Jammu University V-C inaugurates leadership, digital skills workshop

A six-day capacity building workshop titled “Leadership and Digital Educational Competences”, jointly organised by the Department of Lifelong Learning (DLL) and the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), commenced today at the Department of Lifelong Learning, University of Jammu.

The workshop was formally inaugurated by Prof Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, who was the chief guest. In his inaugural address, Prof Rai emphasised that meaningful leadership is rooted in an individual’s sense of responsibility and commitment to the institution. He highlighted the growing importance of e-governance and digital transformation in higher education, noting that digital leadership is central to improving institutional efficiency, transparency and responsiveness. The Vice-Chancellor underscored that universities must equip educators with digital and leadership skills to navigate future challenges with confidence and adaptability.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof Prakash Narain, Former Head, Department of Continuing Education, University of Delhi. He spoke on the contemporary relevance of leadership and digital educational competencies in an increasingly technology-driven academic environment. Prof Narain stressed that the integration of leadership skills with digital proficiency is essential for strengthening teaching practices, improving learning outcomes and fostering sustainable institutional growth in higher education.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Suman Jamwal, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, reflected on the role of social sciences in shaping responsible and ethical digital leadership. She emphasised the need to combine ethical sensitivity, critical thinking and digital competence to respond effectively to emerging societal and educational challenges in the digital age. She also appreciated the Department of Lifelong Learning for organising a workshop on themes of contemporary relevance.

Earlier, Dr Priyanka Sharma, Director, Department of Lifelong Learning, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the workshop and highlighted the increasing significance of digital competencies in education.