GANDERBAL, AUGUST 02: Union Minister for Education, Government of India, Dharmendra Pradhan, Saturday emphasized that universities must evolve from being mere academic hubs to becoming agents of innovation, social transformation, and civilizational rejuvenation.
“Universities are not just collections of buildings, but cultures, traditions, and sentiments, rooted in India’s historical and philosophical ethos,” Dharmendra Pradhan said, while addressing a high-profile gathering of Vice-Chancellors, senior bureaucrats, academicians, researchers, and students during the National Workshop on “NEP-2020 Implementation: Strategy, Synergy, and Sustainable Action Conclave of HEIs of J&K and Ladakh,” organised by the Central University of Kashmir at Tulmulla campus.
Sunil Kumar Barnwal, IAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, Shantmanu, Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher Education Department, J&K, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir, Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University, Prof. Neelofar Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanuaujia, Director, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishnodevi University, Prof. K. S. Chandrasekhar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University Jammu, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shahid Rasool, deans of schools of various universities, faculty members, and senior administrative officials were present on the occasion.
Calling Kashmir a “seat of civilizational wisdom,” he invoked the rich heritage of the region—from its contributions to ancient knowledge systems and philosophy to its impact on Sufism, Buddhism, and Islamic culture. “This land has gifted spiritual reform and philosophical journeys to humanity,” he stated.
Earlier, Shantmanu, Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher Education Department, in his presentation, gave an overview of the region’s progressive efforts in reshaping higher education under the National Education Policy. The Education Minister also unveiled the new logo of the Central University of Kashmir. Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir, presented a comprehensive blueprint for overhauling India’s higher education ecosystem through strategic planning, institutional synergy, and sustainable action.