Jammu, Mar 19:  Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 'Goonj-2024' festival, a multi-genre mega event hosted by the University of Jammu. 

This festival, 'Goonj-2024', has been meticulously crafted to celebrate the rich and diverse culture of the region while providing educational institutions a platform to showcase their strengths and foster collaboration, thereby enriching the educational landscape of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.

Addressing the gathering, Lt Governor Sinha commended the University of Jammu for providing a unique platform for students to express their creativity, showcase their talents, and engage in dynamic learning experiences. He urged other universities and educational institutions to emulate the noteworthy initiatives of the University of Jammu, such as the 'Design Your Degree', 'College on Wheels', and 'Goonj' programs, which serve as catalysts for lifelong learning, discovery, and fostering creativity.

Highlighting the evolving role of universities and college campuses in the 21st century, Lt Governor Sinha emphasised their role as hubs for nurturing young minds poised to shape the future. He underscored the importance of collaboration, relevant subjects, research, and innovation to contribute towards the transformation of villages and towns, thereby benefiting society at large.

Emphasising the need for reinventing classroom learning, Lt Governor Sinha urged the teaching community to mentor students to unlock their true potential and ignite their creativity. He stressed that education should inspire students to embark on adventurous exploration, fostering a passion for generating new ideas, research, and innovations.

Lt Governor Sinha reiterated the importance of implementing the National Education Policy 2020 in both letter and spirit, emphasizing the need to connect the younger generation with India's rich cultural heritage and ancient knowledge systems.

During the event, Lt Governor Sinha visited the photo exhibition of the 'College on Wheels' initiative and various stalls set up by educational institutions and departments. He lauded the 'College on Wheels' initiative for providing students with opportunities to discover their unique personalities, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and creativity.

Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of the Higher Education Council J&K, stressed the importance of higher education institutions ensuring that their activities and initiatives have a positive impact on society.

The Lt Governor also released a souvenir of the festival and publications related to the 'College on Wheels' initiative and the project report of the University of Jammu. A documentary showcasing the 'College on Wheels' initiative was screened during the occasion.

The event also witnessed an impressive marchpast by a contingent of students, with Lt Governor Sinha paying homage to General Zorawar Singh. Prof. UmeshRai, Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof. BechanLal, Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu, heads of various universities and educational institutions, faculty members, senior officials, and a large number of students were present at the ceremony.