JAMMU: University of Jammu today celebrated the 78th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm. Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai hoisted the Tricolour at a spirited and patriotic ceremony held this morning in the University Campus.
Extending warm greetings to the University fraternity, Prof Rai recalled with sense of pride and gratitude to the valour, bravery, foresight, and unwavering dedication of the freedom fighters towards the motherland, whose sacrifices bestowed the cherished gift of freedom.
“The nation will always hold deep gratitude for the extraordinary contributions of our freedom fighters,” Prof. Rai said while addressing the students, scholars, officers and the staff besides their families who were present in large numbers.
Prof. Umesh Rai also paid homage to Maharishi Aurobindo Ghosh on his birth anniversary, which coincides with Independence Day, and highlighted his significant impact on India's spiritual, cultural, and political evolution. He underscored the need for drawing inspiration from Maharishi Aurobindo’s teachings to strengthen the nation.
Prof. Rai underscored the vital importance of robust institutions in shaping a strong nation. He also stressed the significance of unity and harmony, urging everyone to prioritize the principle of "nation first" in all their endeavors.
Prof. Rai expressed sincere gratitude to the Hon'ble Chancellor and Lieutenant Governor JKUT Sh. Manoj Sinha for his visionary guidance and support, which have been instrumental in the University’s achievements. He referred to the Chancellor’s description of the University as a "happening place," acknowledging how these observations have come true to represent the vibrant academic and cultural atmosphere that has flourished under his leadership.
Referring to the University's journey towards academic excellence , Prof. Rai shared recent achievements, including the University's historic ranking among the top 50 institutions in the country for the first time. He attributed this success to the collective efforts of the University’s faculty, staff, scholars and students.
He also announced that the University has received a grant of INR 19.78 crores from the Higher Education Department for the construction of a new lecture hall complex, which will further enhance the University’s infrastructure facilities. Prof. Rai exhorted everyone to continue working towards excellence, ensuring that the University of Jammu reaches even greater heights in the future.
The Vice Chancellor also released balloons at the Fountain Plaza to mark the Independence day celebrations. On witnessing the vibrant cultural performances by the wards of university employees and students of the university, he lauded their brilliant performance. He also congratulated Dean Students Welfare and his entire team for organizing such a graceful programme, befitting the occasion.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Prakash Antahal informed about the initiatives taken by the University in connection with the celebrations of 78th Independence Day. He also elaborated on the new ventures of the Department of Students Welfare which are being organized to benefit all the stakeholders of the university.
Prominent amongst those who attended the Flag Hoisting Ceremony included Prof. Anju Bhasin (Dean Academic Affairs), Prof. Neelu Rohmetra (Dean Research Studies), Prof. Rahul Gupta (Registrar), Prof. Naresh Padha, Prof. Rajeev Rattan Sharma, (Director CDC), Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava (Director, DD & OE), Deans, Rectors, Directors, HoD’s, members of Campus Cultural Committee, representatives of the elected bodies of the University.
On the occasion, the Guard of Honour was presented to the Vice Chancellor by the University Security Contingent led by Capt. S.R. Dubey. Those who presented colourful cultural items included students of Surabhi Nursery School of the University of Jammu, Kavya, Yakshita, Ruqayat, Bhavya, Simrah, Naira, Bhuvneshwari, Vanshika, Sohani, Mohd. Asif, Kamakhya, Mohd. Uzair, Ridhul, Prapti, Aaradhya, Pranav, Aadhya, Alisha & Vijita. An impressive Tiranga Rally was also organized by the students and scholars 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, R.P. Singh, Arif Paul, Jasbir Singh, Sachin Sharma and Jatinder Singh.
