Srinagar, July 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a meeting at Raj Bhawan today where he discussed a diverse range of themes like multidisciplinary education, ecosystem for research and innovation, Indian philosophy and languages, and project-based learning mode combined with needs and challenges of society.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman J&K Higher Education Council; Prof. Umesh Rai VC University of Jammu; Prof. Nilofer Khan VC Kashmir University; Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo VC IUST; Prof. Bechan Lal VC Cluster University Jammu; Pragati Kumar VC SMVDU; Prof. Akbar Masood VC BGSBU; Prof. Qayyum Husain VC Cluster University Srinagar along with other members of the J&K Higher Education Council who shared their valuable suggestions on ‘Design Your Degree’ an innovative program to be launched by the University of Jammu.
With unwavering dedication to educational advancement, the Lt Governor said that ‘Design Your Degree’ is one of the cornerstones of the National Education Policy-2020 which will promote applicative learning, skill enhancement aligned with needs of 21st Century and provide unique opportunity to students to shape their curriculum.
Sharing the ongoing transformational journey of education sector in J&K UT, he said that rapid advancements in education and other sectors and the evolving needs and aspirations of the society require contribution of learning in classrooms to changes and new solutions.
“Journey of our Amrit Kaal will not be about only degree but also about skills and values. No classroom can afford to teach subjects that are irrelevant in today’s context,” he said.
He emphasized on identifying new sectors of employment and increasing interaction with leading academicians. Research should reflect the reality of accelerated transformation.
The Lt Governor also mentioned “5Cs- Critical evaluation is must for future strategy. Critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, curiosity.”
Sinha called upon universities to conduct thorough self-evaluations, identifying strengths and weaknesses to chart appropriate strategies for future goals.
An essential aspect emphasized by the Lieutenant Governor was the promotion of multidisciplinary projects. He stressed the significance of creating an engaging environment for the youth, enabling them to tackle global, economic, social, cultural, and technical issues while adapting to global changes.
Recognizing the existing barriers between academia and the real world, Lieutenant Governor Sinha urged the convergence of these realms for a more holistic and comprehensive education system.
The Lieutenant Governor encouraged the Higher Education Council to explore avenues that would yield substantial benefits to the higher education ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. He further suggested strengthening alumni networks, facilitating student and faculty exchange programs, and enhancing the rankings of universities and higher educational institutions.
Drawing inspiration from successful models, such as Delhi University, the Lieutenant Governor advocated for examination reforms.
The meeting also featured a detailed presentation on the “Design Your Degree” undergraduate program by Professor Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu. Additionally, Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary of Higher Education, highlighted significant measures implemented to reform the education sector in the Union Territory.
Among the attendees were Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Professor Kavi Arya from IIT Bombay; Shobha Bagai, Director of Cluster Innovation Centre, Delhi University; Dr. Ravi Shankar, Special Secretary of Higher Education; Dr. Yasmeen Ashai, Director of Colleges, Jammu and Kashmir; and Professor Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Principal of Amar Singh College.
