Raja Syed Rather
Awantipora, Nov 12: Describing terrorism as the “biggest enemy of the people,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called on the citizens to cooperate with security forces and share information about terrorist activities.
Addressing the Valedictory session of Foundation Day Celebrations of Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) here in South Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “Terrorism remains the biggest threat to peace, progress, and the very fabric of society.”
He said that terrorism has for decades fuelled hatred and division among communities, weakening social bonds and inflicting immense suffering. “Terrorism creates hatred among the people; it also weakens the bonds among them,” he said.
Paying tributes to the victims of the November 10 Red Fort terror attack in New Delhi, the LG said that the menace of terrorism over the past three decades has ruined countless young lives. “The terrorists and their ecosystem have been the biggest enemies of youth in J&K. They destroyed their dreams and aspirations,” he said.
Sinha, however, expressed optimism that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are now shaping a new future for themselves through hard work and determination. “Our youth and young professionals are fulfilling their dreams and achieving their aspirations. But our neighboring country and some of their terrorist elements sitting here are trying to disrupt this progress. We must be vigilant against such an ecosystem and work together to foil their efforts,” he said.
Sinha called on the people to cooperate with security forces and share information about terrorist activities. “During the past five to six years, people have tasted the dividends of peace, and the number of stakeholders in peace has increased. It is the collective responsibility of all to ensure that peace remains intact and disruptive elements are kept at bay,” he said.
Referring to the massive investment in the last 5-6 years in human capital in Jammu and Kashmir, LG Sinha said, “We have created massive infrastructure in 5 years and now young professionals must focus on development strategies to change J&K’s fortunes.”
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the transformation of IUST since 2021 and significant milestones achieved by the University in enrolment, startups incubation, sustainability, research and innovation.
“Academic programmes increased from 41 to 90 between 2021 and 2025, offering interdisciplinary and cutting-edge courses like AI, Robotics, Design Your Own Degree, Space Technology, Data Sciences, Apprenticeship based UG level Skill courses,” he added.
“Applications in multiple disciplines are up from 3,000 in 2021 to 7,600 in 2025, with increased diversity from across J&K and beyond,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said that before 2021, external funding of IUST for research was merely Rs. 2 crore annually. In 4 years, more than Rs. 69 crore external funding was achieved for research.
“From a ‘zero’ start-up in 2021, the University has grown to incubate 93 start-ups in the last four years, hosted over 225 incubatees, and nurtured award-winning innovations in renewable energy, healthcare, and IT. Thirty two patents granted, 77 patents have been published, 33 more filed; additionally, two faculty ranked among top Indian scientists in their field. It is a matter of pride for IUST,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the IUST for research innovation in developing low-cost energy resilient houses. He also asked the University to look into the ways for effective reuse of road and building construction material and promotion of cold-mix technology for more durable roads.
The IUST must also provide innovative solutions for communication technology to reach remote regions without relying on traditional signal towers, he said.
Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department; Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS; Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. Abdul Wahid, Registrar, IUST; senior officials, Heads of Departments, faculty members and students were present.
