Students should aim at improving human conditions: Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the broader aim of students should be to improve and better the human condition, and warned them against being complacent.

"You can neither afford to rest on your laurels nor be complacent and smug. You have to be the torch bearers and flag carriers of progress," Omar said in his address at the 18th Convocation of Kashmir University here.

Omar said broader aim of the passing out students should be to enhance their capacities as young leaders to improve and better the "human condition".

"As people empowered by knowledge, self transcending goals should inform and determine the trajectories of all of you. It is then that you can make a difference in today's knowledge societies where the only limits and limitations are ones set by one's imagination," he said.

He said there are no boundaries to knowledge, no cultural differences to impede and no structural impediments that cannot be overcome.

"It is a brave new world where the global and the local meld rather seamlessly into each other. It is in this world that you have to step in as potential leaders and doyens. Leadership means a blend of intuition, knowledge, imagination, a capability to discern trends in the face of complexity and to forge new pathways," he said.

"I see in each one of you here today a future role as the next wave of these pioneering leaders. Let all of you make a pledge today and affirm that you will take on the challenge that leadership in today's world entails," he added.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor of the University Prof Talat Ahmad presented the University Report and gave resume of the academic, research and extra-curricular activities of the University.

He said during the last three years, 235 students completed PhD while 405 students completed their M Phils at the University.

The Vice Chancellor said the University Grants Commission has sanctioned support to nine Departments of the University while eight Departments have been recognised by Department of Science and Technology for financial support.

President Pranab Mukherjee, who was the chief guest at the function, awarded gold medals and certificates to the outstanding students at the convocation.