CUKashmir should shoulder responsibility of preparing next gen for challenges, opportunities of 21st century knowledge economy: Hon’ble Lt Guv Shri. Manoj Sinha Ji
Inaugurates CUKashmir’s Administrative Block, Amphitheatre, addresses newly inducted faculty members and administration.
Ganderbal, Aug 20: Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir, Shri. Manoj Sinha Ji declared open the Amphitheatre and inaugurated the administrative block of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir). Later he addressed the newly inducted faculty members and administration and reiterated the responsibility of faculty members in preparing the Kashmiri youth for contributing towards the cause of Viksit Bharat 2047. He also stressed that the young generation should be prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century knowledge economy.
“The true strength of a university does not lie in its buildings alone, but in the quality of human capital it produces,” he remarked, while addressing the varsity’s faculty members, senior administrative staff, research scholars and students.
Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir, Shri. Manoj Sinha Ji inaugurated the Administrative Block and Amphitheatre at the Tulmulla Campus marking a historic milestone for the varsity.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, Dean Academic Affairs and I/C Registrar, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean International Affairs, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Deans of Schools, Statutory Officers, DIG (Deputy Inspector General) of Police, Central Kashmir Range, Shri. Rajiv Omprakash Pande, Mr. Jatin Kishore (IAS), District Development Commissioner, Ganderbal, Shri Khalil Ahmad Poswal-JKPS Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, other dignitaries from the district Civil and Police administration were also present on the occasion.
The event began with the recitation of the National Anthem by the students and participants, which was followed by Deep Prajwalan and burning of Isbandh in Isbandh Soz by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Shri. Manoj Sinha Ji and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath and presentation of mementos to the Chief Guest Shri. Manoj Sinha Ji.
Congratulating the university community and underscoring that the new Administrative Block would serve not merely as chambers for the Vice-Chancellor and Deans, but as the very nerve centre ensuring efficient governance and holistic growth of the institution, Shri. Manoj Sinha Ji emphasized that the infrastructure must translate into a nurturing environment where teachers and students work in unison to build a dynamic academic culture.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor highlighted the need for interdisciplinary courses that blend knowledge with creativity, ethical responsibility, and social awareness. He lauded the transformative role of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) in reshaping India’s higher education, making it more dynamic and relevant to global demands.
Expressing concern over the stagnation in curriculum revision in many institutions, Shri Sinha urged universities to ensure continuous syllabus upgradation in line with the needs of industry, society, and national development. “Gone are the days when a textbook could serve generations unchanged. Today, with rapid research in every field—whether history, geography, or science—our students must be trained to engage with new knowledge and evolving perspectives,” he observed.
Calling universities the “cradle of development,” Shri Sinha insisted that CUK must strive not to produce ordinary graduates but individuals of extraordinary calibre, equipped with adaptability, compassion, and sensitivity. “Each classroom should nurture students who can be the architects of a new India. If half the class emerges with the same curiosity and creativity as their teachers once had, then indeed a brighter India is being born here,” he affirmed.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor reminded that India’s journey from ancient glory, through colonial devastation, to contemporary resurgence, hinges upon one thing: the ability of its universities to nurture extraordinary human capital. “The Central University of Kashmir now carries this responsibility on its shoulders. Its classrooms, amphitheatres, and administrative blocks must not simply manage education, but inspire a new India—an India that is not ordinary, but extraordinary.”
He posed a challenge to teachers: “how many students in your class remind you of your own curiosity and passion as a student? If half the class does, he said, it means the university is birthing the strength of a new India. If none do, it is a serious problem. His words were an urgent call for pedagogical transformation—for teachers to not simply teach, but to inspire.”
The Hon’ble LG also reminded the gathering of India’s historic contributions to global education through ancient centres like Nalanda University, which attracted scholars from across the world. He lamented the colonial destruction of India’s rich educational legacy but noted that the nation has now entered a golden era of revival, with its GDP contribution once again rising on the global stage.
Earlier in his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, outlined the university’s journey since its establishment, highlighting the challenges of operating from makeshift campuses and the recent positive developments towards securing a permanent home. “A major milestone was announced with the news that the proposal for a new university building has received its final presentation before the Public Investment Board, Department of Expenditure, and Ministry of Finance. It is in the final stage,” the Vice-Chancellor stated, crediting the Lieutenant Governor’s support and encouragement for this progress.
Prof. A Ravinder Nath emphasized the three pillars essential for any institution: infrastructure, quality faculty, and attractive programs. “On infrastructure, a key pending issue is the construction of a 700-meter access road to the national highway, which requires the acquisition of approximately 2 acres of private land. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted through the district administration and a request is made to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to direct the administration to expedite the process. Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor requested intervention for the swift provision of permanent water and power connections, the reimbursement for which is pending with the UT government.
He said that despite constraints, the university has consistently delivered academic excellence. “The institution is producing top-quality students, with a significant number qualifying for National Eligibility Tests (NET) and securing admissions into PhD programs abroad, particularly in Life Sciences. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the university has designed its curriculum to address global trends, national needs, and regional gaps. Its research focus is on projects that are socially relevant, locally need-based, nationally important, and globally significant,” he further said.
Prof. A Ravinder Nath said the recent recruitment of 46 new faculty members has significantly bolstered the academic corps, with 80 per cent possessing international exposure and over 60 per cent holding post-doctoral experience. “The university is also actively engaged in national outreach missions like Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.”
CUK Vice-Chancellor, requested for the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor’s support in providing access to vacant CPWD quarters for newly recruited faculty until the university can build its own housing.
Prof. A Ravinder Nath said the varsity is poised to achieve an ‘A+’ grade accreditation and a position within the top 200 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Dean, School of Language and Dean, International Affairs, who conducted the proceedings expressed deep sense of gratitude on behalf of the entire CUKashmir fraternity. She underlined the visionary address of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha Ji and shared that the Hon’ble LG is epitome of dynamism who’s ever inspiring words and initiatives have transformed the face of J&K. She asserted that the day shall remain cherished forever by all the fraternity and administration of CUK and it will be translated where education for nation-building shall resonate deeply with the academic community. “His emphasis on innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and the creation of extraordinary students provides a guiding light for all of us in academia. It reinforces our shared responsibility to nurture human capital that is ethical, creative, and globally competent,” she observed.
She further elaborated that the occasion also marked the induction programme for the newly appointed faculty members, who form the backbone of the university’s academic journey ahead. “This induction is not just an orientation, but a pledge to align with the Hon’ble LG’s vision of excellence and contribute meaningfully to the growth of CUK,” she added.
The event culminated with the rendering of the National Anthem.
(Issued through Public Relations Office CUK)
