Jammu: Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir stands at the threshold of transformation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday emphasised that education is the most powerful tool for equity and empowerment and it must reach every corner of the Union territory.
Addressing the 19th Special Convocation of the University of Jammu here, Abdullah said, “Jammu and Kashmir stands at the threshold of transformation. Education is at the heart of this journey — empowering our youth to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and nation builders.”
He urged the youth to become agents of “positive change” in society and choose an occupation that gives them purpose, challenges their abilities, and enables them to lead a life that balances ambition with compassion.
According to an official press release, he said institutions like the University of Jammu continue to serve as “catalysts of progress”, not only by producing skilled graduates but also by inspiring responsible, compassionate, and resilient citizens.
“As we march ahead, let us ensure that the light of knowledge reaches every corner — from this campus, from the campuses of Kathua and Bhaderwah, to the remotest hamlets of Poonch, Rajouri, and Kishtwar,” the chief minister said in his address.
In his address, Omar Abdullah also highlighted Mission Yuva, his government’s flagship initiative designed to harness the creativity, potential and energy of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
“Mission Yuva aims to provide young people with a structured platform for capacity building, career guidance, entrepreneurship and civic engagement. By integrating education with skill development, innovation, and mental well-being, it seeks to prepare our youth not only for employment but for leadership and nation-building,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the synergy between Mission Yuva and the higher education ecosystem is already visible through mentorship programmes, startup incubation, cultural and literary engagement and outreach initiatives involving universities like the University of Jammu.
“Together, these efforts ensure that our young citizens are not only educated but empowered to contribute meaningfully to a progressive, inclusive and self-reliant Jammu & Kashmir,” he asserted.
Congratulating the medal and degree recipients, Abdullah said, “The medals and degrees you receive are symbols of your perseverance, your teachers’ guidance, and your families’ unconditional support. Carry forward the values you have learnt — integrity, curiosity, and humanity.”
He asserted that success is not measured by what one achieves for themselves, but how they contribute towards society.
“I urge you to dream big, think boldly, serve selflessly, and contribute to building a nation marked by progress, harmony, and inclusivity,” Abdullah said.
The chief minister also hailed the remarkable performance by female students in various courses at the institute.
Over 400 girls out of a total of 600 candidates received medals during the convocation ceremony, presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Abdullah.
He said that the University of Jammu has grown from strength to strength and today stands as a beacon of learning with 11 off-site campuses, 40 academic departments and over 160 affiliated colleges, serving the educational aspirations of students across Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the University’s achievements, Omar Abdullah commended its NAAC A++ accreditation with a CGPA of 3.72, considered as highly ranked in the country, and noted its consistent presence among the top 100 universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), securing the 51st position in the university category this year. He also appreciated the university’s steady rise in the State Public Universities category—from 23rd in 2024 to 21st in 2025—reflecting its growing stature as a centre of academic and research.
“The University’s focus on employability through job fairs and global placement drives, including partnerships with International organisations reflects a forward-looking approach that ensures education here translates into meaningful career opportunities,” he added.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the event is special because “female scholars have outperformed their male counterparts by a ratio of nearly three to one in securing PhD degrees and gold medals this year — a proud reflection of women’s growing leadership in higher education”.
He said 425 PhD degrees were awarded between 2020 and 2024, including 71 for the 2020 batch, 62 for 2021, 83 for 2022, 105 for 2023, and 104 for 2024.
Similarly, 178 gold medals were awarded during the period — 43 in 2020, 55 in 2021, 41 in 2022, and 39 in 2023.
