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. JAMMU: Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, today interacted with the newly admitted students on the third day of the University's induction programme, exhorting them to make the most of the opportunities available at the University and prepare themselves to become skilled, innovative and socially responsible citizens capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Welcoming the students to the University, Prof. Umesh Rai congratulated them on becoming a part of one of the region's premier institutions and described their admission as the beginning of a transformative journey of learning, discovery and self-development. He urged them to utilise every opportunity available on the campus and participate actively in academic, cultural, literary, sports and skill development activities.
Highlighting the University's commitment towards promoting student talent, the Vice-Chancellor informed the students that the University has established a ₹2 crore corpus fund to ensure the sustained functioning of its student clubs irrespective of administrative changes. He further stated that a separate ₹50 lakh corpus fund has been created for the publication of the Litzine magazine, reflecting the institution's long-term commitment to promoting literary expression, creativity and student talent.
Introducing the freshers to the University, Prof. Rai said that the University of Jammu comprises the Main Campus and seven off-site campuses and has earned national recognition for its academic standards, including NAAC A++ accreditation.
Referring to the University's academic innovations, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the flagship undergraduate programme, "Design Your Degree," describing it as one of the country's most progressive academic initiatives. He informed the students that the programme has received appreciation from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education and was recently showcased before senior policymakers as a model for the future of higher education. He noted that students enrolled under the programme have earned recognition through national innovation competitions, successful start-ups and technology-driven projects adopted by leading organisations.
Prof. Rai emphasised that education must extend beyond classroom learning and should equip students with the ability to solve real-life problems. He encouraged students from every discipline to acquire competencies in Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Coding, Data Analytics, Critical Thinking, Creativity and Communication Skills, stating that these abilities would play a vital role in higher education, research, entrepreneurship and future careers. He also urged the students to participate in the University's skill development programmes, describing them as valuable investments in their future.
The Vice-Chancellor also called upon the students to develop a strong sense of belongingness towards the University. He observed that universities flourish when students consider the institution as their own and contribute positively to its academic and cultural environment. Stressing the importance of democratic values, he said universities should encourage dialogue, debate and the free exchange of ideas while reminding students that every freedom carries the responsibility of respecting fellow students, teachers, employees and University property.
Sharing recent institutional achievements, Prof. Rai informed the students about the University's efforts in regaining long-pending land required for future expansion, the transfer of land at Bemina for establishing a new campus in Srinagar and the approval of the Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence, which will promote interdisciplinary research and create new academic opportunities for students.
Concluding his address, the Vice-Chancellor reminded the freshers that students remain at the heart of every university and assured them that the entire University fraternity is committed to providing them with quality education, opportunities for growth and an environment that enables them to realise their full potential. He wished the students a rewarding, enriching and successful journey at the University of Jammu.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Prof. Meena Sharma, Convener, UTSAAH, introduced the students to the objectives of UTSAAH – The Clubs and encouraged them to actively participate in co-curricular activities for their overall personality development.
The induction programme has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the University's academic ecosystem, student support services and campus life.
On the first day, the Teaching Departments organised orientation sessions in their respective departments, where the students were introduced to the faculty members, academic programmes, curriculum, departmental facilities and other academic support systems.
On the second day, the students visited the University's central facilities, including the Library, Sports Complex, Health Centre and other common facilities, enabling them to familiarise themselves with the infrastructure and services available on the campus. The third day featured Aaramb—the interaction of the newly admitted students with UTSAAH – The Clubs of the University of Jammu—which emerged as one of the major highlights of the University's induction programme.
The programme featured interactive sessions and presentations by the University's UTSAAH Clubs, offering the newly admitted students an insight into the diverse cultural, literary, creative and extracurricular opportunities available on the campus. Prof. Sadaf Shah, Coordinator, Literary Club; Dr. Madhulika Singh, Coordinator, Theatre Club; Prof. Suman Jamwal, Coordinator, Film Club; Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Coordinator, Music Club; and Dr. Priya Dutta, Coordinator, Dance Club, acquainted the students with the objectives, activities, achievements and year-round initiatives of their respective clubs, while encouraging them to actively participate in club activities for their overall personality development, leadership, teamwork and holistic growth.
The interactive sessions were complemented by vibrant performances presented by the students of the Dance, Film, Theatre, Literary and Music Clubs. The cultural presentations included patriotic and contemporary dance performances, a documentary screening, a thought-provoking skit, poetry recitation and a soulful musical performance, showcasing the creativity, artistic talent and rich cultural ethos of the University while inspiring the newly admitted students to become active participants in the University's vibrant club culture.