second Special) Convocation Ceremony of University of Jammu, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) paid rich tributes to the victims of the Delhi bomb blast and described terrorism as the biggest enemy of the people. “Jammu and Kashmir has suffered its devastating impact for over three decades. Terrorism has taken away innocent lives and hindered the region’s progress for far too long. The time has come for society to rise together, expose those who shield or support terrorism, and stand with the forces of peace,” the LG said.
He emphasized that the fight against terror is not just the responsibility of security forces but a collective societal obligation. “Society has a vital role to play. A society that fails to stand up against evil remains far behind in the journey of development and peace,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the security forces are determined to dismantle terror ecosystem but society must stand up against terror sympathisers. “Terrorism is a multifaceted challenge and society plays a critical role in recognizing and reporting suspicious terror activities and counter the radicalization efforts,” he said.
“I want to request the enlightened people to expose those who give shelter to terrorists and creating extremist narratives. You must stand against such elements,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha said that the terrorism poses a fundamental threat to J&K’s progress and prosperity but during the past six years situation has changed and now the youth here are increasingly dreaming of and working towards goals similar to those in the rest of the country and desire for a better life and career.
The Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of embracing change in the higher education sector and asked the faculty members to focus on skill-first curriculum, collaboration across disciplines and keeping pace with evolving trends to meet the demands of India's economy and the society.
“There is a need to strengthen research infrastructure and its focus on outcomes by exploiting cutting-edge technologies. Artificial Intelligence is a reality today, not a technicality, and the sooner we accept the need to create a balanced blend of technology and human faculty, the more we will be able to adapt ourselves to modern transformation," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor gave five fundamental guiding principles to the students for their life journey. “First, never forget humility, hunger to learn, and work ethics to succeed in life. Your degree will open the door of opportunity for the first time but it is your talent, determination, dedication, reskilling and willingness to adapt to change that will ensure endless opportunities in future.”
“Second, be kind and compassionate. Skills get you hired but it is your character and your ideals that ensures that you grow in life. In your journey Sanskar, Integrity, Reliability and Trust will define your career more than any other credentials,” he said, adding, “Third, never stop learning in your life. The professional world rewards those who are adventurous and ever ready to learn, experiment, adapt, and turn mistakes into mastery.
“Fourth, do not believe but be curious. It will help you to tread a new path and mentor coming generations,” LG Sinha said, adding, “Fifth, be resilient and flexible in re-skilling yourself. Always remember that if you have hunger for learning then the whole world will become a University Campus and it will help you in transforming ideas into solutions.”
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the University of Jammu for its exemplary contribution to the country’s educational landscape.
He also extended his felicitations to the women students for their excellent academic performance across the subjects.
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University; Prof Ashok Kaul, Member Jammu University Council; Vice chancellors of various universities, Heads of Departments, faculty and students were present.
Er. Gulam Ali Khatana and Sat Sharma, Members of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board; senior officials and prominent citizens also attended the Special Convocation Ceremony—(KNO)