LG, CM Address Mega Alumni Meet at KU

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were among the dignitaries who addressed the Mega Alumni Meet–2025 at the University of Kashmir on Saturday, calling for stronger alumni engagement and celebrating the institution’s legacy of excellence.

In his address, LG Sinha urged distinguished alumni to contribute their expertise, resources, and networks to the development of higher educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, especially the University of Kashmir. “Alumni is not just a network of former students, but a network of human potential dedicated to nation-building,” he said.

He called for the creation of a formal institutional mechanism within the University to facilitate alumni contributions—ranging from mentorship and internships to infrastructure development. “I believe the alumni must extend handholding to young students, guide and empower them to build a better future for the next generation,” the LG stated.

He also lauded the university’s recent A++ grade in the NAAC assessment and commended initiatives like Design Your Own Degree, which he said are serving as models for institutions across India. He emphasised the effective implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 to restore India’s historical leadership in knowledge and learning.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, speaking at the event, said the University of Kashmir has consistently matched national benchmarks in research and alumni success. “The two main criteria to judge any academic institution are its research output and the achievements of its alumni. By both measures, this university is on par with the best in the country,” he said.

He encouraged alumni to maintain active ties with their alma mater. “Kashmir University has given you a lot. Even occasional contributions in the form of mentoring or institutional support would benefit current and future students,” the CM noted, urging alumni to serve as role models for the next generation.

The event was attended by a high-profile gathering, including Supreme Court Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P.S. Narasimha, Pankaj Mithal, and Rajesh Bindal; Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Arun Palli; and Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan. Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, and several current and former judges of the J&K High Court were also present.

During the event, prominent alumni including Dr Karan Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and several High Court judges were felicitated for their contributions. Former Chief Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey delivered the welcome address.

The meet served as a platform to celebrate the university’s 77-year legacy and to foster a deeper connection between its alumni and ongoing academic growth. The presence of top dignitaries from the judiciary, executive, and academia underscored the stature of the event.