Governor N.N. Vohra presided over the 1st Convocation of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) held here today. Prof. (Dr.) K. Vijay Raghvan, Principal Scientific Advisor to Govt. of India, was the Chief Guest and Prof. Srikumar Banerjee, former Chairman Atomic Energy Commission of India and founder Chancellor of the CUK was the Guest of Honour.Governor, in his Presidential Address, wished a very bright future to all alumni who received degrees, medals and awards at today’s Convocation. He observed that the passing out students now have the responsibility to work for the growth and development of the society and they should discharge this obligation by setting examples in their professional work and personal lives.Governor complimented the Vice Chancellor and all his colleagues, staff and the students for the good work which is being done in the Campus and recalled that the University since its establishment in 2010, had faced varied challenges, both logistical and human resource related. Governor recalled that, in the earlier year, similar difficulties were faced by the three non-State universities and some of the common problems were tackled by all the VCs getting together, under the Vice-Chancellor’s Forum which he had helped to get established. He expressed satisfaction that the VC’s Forum has sure emerged as an important consultative mechanism for examining complex academic issues.
Governor noted that the relevance of a University was determined by the extent to which its Faculty and scholars were engaged in undertaking researches to find solutions to the problems faced by the people in the State. Governor emphasised the need for universities to get engaged in researches in issues like the cleaning of Dal and Wular Lakes, scientific designing of urban areas, traffic management, urban and rural waste management etc.Despite the fact that J&K has certain historical and geographical disadvantages which have constrained its growth as a Knowledge Society, Governor noted that we have attracted many eminent academicians from outside the State who have taught at our universities. He hoped that a very large number of students from different parts of the country would study in J&K universities in the coming years.Governor noted with satisfaction that a considerably large number of girl students were performing excellently and gaining gold medals and certificates of merit in almost all universities. He hoped that, in the coming years, girls would totally take over the boys.Governor urged the teachers to maintain close relations with all their pupils, understand their problems and give them advice and support. He said that it is the responsibility of elders to guide youngsters and get them over all their problems.Earlier, Prof. Mehraj ud Din Mir, Vice Chancellor CUK, presented the Vice Chancellor’s Report and highlighted the achievements of the University and its future plans.Present on the occasion were Legislators; present and former Vice Chancellors of various Universities; members of the Faculty; students; parents of the students and many distinguished guests.