Jammu, February 27, 2026 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated ‘Goonj 2026’, a two-day Youth Festival hosted by the University of Jammu, emphasizing the transformative power of youth in nation-building.
Addressing students and faculty during the inaugural ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor said that the youth possess boundless potential to steer society and the nation towards a progressive future. He stressed the need to nurture balanced minds, bold innovators and creative leaders for sustainable development.
“Empowered youth engineers the future. Intellectual depth, creative strength and innovative youth leadership are essential for national advancement,” he said.
A Platform for Innovation and Expression
‘Goonj 2026’ aims to provide a vibrant platform for young minds across disciplines to collaborate, exchange ideas and shape a shared vision for the future. The festival seeks to educate the mind, energize the body and ignite innovation among students.
The Lieutenant Governor urged students to embrace innovation, pursue fresh research, experiment fearlessly and open new avenues for nation-building.
He also called upon them to remain rooted in tradition while advancing toward modernity.
“Honor your traditions, respect your past and stay connected to your roots. This deepens identity, confidence and self-awareness beyond classroom learning,” he remarked.
Education Beyond Degrees
Highlighting the broader purpose of education, the Lieutenant Governor observed that true learning goes beyond acquiring knowledge and aims at shaping enlightened citizens conscious of their responsibilities.
“Students enter campuses not merely for degrees, but to nurture culture, explore ideas and courageously drive societal progress,” he said.
He also underscored the rapid pace of global transformation driven by technological advancements and urged faculty members to turn higher education campuses into hubs of innovation and idea generation.
“Let every lecture become a doorway to new possibilities. The effort must go beyond curriculum, encouraging genuine interdisciplinary dialogue,” he directed.
Launch of ‘JU Vaachan’ Podcast
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor launched “JU Vaachan,” a podcast initiative by the Department of Journalism and Media Studies of Jammu University.
The event was attended by Vice Chancellor Umesh Rai, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, along with senior faculty members, officials and students.
Prominent personalities including Jitendra Udhampuri, S. P. Varma, Romalo Ram, and former DGP Ashok Bhan were also present at the inaugural ceremony.
The festival is expected to witness active participation from students across various disciplines over the next two days.
