Srinagar, Feb 26(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the graduating students of the University of Kashmir will shape the Union Territory’s future and urged them to honour the sacrifices of their parents.
Addressing the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir here, Abdullah described the students as the “light” that will lead J&K forward and said their formal education may be ending, but their larger responsibility to society was beginning.
He asked the graduates to reflect on their role in the changing socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and said the degrees conferred upon them were also a recognition of their families’ support and sacrifices.
Citing a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the chief minister said, “Your heaven lies under the feet of your mother,” and called upon students to respect and care for their parents.
Abdullah also acknowledged the contribution of teachers and faculty members, saying they had guided students in an era marked by rapid technological change and information overload.
Referring to the 2026–27 budget, he said the government’s focus was on economic transformation, job creation and inclusive growth. He termed the budget a roadmap for building a modern and economically vibrant Jammu and Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Highlighting women’s participation, Abdullah said over 60 per cent of nearly 60,000 degrees and medals awarded this year had gone to women. He said schemes such as the Omid initiative have organised around seven lakh women into self-help groups to promote financial independence.
On tourism, he said the government was working to expand visitor footfall beyond traditional destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam by promoting border tourism in areas such as Gurez, Keran and Tangdhar, while stressing the need for sustainability amid environmental concerns.
He also spoke about modernising agriculture through high-density plantations, technology-driven solutions and improved market access, and called for growth in digital infrastructure, including green data centres.
Abdullah emphasised merit-based governance and said opportunities must be determined by ability rather than background.
He also underlined the importance of addressing mental health issues among youth and urged graduates to contribute to building a resilient and inclusive society.(KNS)