Pulwama, June 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, lauded the exceptional achievements of female students at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) during its second convocation.
Addressing a gathering of students, teachers and other dignitaries from diverse fields, Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora, Manoj Sinha expressed his pride in the female students’ remarkable performance, as they secured the majority of gold medals awarded.
Out of the 72 gold medals presented, an impressive 46 were earned by talented and hardworking female students, constituting over 60% of the total. Sinha acknowledged their brilliance, harmony, peace, creativity, compassion, leadership, individuality, courage, and strong connection to India’s ancient values. He noted that it is through the exceptional qualities of daughters that India continues to rise on the global stage.
In his address, Sinha urged the attendees to not only celebrate the academic achievements but also recognize and embrace the eternal human values and other qualities fostered by the university. He referred to these values as “invisible gold medals” that empower students to shape a better future for themselves and the nation, as responsible and enlightened citizens.
Emphasizing the importance of education, Sinha praised the national education policy (NEP) formulated under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Professor Kasturirangan and his colleagues. He described education as the highest expression of consciousness, a culmination of experiences and thinking, and a collective effort of society. Sinha stressed the need for education to go beyond textbook knowledge and information accumulation, instead encouraging the discovery of students’ inner uniqueness and potential.
Sinha highlighted the significance of breaking down artificial barriers between subjects and nurturing independent thinking, creativity, research, and innovation. He urged students to follow their inner curiosity and critical thinking, promoting unconventional means of learning. Sinha commended the National Education Policy (NEP) for its commitment to holistic education, blending academic excellence with ancient values.
The LG called for university campuses to reflect the real world and provide an environment that fosters creativity. He shared inspiring examples of renowned inventors such as Thomas Elva Edison and Albert Einstein, whose curiosity and uniqueness were initially overlooked, but who went on to change the world with their innovations. Sinha emphasized that education should enable students to develop infinite creativity and prepare them to be more than mere repositories of information.
Recognizing the vital role of teachers, Sinha highlighted their responsibility as architects of students’ inner selves and consciousness. He encouraged educators to embrace the NEP’s chapter on teacher education and explore new avenues of learning. Sinha reminded them to stay relevant in the face of the competition between machine learning and mankind by taking risks and imparting new knowledge. He also asked them to go through a lecture given Robert Frost the 1931 for being relevant even today.
On the occasion, the LG described the meaning education to the audience in detail and he quoted from various religious scriptures which include The Quran, Vedas and The Holy Granth.
Sinha praised the achievements of the female students at IUST and stressed the importance of education in shaping a brighter future for India. His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for a holistic education system that empowers students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. K Kasturirangan, congratulated the graduating students and lauded their spirit, enthusiasm and curiosity.
“Your mission of Higher learning with great passion should not end here. Never give up on your dreams and aspirations,” he said.
Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, presented the University report and highlighted the achievements of the University.
A total of 3000 students have been awarded with degrees for the academic year 2020-21 and 2021-22.
