Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 5: Calling for a fundamental shift in how education is perceived and delivered, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Umesh Rai today stressed the urgent need to equip students with real-world skills—coding, IT, analytical thinking, communication, and entrepreneurship as envisaged in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Presiding over the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Induction Programme, Prof Rai also highlighted the crucial role of the teaching community in shaping the destiny of their taught and emphasized that classroom teaching accounts for merely seven percent of the learning process, and the real responsibility of a teacher is to spark curiosity and build a student’s interest in the discipline—not just to complete the syllabus.
The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the new students with a call to move beyond rote learning and embrace true education, saying they should break disciplinary silos and think across subjects.
Addressing the students, B. R. Sharma, former Chief Secretary, JKUT, and a proud alumnus of the University of Jammu, who was the chief guest on the occasion, called for viewing university life not merely as a route to a degree, but as a transformative journey of self-discovery and intellectual growth. He urged students to explore beyond the boundaries of their disciplines, engage in critical thinking, and not shy away from failures, calling them stepping stones to success.
Brigadier Pavan Rai, Cdr, 26 Artillery Division, while speaking on the occasion, exhorted students to be like soldiers on the frontline, face every challenge with courage, and let their character be their strongest weapon.
Addressing the freshers during the Induction Programme, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, urged students to view education not just as a means to a career, but as a journey of self-refinement and growth. She emphasized that becoming a better human being—one who is empathetic, humble, and truthful—should be the highest goal during their time at the University.
Prof Prakash C Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, gave a detailed presentation on the centralized student support facilities available on the University of Jammu campus.
In a special video message, Vikram Upadhyay, Founder of GHV Accelerator, encouraged students to look beyond traditional career paths and embrace innovation, adaptability, and purpose.
Prashant Singh, CEO of Blue Planet, in his video message, emphasized the importance of using this formative time not just for academic growth, but to evolve as compassionate and responsible individuals.
Earlier Prof Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, encouraged students to participate beyond the classroom—through research, culture, clubs, and service.
Among others present on the occasion included Prof Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, Deans, Rectors, Heads, Directors, faculty members and students.
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