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KATRA: The School of Mechanical Engineering (SME) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) proudly co-hosted the two-day International Conference on Advanced Materials forSustainable Future (ICAMSF-2025), themed "Energy, Efficiency, Economy for Sustainability" The event, held in collaboration with Chitkara University, Chandigarh, brought together adistinguished consortium of global academic institutions, including Bournemouth University(UK), Yonsei University (Seoul, South Korea), Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand), LuleåUniversity of Technology (Sweden), University of Naples (Italy), and University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), alongside prominent Indian universities such as PEC Chandigarh, VNIT Nagpur, andNIT Nagaland.Coordinated by Dr. Mir Irfan Ul Haq (Associate Professor, SME), Dr. Ankush Raina (AssistantProfessor, SME) and Dr. Sanjay Mohan (Associate Professor, SME), the conference served asa dynamic platform for innovation and knowledge exchange. It explored critical topics such asMaterial Synthesis for Environmental Remediation, Energy Storage and Conversion, Advanced Manufacturing in Industry 4.0/5.0, Materials for Extreme Functionalities, and EngineeringTribology.

The event featured 39 sessions, with 343 participants and 33 renowned speakerspresenting groundbreaking research and insights. ICAMSF-2025 was generously supported by leading research organizations, including the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Council of Scientific and IndustrialResearch (CSIR), and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The conference underscored SMVDU’s growing stature in advanced materials research and itscommitment to fostering sustainable solutions for global challenges.

During the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor of SMVDU, Prof. Pragati Kumar graced theevent as a special guest. In his address, he praised the organizers’ efforts and highlightedSMVDU’s potential as a key collaborator in cutting-edge research in materials science andtribology. Dr. Yatheshth Anand, Head of the School of Mechanical Engineering, alsoemphasized the significance of such initiatives in positioning SMVDU at the forefront oftechnological innovation. The conference not only showcased the latest advancements in thefield but also reinforced international and national partnerships aimed at driving sustainabledevelopment through academic and scientific collaboration.

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KATRA: Fourth-semester students from the School of Civil Engineering (SoCE), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), participated in a week-long surveying camp at Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh. The camp aimed to provide hands-on training in essential surveying techniques, allowing students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical applications. Throughout the camp, students worked with modern instruments such as Total Stations and Auto Levels while also engaging in traditional methods like Plane Table and Compass Surveying.

These activities enhanced their understanding of topographic mapping, contouring, and levelling.The serene and challenging terrain of Khajjiar served as an ideal location for students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. The camp not only strengthened their technical proficiency but also developed problem-solving abilities and teamwork. By conducting field exercises in diverse surveying techniques, students gained confidence in handling advanced equipment and executing precise measurements.

The experience reinforced their ability to analyze data, interpret survey results, and create accurate maps—crucial skills for their future careers in civil engineering.The camp was organized under the guidance of Dr. Naqeeb Ul Islam (Assistant Professor, SoCE, and Course Coordinator), Dr. Shankar Singh Khushwaha, and Dr. Yati Aggarwal (Assistant Professors, SoCE), along with Mr. Love Sharma (Lab Assistant). Their mentorship and expertise provided students with valuable insights into real-world surveying challenges. Beyond academics, the trip also fostered a sense of adventure, as students explored the breathtaking landscapes of Khajjiar, making the learning experience both enriching and memorable.

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KATRA: In a commendable effort to enhance student's communication skills and prepare them for future careeropportunities, the TARANG Club of the School of Electronics and Communication Engineering(SoECE) organized a Group Discussion (GD) session for 3rd-year ECE students,under the guidance of Dr. Anil Kumar Bhardwaj, Head of the Department.A total of nine students actively participated in the session, engaging in a thoughtful discussion on the topic:“70-hour Work Week vs Work-Life Balance.”

The participants shared diverse perspectives, debating thebenefits and challenges of an intense work culture compared to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Thediscussion was insightful, respectful, and interactive, allowing students to express themselvesconfidently and respond thoughtfully to differing opinions.The session was aimed at helping students overcome stage fear, develop public speaking skills, andstrengthen interpersonal communication—key competencies for placement interviews, especially ingroup discussions and personal interaction rounds. 

Dr. Vikram Singh, Faculty Coordinator of TARANG, expressed satisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the session. He emphasized the importance of such platforms in nurturing confidence, clarityof thought, and effective communication among students. Students appreciated the initiative, stating that it helped them gain confidence and offered a real-world setting to practice collaborative communication.

Dr. Bhardwaj also reiterated the need for soft skills development alongside technical knowledge andencouraged students to continue engaging in such meaningful activities.The session was a successful step toward holistic student development and is expected to pave the wayfor more such initiatives, reaffirming the department’s and TARANG Club’s commitment to preparingstudents for academic and professional excellence.

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JAMMU: In alignment with the constitutional mandate that enshrines the duty of the state and citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, The Law School, University of Jammu, in collaboration with NSS Campus Unit 3, organized an ecologically immersive program titled "Tree Talk." The event featured Shri O.P. Sharma, Retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K Government, who underscored the intrinsic value of nature beyond anthropocentric utility, emphasizing an ecocentric perspective where ecosystems and biodiversity hold rights independent of human interests.

Shri O.P. Sharma illuminated the deep ecological and cultural interconnectedness of native trees, particularly Palash (Butea monosperma) and Kantak Palash (Bauhinia variegata), weaving together their ecological functions, mythological significance, and medicinal virtues. His discourse reinforced the rights-of-nature philosophy, advocating for legal and societal recognition of forests and flora as living entities deserving protection under constitutional and environmental jurisprudence.

The program commenced with an introductory address by Prof. Seema Rohmetra, Director of The Law School, who highlighted the institution’s commitment to environmental justice and sustainable jurisprudence. She emphasized that this initiative served as a critical platform to reorient the students toward ecological citizenship, fostering a sense of intergenerational equity and ecocentric responsibility as mandated by the Indian Constitution and global environmental ethics. Dr. Monika Bhardwaj adeptly moderated the session, while Dr. Mrinalini Atrey, Program Coordinator, delivered the vote of thanks, reiterating the role of academia in advancing ecocentric governance.