Jammu, Feb 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday emphasized the need to transform educational campuses into dynamic hubs of innovation to realize the vision of Developed India@2047, stating that India must aim to lead the global technology revolution.
He was addressing the valedictory function of the 48-hour national-level hackathon “Innovathon 1.0” organized by the Skill, Incubation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre at the University of Jammu.
The Lieutenant Governor said the younger generation must pursue transformative innovations, describing the Developed India@2047 vision as a commitment to future generations. He noted that Indian youth are not passive observers of change but active architects shaping the future, adding that cutting-edge research and fresh ideas have the power to influence the nation’s destiny.
Highlighting the evolving role of educational institutions, Sinha observed that campuses have moved beyond degree-granting centres to become “factories of ideas” and innovation workshops. He said Innovathon 1.0 has helped bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application, with its five thematic pillars—Artificial Intelligence, Cyber-Physical Systems, Sustainability, Health-Tech and Responsible Tourism—reflecting key challenges and opportunities for India’s development journey.
The Lieutenant Governor called for the creation of technological ecosystems that continuously adapt and embrace change. He pointed out that skills once considered essential for employment are rapidly becoming outdated, as technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Quantum Computing and Synthetic Biology increasingly shape the present.
He stressed that classrooms must shift from passive learning to active creation, encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork over individual achievement. Sinha urged educational institutions to promote an entrepreneurial culture, strengthen startup ecosystems and bridge the gap between prototypes and market-ready products.
Emphasizing the responsible use of technology, he said Artificial Intelligence should enhance rather than replace human intelligence. As emerging technologies blur the line between digital and physical worlds, he added, solutions must focus on improving everyday lives through secure and practical applications.
The Lieutenant Governor also encouraged youth and entrepreneurs to convert innovative ideas into viable commercial tools that contribute to social and national progress. “Transform knowledge into creation, silos into synergy, and aspirations into achievements. Don’t just participate in the future—define it,” he told the participants.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, SIIEDC Director Prof. Alka Sharma, faculty members, innovators and startup entrepreneurs attended the valedictory ceremony.
