University of Jammu's Display Your Talent – Tawi Zone inaugural ceremony held at GCW Parade Ground, Jammu

JAMMU: University of Jammu's Display Your Talent – Tawi Zone festival commenced with great enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy at the Auditorium of Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, Jammu. Organized under the aegis of the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, the event aims to provide a dynamic platform for students to showcase their artistic, creative, and cultural abilities while celebrating the region’s rich heritage.

The inaugural ceremony began with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K. The proceedings opened with the National Anthem, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a devotional Saraswati Vandana.

Dr. Ravender Tickoo, Principal, GCW Parade Ground, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, faculty members, and participants, setting the tone for the event. This was followed by a keynote address by Prof. (Dr.) Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, University of Jammu, who emphasized the importance of cultural expression and co-curricular participation as essential components of holistic education.

Conceptualized under the visionary leadership of Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, the initiative, a cornerstone of the University’s cultural calendar, provides students from all affiliated colleges, teaching departments, and offsite campuses an opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistic excellence.

‘Display Your Talent’ is an annual mega event featuring competitions in music, dance, theatre, fine arts, and literary activities. Winners of these events not only earn cultural recognition but also represent the University in Inter-University North Zone and National Youth Festivals organized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Achievements in DYT also carry weightage for admission to postgraduate programmes under the University’s cultural category.

To promote inclusivity and greater student participation from remote and far-flung areas, Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor University of Jammu conceptualized the decentralization of the event into five zones — Tawi, Devika, Ravi, Pir Panjal, and Chenab.

A highlight of the day was the “Jai Dogra” competition, organized by the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust in collaboration with the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu. The event celebrated the rich cultural diversity and traditional ethos of the Dogra region. A cash prize of ₹5,000 was awarded to the best performer. GCW Parade Ground, Jammu emerged as the winner of this segment.

In his address, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir appreciated the efforts of the University of Jammu and GCW Parade Ground for providing young students with a vibrant space to explore their creativity and cultural talents. This year’s Display Your Talent 2025 features 25 competitions across various cultural categories, with participation from 370 students representing 21 degree colleges of Jammu district.

The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Seema Malhotra, Overall Convener, GCW Parade Ground, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, judges, faculty members, and participants for their contributions to the success of the event. The proceedings were smoothly coordinated by Dr. Gurpreet Kour.

Day One Highlights and Results

The first day of Display Your Talent – Tawi Zone witnessed a series of exciting competitions showcasing a blend of tradition, rhythm, and creativity.

The “Jai Dogra” Song Competition, dedicated to celebrating the Dogra identity and musical heritage of Jammu, saw energetic performances that captured the spirit of regional pride. GCW Parade Ground, Jammu clinched the top position with a captivating presentation that resonated deeply with the audience and judges alike.

In the Group Song (Indian) category, teams performed melodious renditions of Indian classical and folk compositions. GCW Parade Ground, Jammu secured the first position, while IMFA and MIER College were declared joint runners-up for their harmonious performances.

The Rangoli Competition transformed the venue into a canvas of colors, as 24 students from different colleges showcased their creativity through intricate designs and thematic patterns. Srishti from SHTM bagged the first prize for her vibrant and artistic creation, while Shagun Kapoor and Gurleen Kour were declared runners-up. The competition was adjudged by Dr. Shivani Sawhney and Dr. Raj Kumar.

The Light Vocal Solo category featured soulful melodies by 18 participants who mesmerized the audience with their vocal finesse. Ritisha Manhas from GCW Parade Ground emerged as the winner for her expressive and melodious rendition. The event was judged by Seema Anil Sehgal, Subash Langeh, and Dr. Bharat Bhushan.

In the Classical Vocal Solo category, four participants showcased their command over classical ragas and traditional techniques. Ram Lal from IMFA secured the first position, while Ritisha Manhas and Mahima Chibber, both from GCW Parade Ground, were placed second and third respectively. The judging panel included Sh. V.K. Sambyal, Seema Anil Sehgal, and Prof. Renu Sehgal.

The Classical Instrumental Solo (Non-Percussion) competition brought forth musical mastery through instruments like the sitar and violin. Out of six participants, Sidharth Bhogal from GDC Nagrota won the first prize, while Narinder and Tashi Dorje, both from IMFA, were declared runners-up. The event was judged by Sh. V.K. Sambyal, Prof. Renu Sehgal, and Sh. Parshotam Kumar.

In the Classical Instrumental Solo (Percussion) category, rhythm took center stage as participants showcased their skill on traditional percussion instruments. Ajay from IMFA won the first prize, followed by Gautam from IMFA as the runner-up. The judges for this category were Sh. V.K. Sambyal, Prof. Renu Sehgal, and Sh. Parshotam Kumar.

The successful conduct of the first day’s events was made possible through the dedication and teamwork of the organizing committee comprising Co-convener Dr. Aksa, Prof. Menaka, Prof. Archana, and Dr. Mamta. The event was skillfully anchored by Jannat [Full Name], with coordination and timekeeping support from the organizing team.

The day concluded on a high note, reflecting the creative energy and cultural spirit of Jammu’s youth, setting a vibrant tone for the upcoming days of Display Your Talent 2025 – Tawi Zone.

The series of events of the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu is being conceived, planned, and coordinated by the DSW team led by Prof. Prakash Antahal (Dean Students Welfare), Prof. Monika Chadha (Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee), Prof. Sarika Manhas (Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee), Dr. Pritam Singh (Associate Dean SW), Dr. Shallu Sharma and Dr. A.R. Manhas (Deputy Chief Proctors), Dr. Harleen Kaur and Dr. Ripudaman Parihar (Assistant Deans SW), Ms. Mansi Mantoo (Media Officer), Sumeet Sharma (Drama Instructor), and members of the Campus Cultural Committee.