JAMMU, NOV 19
In a historic move, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the “Gyanodaya Express- College on Wheels,” a pioneering mobile educational initiative in Jammu and Kashmir. The ceremony took place at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station in Katra. Addressing the gathering, Lt Governor Sinha praised the Higher Education Council, University of Jammu, and all collaborators for their unique effort, aimed at empowering approximately 700 female students from various Universities in the Union Territory.
The “Gyanodaya Express” is set to embark on a transformative journey, traversing multiple states, offering an educational pilgrimage for students. Lt Governor Sinha emphasized that the initiative seeks to break the boundaries of traditional classrooms and streams, fostering immersive, collaborative, and project-based learning experiences.
Highlighting the inspiration behind the project, Lt Governor Sinha drew parallels with Mahatma Gandhi’s epic train tour across the country. He noted that the “College on Wheels” concept is a tribute to Gandhi’s interactions with people from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing universal values of Truth and Non-Violence.
The Lt Governor expressed that the journey would be a unique opportunity for students to explore different regions, cultures, and aspects of life and wisdom. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the endeavor, allowing students to work together on various subjects, fostering cooperation and teamwork.
Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of J&K Higher Education Council, and Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu, lauded the innovative “College on Wheels” project. They emphasized its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to shift students from job seekers to job creators, promoting idea incubation, innovation, and skill development.
Beyond academics, the Gyanodaya Express is expected to provide students with a holistic understanding of the areas they visit, contributing to personal growth, innovation, and national unity.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the release of a handbook on “College on Wheels” and a publication on the “Design your Degree” programme. Notable attendees included Saraf Singh Nag, Chairman of District Development Council Reasi; Kamlesh Kumar Mishra, Director Tourism and Marketing, IRCTC; Vice-Chancellors of various Universities, senior officers, heads of educational institutions, and faculty members.
