• ‘Design Your Degree’ initiative introduced to offer flexible, student-centric academic pathways
• Semiconductor skilling programme with IIT Madras, integrated science courses among key launches
• Says future belongs to multidisciplinary learners as India aims for global technology leadership
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated a series of transformative academic initiatives at Cluster University Jammu, including the launch of the innovative “Design Your Degree” programme, integrated science courses, a semiconductor skilling programme in collaboration with IIT Madras, and new courses focused on Indian Knowledge Syste
Addressing students and faculty, the Lieutenant Governor described the initiatives as a significant shift towards multidisciplinary and student-centric higher education, saying the rapidly evolving global landscape requires young people capable of integrating knowledge across disciplines to solve complex challenges.
“The 21st century will welcome those youth who possess the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple fields and discover new solutions. The future belongs to those who recognise possibilities rather than boundaries,” Sinha said.
Calling the “Design Your Degree” programme a revolutionary step, he said it would allow students to customise their academic journeys by combining subjects according to their interests, talents and career aspirations, in line with the evolving demands of higher education and industry.
The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated integrated programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics and Geography, stressing that scientific research increasingly requires interdisciplinary approaches. Referring to climate change as an example, he said addressing contemporary global challenges demands collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines rather than isolated subject expertise.
Among the major announcements was the launch of a Semiconductor Skilling Programme in collaboration with IIT Madras. Sinha termed the initiative crucial for preparing students for India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem and deep-tech industries.
He said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has set an ambitious goal of becoming a global leader in technology development and manufacturing, adding that equipping students with cutting-edge semiconductor skills would strengthen the country’s technological capabilities.
The university also launched a one-year postgraduate diploma in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems and established a Department of Vedic Studies. The Lieutenant Governor said the programmes would help students understand India’s rich intellectual traditions, including contributions in mathematics, astronomy, linguistics, medicine and philosophy, alongside modern scientific education.
He emphasised that education must strike a balance between scientific advancement and value-based learning, enabling students to remain rooted in India’s civilisational heritage while preparing for global opportunities.
The event also witnessed the launch of a postgraduate programme in Environmental Sciences with a Minor Specialisation in Renewable Energy, a one-year postgraduate diploma in Dogri Translation, and the release of the university’s Nasha Mukt Bharat activity report.
On the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor’s office-cum-secretariat complex was renamed “Suryaputri Tawi Bhawan”, while the old IIM campus was renamed “Chandrabhaga Campus.”
Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Registrar Ankur Mahajan, heads of constituent colleges, faculty members and students attended the inaugural ceremony.
