Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD: Emphasising the pivotal role of education in shaping India’s future, Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, today said that while infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and digital economy form the structural foundations of a developed nation, the true engine of transformation remains education.
Addressing the Curtain Raiser Press Conference of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme, being organised at the University from 31st July to 3rd August 2025, the Vice Chancellor referred to India’s historic contribution of 23% to the global economy before colonial disruption, the strength of this great nation once stemmed from an education system deeply connected to societal needs.
“To reclaim that legacy, it is imperative for India to regain its global standing. If the path to a developed India begins anywhere, it begins in its schools, colleges, and universities”, he added.
Prof. Rai emphasised that the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, as dreamt by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is not just a policy directive but a national mission that must be driven through robust academic institutions. He called for a complete reorientation of academic priorities — from learning to problem-solving, and from job-seeking to job-creation — and proposed a powerful framework rooted in idea, incubation, innovation, and start-up, underscoring the urgent need to integrate skilling, creativity, and curiosity into curriculum design.
He also highlighted the upcoming Innovation Tower at the University, which will offer facilities for ideation, entrepreneurship, and civil society collaboration. In a heartfelt appeal, he called for value-based education with compulsory courses in emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and social ethics. “If we fail to create humane human beings, everything else we build will be meaningless,” he stated.
Prof. Rai also drew attention to the deep link between substance abuse, crime, and terrorism, emphasising that the University’s commitment to Nasha Mukt Bharat must go beyond token campaigns. “If we don’t eradicate drug addiction, our vision of a developed India will remain incomplete,” he warned. He appealed for continuous engagement and not just symbolic marches.
He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, under whose guidance infrastructure and agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir have progressed rapidly. “The support extended by the LG and Chief Minister in enabling educational institutions to overcome systemic hurdles is instrumental in realising the goals of Viksit Bharat,” he added.
He urged the students to register on the MY Bharat Portal, selecting their interests wisely to access the internships and valuable national engagement opportunities made available by GoI.
Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, described the programme as a vital step in translating the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 into grassroots action.
She said the four-day initiative curated under the leadership of Prof. Umesh Rai seeks to inspire participation from students across schools, colleges, and universities, with thousands already registered on the My Bharat Portal.
Prof. Rohmetra spotlighted the Viksit Bharat Heritage Yatra on August 2nd, which will take students to the historic Mubarak Mandi complex — a symbolic step towards reconnecting youth with their cultural identity.
She also emphasised the importance of life skills and emotional well-being in today’s high-pressure environment and described the programme as a holistic blend of culture, sports, heritage, and personal growth.
Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, Director CDOE and Convenor of the Programme, called the initiative a transformative national movement launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. He noted that while the year-long programme will unfold in phases, this pre-activity at the University of Jammu focuses on building awareness and participation among youth.
He elaborated on key events including an exhibition of eight government departments, youth leadership lectures, elocution competitions, quizzes, and yoga. Over 1,000 students have already registered on the portal, gaining access to experiential learning across India. He also stressed the programme’s alignment with national themes such as innovation, fitness, entrepreneurship, and drug-free living.
Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, Dean Students Welfare and Co-Convenor of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme, spoke in detail about the upcoming activities, placing special emphasis on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Rally. He informed that the rally will see active participation from faculty members, staff, research scholars, and students, collectively reinforcing the University’s commitment to a drug-free India. Prof. Antahal also expressed appreciation for the overwhelming response and collaborative spirit shown by all departments, which has been instrumental in shaping the programme’s successful rollout.
Among others present on the occasion included Prof Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning & Development, Prof. Naresh Padha, Senior Professor; Prof. Vibhakar Mansotra, Head, Department of Comp. Sc & IT; Prof. Garima Gupta, Head DJMS, Prof. Dushyant Kumar Rai; Prof Pankaj Kumar; Dr. Pritam Singh; and Dr. Pradeep Bali.
The proceedings of the event were conducted by Mansi Mantoo, Media Officer, University of Jammu.DD
