Lt Governor Manoj Sinha: J&K's New Identity Must Be Protected as IUST Celebrates Growth in Education and Innovation

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha made these remarks while addressing students at an event.

Srinagar:

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized on Wednesday that the newly forged destiny, identity, and dreams of J&K must be safeguarded at all costs.

"For over three decades, terrorism was the greatest enemy of Jammu and Kashmir's youth, destroying their dreams and aspirations. Jammu and Kashmir has now created a new destiny, a new identity, and woven new dreams. This must be protected at all costs, and those attempting to shatter our youth's dreams must face strict consequences," stated Lt Governor Manoj Sinha during his address at the valedictory session of Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) foundation day celebrations.

The Lt Governor highlighted that the Central government has established substantial infrastructure over the past five years, and now young professionals should concentrate on development strategies to transform J&K's future.

"Our investments in human capital, research and development, Incubation Centres, and University infrastructure will drive J&K's economic growth," he asserted.

He noted that academic programs increased from 41 to 90 between 2021 and 2025, introducing interdisciplinary and cutting-edge courses including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Design Your Own Degree, Space Technology, Data Sciences, and Apprenticeship-based UG-level Skill.

"Applications across multiple disciplines have risen from 3,000 in 2021 to 7,600 in 2025, with increased diversity from across J&K and beyond," he mentioned.

The Lt Governor further revealed that before 2021, IUST's external funding for research was merely Rs. 2 crore annually. However, in just 4 years, the university has secured more than Rs. 69 crore in external research funding.

"At least 32 patents have been granted, 77 patents published, and 33 more filed; additionally, two faculty members rank among the top Indian scientists in their respective fields. This is a matter of great pride for IUST," he stated.

He also highlighted that from having zero startups in 2021, the university has grown to incubate 93 startups over the last four years, hosted over 225 incubatees, and fostered award-winning innovations in renewable energy, healthcare, and information technology.

During the event, the Lt Governor inaugurated the IUST Innovation Campus and a new Administration Block at the IUST main Campus in Awantipora. He also directed IUST to focus on research innovation for developing low-cost energy resilient houses.