Srinagar, October 31, 2025:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday addressed the ‘Deeksharambh’ — Student Induction Programme of SKUAST-Kashmir, held under the theme “Anekta Mein Ekta Diwas” to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of transforming agricultural education to ensure sustainability and resilience in the sector.
> “We must sprint ahead in agriculture and allied sectors to fuel India’s growth story,” said the Lieutenant Governor. “To build a developed India, our prime objective should be to achieve a consistent 5% annual growth rate.”
Highlighting the evolving role of technology in modern farming, the Lieutenant Governor urged institutions like SKUAST-Kashmir to adopt AI-powered agriculture, crop diversification, and strategic planning to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ incomes.
> “Educational institutions like SKUAST should focus on AI-powered farming and diversification into high-value crops with strategic planning to boost productivity and income of farmers,” LG Sinha emphasized.
Praising SKUAST-Kashmir’s academic progress, Sinha said the presence of students from across India was a reflection of the university’s growing national prominence.
> “On this day, as we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, I am delighted to see students from every corner of the country — from Arunachal to Andhra Pradesh, Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Madhya Pradesh to Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu to Telangana, and Kerala to Karnataka. This diversity has transformed SKUAST-Kashmir into a true ‘Mini India’,” he remarked.
Acknowledging the transformative journey of the university, the Lieutenant Governor said that the progress made in the last three to four years has been truly remarkable.
Encouraging students to uphold the ideals of unity and service, Sinha said:
> “You are the inheritors of Sardar Patel’s vision and ambassadors of national unity. As we honour his memory today, let us reaffirm our duty to strengthen the nation. Let your education be not just about earning degrees, but about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated social workers and prominent citizens for their contributions to society and also visited the Chrysanthemum Garden on the campus. The students’ cultural performances drew special appreciation from the LG.
The event was attended by Aftab Malik, Chairman, District Development Council Srinagar; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; senior officials, faculty members, staff, and students.
