Srinagar, Feb 26: Addressing the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir, Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor Omar Abdullah highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s evolving economy, describing it as a hub for innovation, participatory governance, and sustainable development. The event was attended by Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, and other dignitaries.
Omar Abdullah termed the recently presented 2026–27 budget a “Fiscal Compass,” emphasizing the region’s transition from a tourism- and agriculture-centric economy to one focused on meritocracy, sustainability, and digital sovereignty. Reflecting on past economic setbacks, he praised the resilience of the people and called graduating students the “spring of J&K in full bloom.”
Highlighting women’s empowerment, he noted that nearly 60% of degrees and medals this year were earned by women, framing it as a shift from “Women’s Welfare” to “Women-led Development.” Under the UMEED scheme, 7 lakh women have been organized into 80,000 Self-Help Groups, with interest-free loans supporting women-led startups in manufacturing and IT sectors. He encouraged women graduates to pursue leadership roles across civil services, biotechnology, and global platforms.
On tourism, he stressed expanding beyond traditional destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam, promoting border tourism in villages like Keran, Gurez, and Teetwal. Nine new tourist destinations are being developed in coordination with the Union Government to ensure inclusive benefits reach remote areas.
Abdullah also called for sustainable infrastructure, including artificial snow technology and eco-friendly accommodations, urging Environmental Science graduates to help establish a “Green Standard” for Kashmiri hospitality. In agriculture, he promoted a “High-Density Revolution” for fruits, technology-driven pest detection, and blockchain-based traceability to support exports of local produce like Pampore saffron.
Presenting a vision of “Saffron & Silicon,” he emphasized developing J&K as a data-friendly zone and a hub for Green Data Centers, creating opportunities for knowledge-based industries, R&D centers, and entrepreneurial ventures, reducing the need for graduate migration.
Addressing youth mental health, he highlighted the expansion of district-level counselling through Mission Youth and urged graduates in Psychology and Social Work to promote mental well-being. He also stressed merit-based recruitment reforms and inspired graduates to act on Mahatma Gandhi’s call: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
Concluding on a motivational note, Omar Abdullah urged students to excel globally while preserving the spirit of Kashmiriyat, telling them: “Today, you are that light,” reflecting confidence that the graduating class would guide Jammu & Kashmir toward a progressive, innovative, and dignified future.
Srinagar, Feb 26: Addressing the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir, Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor Omar Abdullah highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s evolving economy, describing it as a hub for innovation, participatory governance, and sustainable development. The event was attended by Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, and other dignitaries.
Omar Abdullah termed the recently presented 2026–27 budget a “Fiscal Compass,” emphasizing the region’s transition from a tourism- and agriculture-centric economy to one focused on meritocracy, sustainability, and digital sovereignty. Reflecting on past economic setbacks, he praised the resilience of the people and called graduating students the “spring of J&K in full bloom.”
Highlighting women’s empowerment, he noted that nearly 60% of degrees and medals this year were earned by women, framing it as a shift from “Women’s Welfare” to “Women-led Development.” Under the UMEED scheme, 7 lakh women have been organized into 80,000 Self-Help Groups, with interest-free loans supporting women-led startups in manufacturing and IT sectors. He encouraged women graduates to pursue leadership roles across civil services, biotechnology, and global platforms.
On tourism, he stressed expanding beyond traditional destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam, promoting border tourism in villages like Keran, Gurez, and Teetwal. Nine new tourist destinations are being developed in coordination with the Union Government to ensure inclusive benefits reach remote areas.
Abdullah also called for sustainable infrastructure, including artificial snow technology and eco-friendly accommodations, urging Environmental Science graduates to help establish a “Green Standard” for Kashmiri hospitality. In agriculture, he promoted a “High-Density Revolution” for fruits, technology-driven pest detection, and blockchain-based traceability to support exports of local produce like Pampore saffron.
Presenting a vision of “Saffron & Silicon,” he emphasized developing J&K as a data-friendly zone and a hub for Green Data Centers, creating opportunities for knowledge-based industries, R&D centers, and entrepreneurial ventures, reducing the need for graduate migration.
Addressing youth mental health, he highlighted the expansion of district-level counselling through Mission Youth and urged graduates in Psychology and Social Work to promote mental well-being. He also stressed merit-based recruitment reforms and inspired graduates to act on Mahatma Gandhi’s call: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
Concluding on a motivational note, Omar Abdullah urged students to excel globally while preserving the spirit of Kashmiriyat, telling them: “Today, you are that light,” reflecting confidence that the graduating class would guide Jammu & Kashmir toward a progressive, innovative, and dignified future.
© Copyright 2023 brighterkashmir.com All Rights Reserved. Quantum Technologies
