Lieutenant Governor inaugurates transformative academic initiatives at CLUJ
Blazing Tales News Service
JAMMU, JULY 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated a series of transformative academic initiatives at Cluster University Jammu (CLUJ), including the innovative “Design Your Degree” programme, integrated postgraduate science programmes, a one-year PG Diploma in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems, and the establishment of the Department of Vedic Studies.
Addressing the gathering, Manoj Sinha described the “Design Your Degree” programme as a landmark step towards student-centric education, saying it would allow students to design their academic journey by choosing subjects based on their interests, talents and career aspirations.
He said the rapidly changing global landscape demands multidisciplinary thinkers capable of integrating knowledge from different fields to develop innovative solutions.
“The frontiers of knowledge are continuously expanding. Problems are multidimensional, and their solutions are possible only through multidisciplinary approaches. I believe that the 21st century will welcome those young people who are not specialists in just one subject but possess the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple fields and discover new solutions. The future belongs to those who recognise possibilities, not boundaries,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the initiative empowers students to move beyond traditional academic boundaries and prepares them to meet future educational and professional challenges.
The event also marked the launch of integrated programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics and Geography. Highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary learning, Manoj Sinha said scientific advancement depends on collaboration across multiple disciplines.
Referring to the growing challenge of climate change, he said no single discipline can provide complete solutions.
“The study of climate change is not limited only to environmental science. Chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography and other disciplines play an equally important role. If we provide our students with a broader perspective from the very beginning, they will emerge not merely as subject specialists but as researchers and thinkers capable of understanding complex challenges in their entirety and finding practical solutions,” he said.
He said the integrated programmes would encourage students to combine scientific knowledge with innovation, enabling them to generate new ideas and contribute meaningfully to society.
Cluster University Jammu also launched a one-year PG Diploma in Sanatan Dharma and Indian Knowledge Systems and established the Department of Vedic Studies.
Calling the initiative a significant step towards preserving India’s intellectual heritage, Manoj Sinha said true education must strike a balance between scientific knowledge and moral values.
“As modern knowledge is essential, it is equally important that we understand who we are, what our intellectual tradition has been and what our civilisation has contributed to the world,” he said.
He said the new department and diploma programme would help students understand that the Indian Knowledge System extends far beyond ancient beliefs and religious practices, encompassing philosophy, the Upanishads, the Vedas, mathematics, medical science, astronomy and linguistics.
Describing these as invaluable contributions to global knowledge, he said India’s ancient traditions represent a rich legacy of intellectual inquiry, scientific thought and logical reasoning that continues to remain relevant in the modern era.
Highlighting India’s growing technological aspirations, Manoj Sinha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has resolved to become a global leader in technology development and manufacturing. He said universities have a crucial role in preparing young minds capable of driving innovation and contributing to the nation’s progress.
Expressing confidence in the new academic initiatives, the Lieutenant Governor said the programmes would strengthen research, promote innovation, encourage interdisciplinary learning and equip students with the knowledge and skills required to address future global challenges while remaining connected to India’s rich civilisational heritage.
