Says “Strengthening higher education, research, skilling key to building a knowledge-driven J&K”
Awantipora: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday inaugurated the 20th Foundation Day celebrations of the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), Awantipora, reiterating his Government’s commitment to strengthen the higher education, skilling, and research ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir to enable youth to lead the region towards a progressive and knowledge-driven future.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister extended warm felicitations to the University for achieving the milestone, praising IUST’s remarkable progress over two decades. “Great things often come from humble beginnings. The growth I see here Monday—in infrastructure, academic environment and the quality of students—reflects that IUST has evolved into a beacon of learning and innovation,” he said.
Reflecting on the transformation in the education landscape, Omar Abdullah highlighted the significance of the new education policy and its flexibility for students. “The ability to design your own degree and blend practical knowledge with classroom learning is a gift your generation enjoys. In our time, education meant repeating what was in the books, without knowing if it would ever be useful. Monday’s system encourages creative and critical thinking,” he observed.
The Chief Minister, who earlier inaugurated the University’s Tech Expo, lauded the students’ ingenuity and problem-solving spirit. “The innovative projects I saw Monday give me confidence that our future will be brighter than our present. From robotic fruit-picking systems to automatic snow shovels designed for narrow lanes—these ideas address real challenges and demonstrate the evolving mindset of our youth,” he remarked.
Underscoring the importance of research and patents emerging from the University, the Chief Minister noted, “In the field of education, 20 years is infancy. Yet, for a young institution like IUST to have produced over 70 patents speaks volumes about its academic vibrancy and innovative spirit.”
He assured full government support to the University’s ongoing expansion and infrastructure development. “It is our responsibility to ensure that IUST gets all necessary facilities and resources to continue its growth trajectory. Whatever we can do to support this institution, we will,” he pledged.
Referring to the emerging educational hub around Awantipora, Omar Abdullah said, “With AIIMS Awantipora nearing completion, this area will soon become a key centre of learning and healthcare. We must, therefore, continue to nurture IUST’s growth plans.”
The Chief Minister also endorsed the University’s proposals for developing sports infrastructure and affiliation of colleges from South Kashmir. He assured to expedite the land transfer for sports while advocating for sharing the facilities with the local community. “If such facilities are built with public resources, they should benefit the larger community as well,” he said.
On the affiliation of colleges, he remarked, “It’s time to recognize that Kashmir is no longer a single-university region. IUST has matured enough to affiliate colleges in South Kashmir. Sometimes, resistance to change is just human nature—but progress requires us to adapt.”
Reaffirming his personal commitment to the University, Omar Abdullah said, “ I assure you of my Government’s continued support and engagement. Every time you invite me, I will be here. Twenty years is a milestone, but I am confident the next twenty will be even more successful for IUST.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Community Radio Station and the Veshav Girls Hostel, released the University’s Annual Report, and witnessed the exchange of six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with reputed institutions and industries. He also felicitated students who brought laurels to Jammu & Kashmir in national-level sports events.
Minister for Agriculture Javid Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Ghulam Mohiddin Mir, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, Rafiq Ahmed Naik, and Waheed Para, Vice Chancellor IUST Prof. Shakeel Romshoo, faculty members, and students were present on the occasion.
