Jammu, Nov 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir inaugurated the “Gyanodaya Express- College on Wheels,” a pioneering mobile educational initiative in the region. The initiative, a collaborative effort by the Higher Education Council and the University of Jammu, is designed to empower approximately 700 female students from various universities in the Union Territory.
The “Gyanodaya Express” sets itself apart as an educational pilgrimage, transcending the boundaries of traditional classrooms and academic streams. The initiative was flagged off from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra, and will traverse through different states, offering approximately 700 girl students an immersive, collaborative, and project-based learning experience.
The journey aims to dissolve boundaries and evolve education by providing students with exposure to diverse regions, cultures, and aspects of life and wisdom. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s life, where he undertook an epic train tour of the country, the “College on Wheels” seeks to awaken students to universal and eternal values such as Truth and Non-Violence.
Lt Governor Sinha expressed that the train journey would be a transformative experience for students, allowing them to collaborate on different subjects and create something new through cooperation and teamwork. The unique initiative aligns with the visionary National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, propelling a shift from job seekers to job creators.
Beyond academic pursuits, the Gyanodaya Express aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of the areas they visit, fostering personal growth, innovation, and national unity. The journey includes visits to centers of excellence such as the Indian Navy, ISRO, and Sabarmati Ashram, providing students with hands-on knowledge and new ideas for research.
The initiative was highlighted by Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of the J&K Higher Education Council, and Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu. It is seen as an innovative project for the empowerment of students, offering experiential knowledge of the world outside traditional classrooms.
The “Gyanodaya Express- College on Wheels” represents a transformative educational experience, embodying the principles of idea incubation, innovation, and skill development for the participating students. The initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for personal growth, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and contributing to national development.
