Move away from outdated rote-based education: Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Dec 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday stressed on the need to move away from outdated, rote-based education towards modern, skill-oriented learning to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.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, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “The focus must be on reducing curriculum load while developing adaptable skills required for future jobs.”
He observed that if even a single student from a higher education institution remains unemployed or is unable to start an enterprise, it reflects a failure of the institution and its teachers to discharge their responsibility honestly.
Calling upon students to create new paths and explore innovative ideas, 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, 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. “To achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047, every student, every educational institution will have to fulfil its responsibility because the future and its development will be based on the knowledge economy,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the responsibility of the teaching community to study and analyse the impact of rapid advancements in science, humanities, and technology on human civilization. He stressed that classroom methodologies must evolve to synchronize with these shifts, ensuring they drive both economic development and social progress.
“Classroom and our teachings must equip students to build better lives, foster inclusive development and create more enlightened society,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University for its distinguished contributions to India’s educational landscape and its steadfast commitment to public welfare.
He also extended his felicitations to the women students for their exceptional academic achievements and for setting new benchmarks of excellence.
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. He further emphasized the importance of sustainable infrastructure, and called for dedicated research on the recycling and reuse of road and construction materials.
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 praised the Board’s ongoing commitment to cultural preservation through its support to institutions dedicated to Sanskrit and Vedic education.
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.
The Lieutenant Governor further informed that the Shrine Board has undertaken the construction of the Shankaracharya Temple along with five other temples in the district, while an International Museum of the Goddess is set to be established in Katra.
“The construction of helipads at Katra and Shiv Khori is entering its final phase. I am hopeful that the devotees will be able to avail heli-services from Katra to the Shiv Khori Shrine during the upcoming Maha Shivratri”, the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated ‘High-End Computing AI and Deep Learning Lab’ and ‘Accommodation for Married Scholars’.
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.
Prof. T.G Sitharam, former Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE); Dr. Ashok Bhan and Smt. Gunjan Rana, Members, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shri Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Vice Chancellors of various universities, Heads of Departments, faculty and students attended the convocation ceremony.
Saraf Singh Nag, Chairman, District Development Council Reasi; Baldev Raj Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Nidhi Malik, Deputy Commissioner Reasi and senior officials were also present. (KNO)