University of Jammu organises two-day workshop on “Give to Gain”

JAMMU: The National Service Scheme (NSS), University of Jammu organised a two-day workshop  to commemorate International Women’s Day on the theme “Give to Gain.” The workshop aimed to promote awareness about women’s empowerment, gender equality and the role of youth in building an inclusive and progressive society. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from NSS volunteers, students and scholars who actively engaged in discussions and interactive sessions.

The inaugural session was formally inaugurated by Prof. Suman Jamwal, Dean Social Sciences, University of Jammu, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In her inaugural address, Prof. Jamwal emphasized the significance of the theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting how sharing knowledge, opportunities and support can lead to collective growth and empowerment. She also reflected on the historical struggles of women and highlighted their strength, power and capabilities. She encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and reflect on ways to uplift and mentor others in their communities and workplaces.

Earlier, Prof. Vishav Raksha, Convener NSS Campus Units and Head, Department of Sociology, formally welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of such workshops for NSS volunteers. She also spoke on the theme “Give to Gain,” emphasizing the need to enhance the capability and capacity of women.

Dr. Hema Gandotra, NSS Programme Coordinator, presented the vote of thanks and highlighted the role of the NSS Office in organising programmes that commemorate important occasions and sensitize volunteers on themes of social relevance.

During the workshop, several expert sessions were conducted. On the first day, Prof. Sarika Manhas, Head, Department of Home Science, delivered a lecture on the topic “Empathy, Inclusion, and Empowerment: The Spirit of Give to Gain.” She explained how empathy helps in understanding others’ perspectives while inclusion ensures that everyone feels valued and respected.

Another session was conducted by Dr. Suraj Mohini Jamwal, Assistant Professor, Cluster University, who spoke on the theme “Empower Her Today, Gain a Better Tomorrow.” In her lecture, she highlighted several pressing social concerns and stressed the importance of awareness and education in addressing these challenges.

The second day began with a session by Dr. Ellora Puri from the Department of Political Science, who spoke on “Give to Gain: Universalizing the Spirit of Care.” She encouraged participants to critically engage with contemporary political and social challenges.

Another session was conducted by Dr. Vikram Gulati, Vice Principal, Happy Model School, Udhampur, who emphasized the importance of happiness and personal values while highlighting the relevance of yoga in managing stress. He also shared insights on the struggles faced by women, citing examples from his personal experiences.

The valedictory session was attended by Prof. Jasbir Singh, Head, Department of Philosophy, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He appreciated the initiative taken by the NSS in organising such a meaningful workshop and encouraged students and volunteers to continue working for the welfare of society while upholding the values of equality and service. He also distributed certificates among the participants.

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion in which participants shared their reflections and experiences from the sessions. The organisers expressed gratitude to all the speakers and participants for their valuable contributions in making the programme meaningful and enriching.