JU VC urges to promote cultural heritage of Jammu

Jammu: Asserting that the pluralistic nature of Jammu region should necessarily be developed, preserved, and celebrated to ensure its addition to the national pluralism, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, on Thursday advocated for ‘Jammu-riyat’, aimed at foregrounding the rich cultural diversity of the region.
The Vice-Chancellor speaking at the celebration function of 55th Foundation Day of the University of Jammu, marked by a series of events highlighting the institution’s growth and achievements.
Prof. Rai highlighted JU’s remarkable achievements, including its rise in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2024), where it secured the 50th position among universities and 23rd among 11, 000 State Universities.
He shared that the University’s Business School earned recognition, ranking 18th in The Week’s government B-School category.
Prof. Rai introduced “Jammuriyat,” a new term aimed at foregrounding the rich cultural diversity of the Jammu region, asserting, “The pluralistic nature of this region should necessarily be developed, fore-grounded, preserved, and celebrated to ensure its addition to the national pluralism.”
He announced that the club consortium ‘UTSAH’ shall organise a series of activities around it.
On the infrastructure front, Prof. Rai announced the initiation of several significant projects, including the Innovation Tower, a new facility for the Department of Journalism and Mass Media, and the Madan Mohan Malaviya Teachers’ Training Centre.
“Sustainability initiatives such as campus digitisation, the introduction of e-vehicles, and the creation of vertical gardens from recycled materials are important initiatives of the University,” said Prof. Umesh Rai, adding that the University has launched the “GYANANJALI Journal” for language scholars and the QR Code System in the Dhanwantri Library, which will enhance resource accessibility.
Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu, Prof. Bechan Lal, Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu, and Prof. Pragiti Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, were among the Guests of honour.
Prof. Dinesh Singh, former Vice Chancellor of Delhi University and Vice Chairman, of J&K Higher Education Council, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, in his address reflected on the significance of such celebrations, emphasising the need for introspection and continual improvement.
“JU is in my DNA,” he remarked, describing the deep connection he feels with the university. He urged attendees to consider the purpose of Foundation Day, suggesting it offers a moment to pledge renewed dedication to the institution, state, and nation.
Prof. Singh also spoke about the evolving role of educators, stating, “A teacher should learn from his students and always strive for self-improvement, aiming to make a substantial change in society.”
He lauded the leadership of JU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai, for steering the University to new heights, calling JU ‘the new rising sun’, particularly through initiatives like the “Design Your Degree” programme, which he described as a pioneering effort for student empowerment.
The inaugural issue of the ‘Jammu University Times’, a monthly e-newsletter published by the media cell of the university, was released as a highlight of the occasion. Prof. Rai shared that it will serve as an invaluable resource for the JU fraternity and the public about the University and provide internship opportunities to the students.
Prof. Bechan Lal, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, commended the University’s achievements under Prof. Rai’s leadership, particularly the institution’s impressive performance in the NIRF rankings and its role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP).
Prof. Manoj Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu, highlighted JU’s journey, saying these achievements are a reminder of the glorious past.
He praised the University’s present NIRF ranking, attributing it to the dynamism of the Jammu
University fraternity. Prof. Gaur further acknowledged JU’s legacy of producing notable personalities.
Prof. Pragiti Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SMVDU, congratulated all stakeholders, recognising their contributions to JU’s success, and offered unconditional support for the further implementation of the NEP.
Earlier, Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, presented a formal welcome address.
On the occasion, former employees including Prof. YR Malhotra, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu; Kulbushan Gupta, former Confidential Assistant in Examination; Raj Kumar, former section officer; Punjab Singh, former Jamadar; Dayal Chand, former maali; Kurku Ram, former Head Security; and Shakina, former sanitation worker, were felicitated.
Serving employees, Prof. KS Charak and Vinod Bali were felicitated for their contributions in Design Your Degree and NAAC preparations, respectively.
Students from sports, NCC, and NSS were also felicitated for their achievements.
The event was marked by the cultural performances in which students from the university departments participated. The dance was led by Neetika Aggarwal, and the song and Ghazal by Suraj Singh.
The formal vote of thanks was presented by Prof. Rahul Gupta, Registrar, University of Jammu, and Prof. Garima Gupta conducted the proceedings of the event.
Other prominent present on the occasion included Prof. Vinod Kumar, Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy; Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development; Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof. Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare; Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, Director DD&OE; deans of various faculties; heads of various departments; faculty members; and students.