Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday attended the foundation day celebrations of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) at Katra and called upon all stakeholders to turn it into a “pilgrimage centre of knowledge, a laboratory of innovation and a guiding light for society”.
He extended greetings to the university community on the occasion.
Addressing a function, Sinha said that over the past 23 years, the SMVDU has emerged as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and values, nurturing students who are not only successful in their careers but also socially responsible citizens.
As per an official press release, Sinha emphasised that the university, blessed by Mata Vaishno Devi, carries in its name the tradition of devotion, strength, and faith, inspiring millions across India and the world.
The LG said that a university is not built by its buildings but by ideas, dreams, and possibilities. He highlighted the role of visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, and curious students in shaping institutions that nurture not only knowledge but also humility, sensitivity, and responsibility towards society.
Reflecting on SMVDU’s journey, the LG lauded its achievements in education and research. He noted that faculty members have secured around 140 research projects, including international collaborations, and established a state-of-the-art AI and Deep Learning Lab.
The university has received 14 patents, incubated 30 start-ups, and launched innovative programmes such as peer-learning. He urged the institution to strengthen industry–academia relations by organising open-house meetings to commercialise patents and innovations.
The LG stressed that the true measure of a university’s success lies in its students and alumni, who carry forward its reputation through their contributions to society and the nation.
He encouraged SMVDU to leverage government initiatives such as the Rs one lakh crore research fund announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15th August 2026 and the PM Research Chairs scheme launched earlier this year, to ensure maximum participation in national innovation efforts.
“In the contemporary world, research and innovation becomes meaningful when it finds solutions to real problems, improves the quality of life in society and brings positive change to the lives of ordinary citizens through its contributions across different fields.
On 15 August, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a “historic” announcement from the ramparts of the Red Fort and allocated Rs 1 lakh crore. He called upon the youth of the country to focus on research and innovation, saying that they should come forward with ambitious dreams.
“The Government of India has created a robust system of financial support, and that no young person would now face lack of resources,” he said.
“I would like the Vice-Chancellor to constitute a team comprising faculty members and selected students so that the maximum possible number of applications may be submitted from this university,” the LG said.
In his speech, the LG also underscored that education is the most powerful investment for universities, society, and the nation. He cited foreign universities’ success in generating revenue through innovation and research as an example, urging Indian universities to aspire to similar heights by focusing on research, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
The LG identified key challenges facing Indian universities, including limited research, shortage of faculty, lack of accountability and weak industry linkages. He called for a change in mindset, urging institutions to ask not “what should we teach?” but “what problems must we solve?”
He emphasised that “India’s youthful population, creativity, and risk-taking ability are its greatest assets, and universities must transform students into creators of opportunities rather than mere job seekers.”
Highlighting India’s strengths, the LG pointed to the nation’s ability to innovate at low cost, its cultural and linguistic diversity, and its vast diaspora. He urged SMVDU to connect these strengths with its research ecosystem and create solutions for real-world challenges in healthcare, rural economy, urbanisation, and digital innovation.
The LG also emphasised the importance of holistic education, calling for the promotion of sports, arts, literature, debates, and cultural activities alongside science and technology. He encouraged the university to engage with rural communities, promote sustainable development, and adopt best practices from global education models such as emphasis on fieldwork, industry partnerships, and a strong vocational training system.
Looking ahead, LG presented a comprehensive vision for SMVDU by 2040. He urged the university to become a leading global knowledge centre, establish advanced research facilities in AI, robotics, biotechnology, and climate science, and develop digital learning networks across rural Jammu & Kashmir.
He also called for international student-exchange programmes to strengthen global collaboration.
He said the ultimate purpose of education is not limited to economic development but also the creation of creative human beings who understand themselves, respect nature, and recognise their responsibility towards humanity. He urged SMVDU to harmonise modernity with human values and to resolve to become a pilgrimage centre of knowledge, a laboratory of innovation, and a beacon guiding society towards progress.
“On this Foundation Day, I urge all of you to move beyond established paths and work courageously on the important issues. As efforts are undertaken in this direction, we should ask ourselves: What do we possess that other countries do not? Our nation’s greatest wealth and strength is the passion, ingenuity and daring spirit of our youth. We must remember, the light of education becomes complete only when it moves beyond the walls of the university and reaches the last person in society,” the LG said.
The LG also invited suggestions from various stakeholders for the establishment of the state-of-the-art International Museum of Goddess at Katra.
On the occasion, LG also inaugurated the Self-Help Group’s Bakery unit at SMVDU.
LG chairs executive council meeting of SMVDU, approves budget
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired the meeting of the executive council of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) to review the university’s academic, administrative and financial progress and approved new programmes, budget and infrastructure projects at the campus.
The 37th meeting, which was chaired by Sinha as chancellor of the university, accorded in-principle approval for construction of a 200-bed boys’ hostel to be funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), besides directing the preparation of a detailed project report, officials said.
It also approved in principle two new academic programmes — BA LLB (Hons) and BTech in Food Technology — and suggested exploring the possibility of introducing LLB in conjunction with science and commerce streams, they said.
The council adopted the budget proposals for 2026-27 and the final audit report for 2024-25. It also approved enhanced financial assistance for students participating in national and international conferences, workshops and other academic events, they added.
The meeting further approved the completion and development of the university’s sports complex in collaboration with SMVDSB to provide sports facilities for students and employees.
The council decided to finalise a five-year roadmap for SMVDU based on a viable operating model, in consultation with the academic council and finance committee. It also adopted the proposed institutional anthem, Kulgeet, of the university, they said.
Sinha appreciated the university’s initiatives in wellness, sports and youth engagement and directed the administration to organise counselling, mental health and value-based awareness programmes for students. He also called for subscribing to online counselling platforms to strengthen student support services.
The LG suggested academic relaxation for NSS and NCC students selected to represent the university at events of national importance, along with additional academic credits in recognition of their achievements.
He also recommended the introduction of industry-linked vocational courses, to be delivered through internal faculty and external experts, and made available to all students irrespective of minimum eligibility criteria.
The council ratified the nomination of external members to the executive council and academic council and reviewed the status of major ongoing and completed construction projects, stressing their timely completion.
Vice Chancellor Prof Pragati Kumar briefed the council on developments concerning admissions, recruitment, faculty career advancement, ongoing construction projects and new academic programmes proposed for the forthcoming academic session.
