Jammu, Nov 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday urged young graduates to move beyond conventional career choices and become innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators, saying sustainable prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir would depend on youth-driven enterprise and innovation.

Addressing the first-ever convocation of Cluster University of Jammu at Abhinav Theatre, the Chief Minister described the institution as an ambitious educational initiative aimed at bringing together established academic institutions and strengthening multidisciplinary learning.
Governor of Tamil Nadu Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar attended the ceremony as Chief Guest, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chancellor of the University, presided over the occasion.
Congratulating the graduating students and gold medallists, Omar Abdullah described them as pioneers whose achievements would inspire future generations. He also acknowledged the contribution of parents, teachers and families in shaping their academic journeys.
Highlighting the university's unique structure, he said it was established as a collegiate federation of five institutions—GGM Science College, MAM College, SPMR College of Commerce, Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, and Government College of Education.
He termed the university's placement in the 151–200 band of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) an encouraging achievement, while stressing the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, digital connectivity, laboratories and hostel facilities.
The Chief Minister particularly emphasised the importance of timely academic calendars and examinations, saying students should not lose an academic year due to administrative delays.
“My government is committed to providing our universities with the necessary institutional support, academic autonomy, faculty strength and infrastructure to enable them to become genuine centres of knowledge, innovation and regional problem-solving,” he said.
Addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing employment landscape, Omar Abdullah said artificial intelligence and emerging technologies had made continuous learning, critical thinking, sound judgement and empathy more important than ever.
He observed that government jobs alone could not accommodate every graduate and called upon young people to explore entrepreneurship and emerging economic opportunities.
The Chief Minister identified agribusiness, food processing, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, renewable energy, disaster resilience and the digital economy as promising sectors for young entrepreneurs.
Referring to the potential of local products such as basmati rice, Bhaderwah rajmash, saffron, walnuts, kaladi and citrus fruits, he said value addition, branding and access to wider markets could create new avenues of employment and economic growth.
He assured that the government would strengthen the start-up ecosystem, simplify clearances and improve access to credit to encourage young entrepreneurs.
Omar Abdullah also urged graduates to uphold integrity, respect the dignity of labour, remain lifelong learners and stay connected with their communities.
Calling upon them to preserve Jammu and Kashmir's pluralistic cultural heritage, he said young people should use their knowledge, skills and experience to contribute meaningfully to the development of their home region.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the university's first graduating batches would emerge as contributors to society and play an important role in shaping Jammu and Kashmir's future.
Later, Omar Abdullah, along with other dignitaries, presented medals and certificates to the graduating students.
Minister for Higher Education Shamim Firdous, Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta and Vice-Chancellor Cluster University of Jammu Professor K.S. Chandrasekhar were among those present.