Ganderbal, Aug 15: The Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour at its Tulmulla Campus, where Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath hoisted the National Flag in the presence of faculty members, officers, staff, research scholars and students.
The university’s Security Wing and students of the Department of Physical Education presented an impressive march past, adding solemnity to the celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ravinder Nath extended Independence Day greetings and recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters, stressing the responsibility of the present generation in shaping India’s future.
He said this year’s celebrations carried special significance with the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram and the theme of Yuva Shakti in transforming India towards Viksit Bharat@2047.
Calling youth the principal drivers of India’s transformation, the Vice-Chancellor urged students to protect the hard-earned freedom and contribute to nation-building through knowledge, integrity and discipline.
Prof. Ravinder Nath emphasised that higher education must go beyond academic qualifications and equip students with practical life-coping skills. He identified three key dimensions—personal, analytical and social skills—as essential for developing confident, responsible and capable citizens.
He highlighted effective communication, digital and financial literacy as important personal skills, particularly in an era increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies.
Emphasising analytical skills, he said rational thinking and sound reasoning help young people make informed decisions and remain resilient against misinformation, manipulation and unhealthy influences. Social skills, he added, are equally important for developing honesty, integrity, self-management and responsible civic engagement.
The Vice-Chancellor urged students to uphold discipline, decorum and dignity, describing them as essential qualities for responsible citizenship.
Speaking on Viksit Bharat@2047, he stressed the importance of economic growth, self-reliance, innovation, entrepreneurship, science and technology, including advances in defence technology.
He also highlighted India’s demographic dividend and the need to equip young people with quality education that enables both career advancement and employment opportunities across geographical boundaries.
Prof. Ravinder Nath called upon the university community to contribute meaningfully to India’s journey towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.
Later, the Vice-Chancellor distributed certificates among NCC volunteers and two students in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Assistant Registrar, Estates and Stores, Imtiyaz Ahmad Parray, conducted the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.