Ganderbal, Aug 2: 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 (CUKashmir) 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, 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.
Encouraging universities to align education with societal needs, he shared an inspiring example of a local schoolboy who developed a carbon monoxide sensor for Kangri users in Kashmir. “If a schoolboy can innovate for his local conditions, why can’t a university professor?” he asked, urging universities to develop region-specific solutions and engage in research that tangibly benefits society.
Pradhan underscored the importance of inter-institutional collaboration, urging academic institutions to share best practices, conduct joint research, and work towards multidisciplinary innovation. He appreciated the efforts of the CUKashmir Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ravinder Nath, for hosting this significant event. 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 Hon’ble Education Minister also unveiled the new logo of the Central University of Kashmir.
He presented key data, noting that Jammu & Kashmir has nine universities, including two central universities, IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, and over 150 government and private colleges, collectively catering to more than 3 lakh students. “With a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 24.8, J&K has emerged as one of the early adopters of NEP-2020, implementing the new curriculum structure from the 2022 batch onward,” he said. He emphasized the need for flexibility and reforms, stating that criteria would be relaxed to facilitate seamless implementation. Highlighting innovations, he spoke about initiatives like the J&K Gyanodaya Express—a “college on wheels” concept that enabled experiential learning through national educational tours, and the “Design Your Degree” (DID) programme, now gaining traction nationwide. He lauded the learner-centric and skill-integrated approach being adopted across institutions in the Union Territory.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal, IAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, highlighted the unique nature of the NEP-2020, stating that it is not a conventional policy to be enforced immediately, but a dynamic and holistic vision document with long-term aspirations, chiefly to achieve a “Developed India by 2047.”
He stressed that the NEP calls for a paradigm shift in educational thinking—moving away from the traditional classroom-centric and teacher-led approach to a more learner-centric, flexible, and outcome-oriented model. “The focus is no longer just on teaching, but on learning—on the student’s journey to reach their full potential,” he said.
Acknowledging the varied pace of NEP implementation across institutions, he urged collaboration and mutual learning. Drawing from recent forums like the Vice-Chancellors’ Conference in Gujarat, he underlined the need for shared best practices and greater synergy among universities, especially at the state level.
In his address 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. He unpacked the core concept behind the workshop theme—“Strategy, Synergy, and Sustainable Action”—framing it within the evolving framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He stressed the urgency of Institutional Development Plans (IDPs) for universities as visionary, action-driven documents essential for meaningful transformation.
