LG Manoj Sinha Urges Industry-Intellect Synergy at 21st Kashmir University Convocation; Daughters Lead with 186 Gold Medals

SRINAGAR February 26, 2026 — Addressing the 21st Convocation of the University of Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called for a radical shift in higher education, urging universities to evolve from mere “custodians of knowledge” into vibrant hubs of innovation and social transformation.

Sharing the stage with Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Lieutenant Governor introduced a powerful mantra: “Industry and Intellect must grow together.” He emphasized that for J&K to contribute to a Viksit Bharat by 2047, academic institutions must co-create the future alongside global innovators and R&D organizations.

Highlighting the breakneck speed of the digital revolution, LG Sinha noted that the real challenge is not the arrival of change, but our ability to sync with it through critical thinking and lifelong learning.The ceremony served as a historic testament to women’s empowerment in the region, with the Lieutenant Governor lauding the “dominant performance” of female students.

In a powerful statistical breakdown, he revealed that out of 239 gold medals awarded, a staggering 186 were won by daughters, while 108 of the 164 PhDs were earned by women. “This is the definition of New India,” LG Sinha remarked, asserting that when provided equal ground, women do not just participate—they lead.

He urged the graduates to adopt a “Country First” mindset, reminding them that while resources are important, a nation’s true rise is fueled by the moral strength and diligence of its educated youth.

Directing his focus toward the faculty, the Lieutenant Governor outlined three strategic priorities to navigate the era of Artificial Intelligence: fostering adaptability as a core skill, integrating AI with human intelligence for social welfare rather than just profit, and shattering “subject silos” through interdisciplinary collaboration.

He stressed that modern challenges are deeply interconnected, requiring a fusion of knowledge with life values. As the University’s profile was released by the dignitaries, LG Sinha concluded by reminding the graduating class that their education at Kashmir University has molded them into responsible citizens whose personal success is now intrinsically linked to the collective good of the nation.