Terrorism Destroyed Youth Aspirations for Decades; J&K Has Now Created a New Destiny: LG Manoj Sinha
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that terrorism had remained the biggest enemy of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir for over three decades, crushing their dreams and aspirations. “Today, our youth are reclaiming their future, fulfilling their ambitions, and building a new Jammu and Kashmir,” the LG remarked, while addressing the valedictory session of the Foundation Day celebrations of the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) at Awantipora.
The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the IUST Innovation Campus and the new Administration Block on the occasion.
Highlighting the transformative journey of IUST over the past four years, the LG commended the university’s progress in enrolment, research, innovation, sustainability, and startup incubation.
“We have created massive infrastructure in the last five years. Now, young professionals must focus on development strategies to transform J&K’s fortunes,” the LG said, emphasizing that investments in human capital, research & development, incubation centres, and university infrastructure would serve as key drivers of J&K’s economic growth.
Between 2021 and 2025, the number of academic programmes at IUST increased from 41 to 90, introducing interdisciplinary and cutting-edge courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Space Technology, Data Science, and Apprenticeship-based UG skill programmes.
Student engagement has also grown remarkably, with applications rising from 3,000 in 2021 to 7,600 in 2025, and greater diversity in enrolments from across J&K and beyond.
Before 2021, IUST received only ₹2 crore annually in external research funding, but in just four years, the figure has crossed ₹69 crore. The university now boasts 32 granted patents, 77 published, and 33 newly filed. Two of its faculty members have been recognized among India’s top scientists in their respective fields.
From a ‘zero startup’ base in 2021, IUST has emerged as a thriving hub of innovation, having incubated 93 startups, hosted over 225 incubatees, and nurtured award-winning solutions in renewable energy, healthcare, and IT.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the university to focus on research-driven solutions such as developing low-cost, energy-resilient housing, promoting the reuse of construction materials, and advancing cold-mix technology for sustainable roads. He also called for innovations in communication technology to ensure connectivity in remote areas without reliance on traditional signal towers.
Touching upon the region’s turbulent past, the LG said:
“For over three decades, terrorism was the biggest adversary of our youth—it shattered their aspirations. Today, Jammu and Kashmir has built a new identity, a new destiny, and woven new dreams. We must protect this transformation at all costs, and those attempting to derail it must be dealt with firmly.”
The event was attended by Shri Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department; Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS; Prof. A.H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. Abdul Wahid, Registrar, IUST; along with senior officials, faculty members, and students.
