Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. - Higher Education Plays a Crucial Role in Achieving the Mission of ‘Viksit Bharat’: Dr. R. Balasubramanyam
- The Vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ Can Be Realized Through Collective Efforts: Ms. Deepti Gaur Mukherjee
- Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain Emphasizes ‘Self-belief’ as the Foundation of Self-Reliance
JAMMU: The Central University of Jammu inaugurated a two-day capacity-building workshop on “Indigenous Space Technology for Viksit Bharat 2047: Mission Excellence to Space Leadership” on Tuesday. Organised by the Satish Dhawan Centre for Space Science, the workshop is being held on October 27–28, 2026.
Dr. Shweta Yadav welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. Prof. Rakesh Jha, Workshop Coordinator, presented an introductory note outlining the objectives and significance of the workshop and highlighting the importance of indigenous space technology in India's journey towards technological self-reliance.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, said that the renowned Indian scientist Satish Dhawan was born in Jammu and Kashmir, making it a matter of great privilege for the University to have a research centre named after him.
Emphasising the importance of self-reliance, he remarked that self-reliance begins with self-belief. He noted that Indian start-ups are now manufacturing satellites and that indigenous Indian space technology is gaining recognition across the globe. He highlighted the importance of nurturing innovation and strengthening India's technological capabilities to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Shri Ram Niwas Sharma, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, School Education, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, observed that the workshop was not merely a platform for discussing indigenous technology but also a reflection of India's growing self-reliance in space technology. He emphasised the relevance of the workshop to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that space technology could make significant contributions to disaster management, national security and environmental protection. He underlined the potential of space-based applications to address regional challenges and support sustainable development.
Ms. Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, IAS, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, and Guest of Honour, congratulated the Central University of Jammu for organising the first workshop on this important theme and appreciated Prof. Sanjeev Jain for taking the initiative. She stressed that the vision of Viksit Bharat could be realised only through collective efforts and active participation in the nation's development.
She remarked that the deliberations and brainstorming sessions held during this workshop will undoubtedly provide direction for the development of indigenous space technology. She noted that the Government of India has placed a strong emphasis on technological development and the utility of research, as new research will provide a significant boost not only to the space sector but to various other fields as well.
Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India, and Chief Guest, highlighted the pivotal role of higher education in achieving the mission of Viksit Bharat. He observed that technology is one of the most important pillars of the vision of a developed India. He emphasised that workshops of this nature can sensitise young minds, inspire them to explore emerging technological opportunities and encourage them to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development.
An important highlight of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Central University of Jammu and the Board of Apprenticeship Training (Northern Region), Kanpur for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program (AEDP). The agreement marks an important step towards and strengthening institutional collaboration and creating opportunities for cooperation of mutual interest.
The two-day workshop features eight thematic sessions focusing on indigenous technological capabilities, strategic leadership, private-sector participation, human spaceflight, disaster management, space diplomacy, industry–academia collaboration and skill development for the emerging space economy.
The workshop is being coordinated by Prof. Santap Sanhari Mishra, Head, Department of Public Policy and Public Administration and Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Prof. Rakesh Jha, Head, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Central University of Jammu.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, Central University of Jammu, who acknowledged the dignitaries, participants and everyone who contributed to the successful conduct of the inaugural session. The workshop will continue on October 28, 2026, with further deliberations on India's indigenous space capabilities, technological innovation and the role of higher education in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
