Jammu | : The University of Jammu Friday celebrated the 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm.
TheVice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, hoisted the Tricolour amid recital of national anthem. Greeting the gathering, Prof. Rai said, “Our sovereignty, equality, and inclusiveness are hard-earned treasures, safeguarded by the supreme sacrifices of our freedom fighters and commitment of our armed forces.”
The Vice Chancellor also paid homage to Maharishi Aurobindo on his birth anniversary, recognising his invaluable contributions as a philosopher and freedom fighter.
Prof. Rai underscored the role of education in nation-building, emphasising that universities must connect academics to societal and national needs through innovation and invention to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the University’s landmark achievements — becoming the first in J&K to secure the NAAC A++ grade with a CGPA of 3.72, attaining the 50th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), and 23rd among state public universities. He lauded the University’s first-ever Research Policy, selection as a spoke institution under the prestigious ANRF-PAIR programme with IIT Delhi, and securing 52 research projects worth nearly ₹23 crore. Fourteen seed grants worth ₹13 lakh were also sanctioned to strengthen research.
Prof. Rai announced new Ph.D. programmes in Physical Education and Rural Studies, and Journalism & Media Studies. In line with NEP 2020, the University introduced Four Year Integrated Undergraduate Programmes (FYUGP) in BCA and BBA with Data Science as Major subjects in BCA at Kathua Campus. JU also launched innovative academic offerings such as the Design Your Degree programme, integrated five-year MSc programmes in Mathematical Sciences and Electronics.
He also highlighted MoUs with GHV Accelerator, University of Aberdeen (UK), Agrinnovate India Ltd., Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, and University of Life (MSME) to foster research, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Prof. Rai also noted that the infrastructure growth has been equally robust, with ₹35.23 crore sanctioned for 41 projects, including the Innovation Tower, Journalism Department building, a modern shooting range, a new Sewage Treatment Plant, C-type staff quarters, smart classrooms, and a state-of-the-art main gate.
In line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the University of Jammu organised a four-day Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme featuring youth-centric activities such as lectures on leadership, financial literacy, life skills, and cybercrime; an elocution competition on “Viksit Bharat”; awareness sessions on government welfare schemes; a heritage yatra; the Nasha Mukt Bharat rally; and sporting events promoting health and fitness. A multi-department exhibition showcased contributions from government departments and university units on start-ups, innovation, digital governance, civic participation, and entrepreneurship. Strengthening its digital governance, the University implemented Samarth ERP, conducted its first-ever large-scale Computer Based Test for 11,000 applicants with biometric and iris verification, and hosted its maiden Job Fair, connecting 565 candidates with 15 reputed companies, he added.
Alongside technological advancement, the University deepened its cultural and intellectual engagement by promoting national and regional languages under “UTSAAH – The Clubs” and establishing the Maharishi Aurobindo Gyan Kendra to foster holistic education
On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor was accorded a Guard of Honour by the University Security Wing led by Capt. S. R. Dubey and the NCC Girls Wing. This was followed by the release of tri-colour balloons, symbolising peace, unity, and national pride.
Earlier, Dean Students Welfare Prof. Prakash Chand Antahal, in his welcome address, extended greetings to the Vice Chancellor and other dignitaries including deans, directors, faculty, officers, members of various associations, staff, students, and civil society representatives.
He recalled the pledge administered by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor Shri Manoj Sinha to contribute towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and paid homage to martyrs and freedom fighters.
Prof. Antahal also acknowledged the continuing sacrifices of the armed and paramilitary forces and highlighted major initiatives taken by the Department of Students Welfare.
Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson of the Campus Cultural Committee, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, dignitaries, faculty, staff, students, and members of the civil society for their participation and support.
Prominent amongst those who attended the Flag Hoisting Ceremony included Prof. Anju Bhasin (Dean Academic Affairs), Prof. Neelu Rohmetra (Dean Research Studies), Prof. Naresh Padha, Prof. J. P. singh Joorel, Deans, Rectors, Directors, HoD’s, members of Campus Cultural Committee, representatives of the elected bodies of the University.
Prof. Monika Chadha presented the vote of thanks and the programme was conducted by Sumeet Sharma.
The event was organized under the stewardship of Prof. Prakash Antahal and was monitored by Prof. Monika Chadha, Prof. Sarika Manhas, Dr. Pritam Singh (Associate Dean SW), Dr. Shallu Sharma and Dr. A. R. Manhas (Dy. Chief Proctors), Dr. Harleen Kaur & Dr. Ripudaman Parihar (Assistant Deans SW) Ms Mansi Mantoo (Media Officer) Mr. Sumeet Sharma (Drama Instructor). The event management was looked after by Daleep Singh, Kulbhushan Thakur, Balwant Singh, Gagan, R.P. Singh, Arif Paul, Jasbir Singh, Sachin Sharma and Jatinder Singh.
