Move away from rote-based education: LG at SMVDU convocation

Jammu Tawi, Dec 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday stressed on the need to move away from outdated, rote-based education towards modern, skill-oriented learning to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

Addressing the 11th Convocation Ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University here, LG Sinha, according to the news agency said, “The focus must be on reducing curriculum load while developing adaptable skills required for future jobs.”

Calling upon students to create new paths and explore innovative ideas, LG Sinha urged them to give a new direction to their lives and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s prosperity.

He emphasized that achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047 would require every student and educational institution to fulfil its role, as the country’s future growth will be driven by the knowledge economy.

The Lieutenant Governor also outlined five key solutions to help students and institutions keep pace with rapid technological changes and the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

On the occasion, LG Sinha inaugurated a High-End Computing Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Lab, along with accommodation facilities for married research scholars, marking a significant step towards strengthening the university’s academic and research infrastructure.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the students to create new paths in life, give new direction to life, explore new aspects and suggest new ways for the prosperity of the nation.

The Lieutenant Governor entrusted upon Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University to provide scientific solutions for the challenges being faced by the UT of Jammu Kashmir.

In light of recent devastating natural calamities, the Lieutenant Governor urged the university to prioritize research into advanced early-warning systems for cloudbursts, landslides, and floods. The Lieutenant Governor asked the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University to redesign the courses for Dogri and Vedic studies to make these subjects more engaging and contemporary to attract more students. He also directed for formulating a comprehensive strategy for the swift completion of the languishing indoor stadium.

The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the pivotal role of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in the relief and rehabilitation of families affected by recent natural calamities. He informed that the Shrine Board has procured products worth Rs 22 crore from local Self-Help Groups in Reasi and adjoining areas. The Lieutenant Governor stated that he has directed the CEO of the Shrine Board to maximize procurement from local residents to support their livelihoods.

During the convocation, 821 degrees were awarded including 228 Masters, 26 Doctorates, and 567 Undergraduate degrees. Medals were also conferred to 25 (07 Male and 18 Female) meritorious students. A total of 10 students (04 Male and 06 Female) received Infosys Foundation Prize for Excellence, while Certificate of Distinction were awarded to 11 students.

Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University presented the University report on the occasion.