JAMMU: In celebration of World Tourism Day, the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, organized a unique and impactful visit to the Suchetgarh Border, focusing on this year's theme of "Tourism and Peace." The visit aimed to foster community outreach and raise awareness about the significance of tourism in promoting peace.
The day began with a flag-off ceremony held at the Fountain Plaza of the University of Jammu. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. Prakash Anthal, Dean Students Welfare; Prof. Alka Sharma, Dean Faculty of Business Studies; and Prof. Garima Gupta. They expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the school in organizing such a meaningful event.
As part of the community outreach program, the students of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management performed a nukkad natak (street play) and a cultural program. These performances aimed at creating awareness among the local community about the role of tourism in fostering peace and unity. The event attracted a large gathering of locals, who actively engaged with the students’ message
Following the cultural program, the students had the opportunity to witness the solemn and patriotic retreat ceremony at the border. This provided a firsthand experience of the spirit of national pride and the crucial role of peace in border regions.
The event concluded with the felicitation of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) BSF Sector Jammu Sh. Chiter Pal and the Company Commandant, Battalion 165, Border Security Force (BSF),Sh Pradeep Sharma who played a pivotal role in facilitating the visit. Sh. Pradeep Sharma, company commandant, BSF in his address, praised the students and the faculty for their efforts in promoting peace through tourism. He acknowledged the significance of such initiatives in strengthening the bond between the local community and the BSF.
Prof. Anil Gupta, Director-SHTM, expressed his gratitude to the BSF authorities for their support in making this event possible. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and security forces in promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Suvidha Khanna, Event Coordinator, along with faculty members Dr. Poonam Sharma, Dr. Nikita Dogra, Dr. Priyanka Sharma, Dr. Honeyka Mahajan, and Mr. Tapas Tandon and Ms. Taniya Sharma coordinated the event with the support of Department Staff including Sh Pawan Kumar and Sh Sachin Thapa and the students. Their collaborative efforts were widely appreciated by the local community from the village of Suchetgarh.
This visit to the Suchetgarh Border not only underscored the role of tourism in peacebuilding but also gave the students an invaluable opportunity to connect with the local community and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.
