Constitution Day celebrated at Central University of Jammu with focus on constitutional governance in J&K

JAMMU: The Department of Public Policy and Public Administration, Central University of Jammu, in collaboration with NCC 4th J&K Battalion NCC (Army Wing), CU Jammu, successfully organised a special programme to mark Constitution Day on 1st December 2025 at the Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium (DDE Building), Main Campus, Rahya-Suchani (Bagla), District Samba.

The programme revolved around the theme “Constitution in Action: Rights, Duties and Judicial Review in Jammu & Kashmir”, and focused on the working of the Constitution in the Union Territory, particularly the interface between citizens’ rights, their duties, and the role of judicial review in safeguarding democratic governance.Justice (Retd.) Sh. Mohan Lal Manhas, Former Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. In his keynote address, he traced the evolution of constitutional governance in Jammu & Kashmir and underscored the centrality of fundamental rights, fundamental duties and judicial review in protecting the rule of law. He also urged students and young citizens to internalise constitutional values in their personal, social and professional lives.

The programme was organised under the patronage of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu. The event commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest and a formal welcome, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.Prof. Santap Sanhari Misra, Head, Department of Public Policy and Public Administration, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the significance of Constitution Day as an occasion to revisit the spirit of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity embodied in the Preamble.

As part of the formal proceedings, Dr Jai Bhawani Singh (Department of Public Policy and Public Administration & CT-SD, 4th NCC BN, Jammu) led the collective reading of the Preamble of the Constitution of India. Students, research scholars, faculty members and NCC cadets participated enthusiastically, reaffirming their commitment to constitutional values.In his remarks, Prof. Aswini Kumar Nanda, Dean, reflected on the contemporary relevance of the Indian Constitution in the context of socio-economic change and public policy in Jammu & Kashmir.

He highlighted the role of universities in nurturing informed, responsible and constitutionally aware citizens, and appreciated the Department’s initiative in organising such academically rich programmes.Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, Central University of Jammu, delivered the Presidential Address. He underlined the importance of constitutional literacy for all stakeholders in higher education and stressed that a sound understanding of rights, duties and institutional checks and balances is essential for good governance. He also commended the active participation of students, research scholars and NCC cadets in the programme and encouraged them to translate constitutional ideals into everyday practice.

The event concluded with the presentation of a memento to Justice (Retd.) Mohan Lal Manhas as a token of gratitude from the University. This was followed by a formal Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the support of the University administration, faculty, staff, NCC unit and student volunteers, and the singing of the National Anthem. The programme was followed by high tea at the Committee Room, which provided an opportunity for informal interaction between the Chief Guest, University officials, faculty members and students.The Constitution Day celebration witnessed vibrant participation from students, research scholars, NCC cadets and faculty across departments. The programme not only commemorated the adoption of the Constitution of India, but also deepened understanding of its living character in the specific context of rights, duties and judicial review in Jammu & Kashmir.