JAMMU: Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu Prof Umesh Rai today underscored the pivotal role of skill and knowledge in shaping the destiny of youth not only for their career advancement but also to achieve the national agenda of growth and productivity.
Speaking at a well attended Induction Programme for newly admitted students at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, organized by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu; the Vice Chancellor also highlighted the value of education beyond traditional classrooms and called for experiential learning that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Prof Rai exhorted students to listen to their "inner drumbeat," urging them to pursue academic and career paths that truly resonate with their passions and interests. The Vice Chancellor dwelt in detail on skills and knowledge, saying both hold crucial significance in the career development of youngesters in the present competitive era and places them in good stead to face the real world challenges with confidence. While knowledge enriches young minds and bestows upon them a strong foundation of understanding, skills bring practical application to that knowledge. Therefore, possessing both knowledge and skills are important for achieving success, he maintained.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, Padma Shri Balwant Thakur and Ms. Indu Kanwal Chib, JKAS, Mission Director, JK Rural Livelihood Mission, both distinguished alumni of the University. Sh. Balwant Thakur shared nostalgic memories of his academic odyssey in the university, stressing the importance of staying connected to one's roots and taking ownership of their institution and community. He complimented the University for organizing the induction programme and encouraged students to use their time on campus positively and progressively.
Shri Thakur also expressed satisfaction with the significant progress the University has made over the years. He asserted that, when he was a student, he got enough encouragement and exposure from the University of Jammu, which helped him shape his career and advised the youngsters to utilize this time to the maximum. Mission Director, Ms. Indu Kanwal Chib emphasized the significance of the Induction Programme as a pivotal step in the students' academic journey and urged them to fully engage with campus life, describing it as an essential period for personality growth and development.
Ms. Chib outlined five key areas for the students to focus on: Inner Leadership, Legacy, Time Management, Engaging with Books, and Building Friendships. She advised students for maximizing their educational experience and achieving success both personally and academically. The auditorium was jam-packed with a large gathering of students, faculty members, and staff, marking the beginning of a significant journey for the new entrants.
The audience enjoyed a lively dance/drama performance by students from the certificate course in theatre, centered on the theme of 'Navras.' Additionally, Andrew and his band delivered a musical performance that was also well-received. Earlier, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, formally welcomed the gathering and provided a detailed presentation on the various facilities available on campus, highlighting the central services and support systems at the university.
Other senior faculty members, including Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development; Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; and Prof. Rahul Gupta, Registrar, also addressed the students, offering insights into different facets of university life and extending a warm welcome to the new batch.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, while Prof. Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, expertly conducted the proceedings. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Pritam Singh, Associate Dean SW; Dr. Harleen, Kour and Dr. Ripudaman Parihar, Assistant Deans SW; along with members of the Campus Cultural Committee, Ms. Mansi Mantoo, Media Officer SW; Sumeet Sharma, Drama Instructor; and the dedicated staff of the DSW office. The event was attended by the heads of the teaching departments, faculty members, staff and students.
