Srinagar, Feb 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called the graduating students of the University of Kashmir “architects of a new Jammu and Kashmir,” urging them to actively shape the region’s future rather than wait for it to unfold. Addressing the 21st convocation at the historic Naseem Bagh campus, he described the university as a “sanctuary of wisdom” and a site of generational transition.
Graduates as Torchbearers of Change
Omar highlighted the symbolic importance of the occasion, calling it a “day of succession,” and reminded students that they are inheriting the legacy of those who preserved knowledge through challenging times. Quoting Kashmiri mystic poetess Laleshwari, he stressed that formal education is only the beginning of self-learning and urged graduates to define their role in shaping J&K’s story in 2026.
Paying tribute to parents, he said every degree represents the sacrifices of families and cited Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Your heaven lies under the feet of your mother.” He also lauded the faculty for mentoring students beyond textbooks, equipping them to navigate today’s information driven world.
Vision for Economic, Social, and Sustainable Growth
Referring to the recently presented 2026–27 budget, Omar called it a “fiscal compass” for steering the region toward economic vibrancy and participatory governance. He underscored women’s empowerment, noting that over 60% of nearly 60,000 degrees and medals went to women and describing this as a shift from welfare to women led development.
Highlighting tourism, he emphasized expanding focus beyond Gulmarg and Pahalgam to border areas like Keren, Gurez, and Titwal, while stressing sustainable planning amid environmental challenges such as receding glaciers and changing weather patterns.
On agriculture and technology, Omar spoke of a “high-density revolution” in horticulture, integrating IT solutions like real time pest detection and traceability systems to connect Kashmiri produce to global markets a vision he termed “saffron and silicon.” He also pointed to opportunities in digital infrastructure, green data centers, and knowledge based industries, encouraging youth to become job creators rather than seekers.
Emphasis on Mental Health and Meritocracy
Omar acknowledged the pressures faced by young people and called on graduates in psychology and social work to normalize discussions on mental well being. “Success is not only about income; it is about a peaceful mind and a resilient heart,” he remarked.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparent governance, emphasizing that merit should be the sole criterion for recruitment, irrespective of family background.
A Call to Uphold Kashmiriyat
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister urged graduates to carry the spirit of Kashmiriyat wherever they go. “Go anywhere in the world, but carry the fragrance of these chenars in your heart. Today, you are the light that will lead Jammu and Kashmir forward,” he said.