JAMMU: The Central university of Jammu Celebrated Rajasthan Diwas with grandeur and enthusiasm. The event, which highlighted the rich history and culture of Rajasthan, was attended by students, faculty, and dignitaries from various regions, marking the university's commitment to celebrating the diversity and unity of India.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Sh. Jasraj Ji, a renowned social worker and thinker, as the Chief Guest, alongside Dr. Ritu Bakshi, Dean of Student Welfare, CU Jammu, and Prof. Deepak Pathania. The celebration kicked off with lamp lightning before Bharat Mata and Maa Saraswati with a welcoming speech by Dr. Vineeta Sharma, setting the tone for the cultural festivities that were to unfold.
The keynote address was delivered by Sh. Jasraj Ji, who spoke on the subject, "Bhartiya Integrity and Glorious History of Rajasthan". In his address, he emphasized the importance of patriotism and national unity, highlighting Rajasthan's integral role in the history of Bharat. He inspired the youth to look toward the nation's history for strength and guidance, stressing the relevance of Rajasthan's legacy in building a strong and united India.
Dr. Ritu Bakshi, in her speech, reinforced CU Jammu commitment to nurturing the celebration of diverse cultures and fostering a sense of unity. “At CU Jammu, we grow together, we learn together, and we celebrate together,” she remarked, emphasizing the university's role in promoting cultural integration.
The event was themed "संस्कृति के रंग - एकात्मता के संग" (Colors of Culture - Together in Unity), and showcased vibrant Rajasthani traditions through captivating performances. Students from all across the country mesmerized the audience with Rajasthani dance performances, including mesmerizing performances by Bulbul, Masoom, and Jyoti, alongside a poetry recital by Aman and Vikas, which deeply resonated with the audience. A feature video on Rajasthan's historical warrior, Maharana Sangram Singh, was also presented, shedding light on the state’s rich heritage and valor.
The venue was beautifully decorated in the theme of Rajasthan, with elements reflecting the state's cultural vibrancy and history, providing a truly immersive experience for all attendees.
This celebration, which was first held in 2023, has become an annual tradition at CU Jammu, providing an opportunity for students and faculty to come together and honor the glorious history and culture of Rajasthan. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting India's diverse cultural heritage. Students fraternity of CU Jammu remains dedicated to encouraging such celebrations, fostering an environment where students are inspired to learn about the country’s rich history and contribute to the nation's future.
JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting of the concerned officers to take their inputs for implementation of the Incident Response System (IRS) for efficient disaster response in the UT. Besides Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, the meeting was attended by Financial Commissioner (Revenue); Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Jammu besides other concerned officers.
The Chief Secretary enquired from each of the participants about the effective method of its implementation. He asked about the roles and responsibilities of different government departments and law enforcement agencies as well. Dulloo observed that this system has an added significance for our part of the globe is prone to certain disasters. He further noted that since the UT has diverse topography and climatic conditions across its divisions it is imperative to strategize and plan keeping these challenges in mind.
He called upon all to give it a considerate thought so that a best possible response mechanism is put in place with a right mix of professionals to deal with the circumstances. He stressed on adoption of ‘whole of the government approach’ in creating such plans as most of the disasters are incidental in nature. Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Shaleen Kabra, while giving his insights about the adoption of IRS in the UT, remarked that there should be a disaster and location specific plans for smoothly steering the response mechanisms at the times of eventualities.
He made out that different States/UTs shall be having their own response systems based upon their susceptibility to disasters. He also suggested certain roles and responsibilities for different government officers based upon the nature and location of the disasters. Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti, while giving introduction of Incident Response System (IRS), said that it is a structured approach designed to streamline disaster response by integrating facilities, equipment, personnel and communication systems under a unified command.
He further elaborated that development of this system aims at ensuring swift, coordinated and effective disaster management by pre-designating the officials and training them for their roles in handling emergency situations. The meeting besides deliberating on the need for IRS also stressed on identification of critical gaps in disaster management, including lack of coordination, communication failures and unclear role definitions among agencies.
About the evolution of IRS in India, it was divulged that after getting inspired by global best practices, the Government of India found the Incident Command System (ICS) from the United States which was best in dealing with disasters aftermaths effectively. Providing the details about IRS, it was revealed that this system would ensure synergy among the districts, states and national response teams, reducing chaos and improving coordination. This will be done by integrating all government departments, including Police, Agriculture, Health, Revenue, Transport and Social Welfare, ensuring a ‘Whole-of-Government’ response at the times of disasters.
The meeting was apprised that the system objectifies to be adaptable to all types and scales of disasters, from natural calamities to industrial accidents. It envisages defining of roles and responsibilities with clear accountability through structured command levels, including Incident Commanders, Planning, Operations and Logistics Sections.
As far as the resource management is concerned, the IRS envisages facilitating identification, procurement and deployment of resources for immediate response. It also emphasizes upon the need for dedicated communication systems, including satellite phones and AI-powered software for efficient response and coordination.
Moreover, with respect to its implementation strategy at UT, Divisional, District level, the roles of different senior officers as Incident Commander, Planning Section Chief, Operations Chief, Logistics Section Chief, Liaison Officer, Media Officer, Nodal Officer and dozens of others down the order under each section to effect a quick response under any circumstances.
Additionally, to enable quick decision-making and expenditure during emergencies, financial autonomy at different levels will be granted in consultation with the Finance Department, as was discussed in the meeting.
NEW DELHI: Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI and Trainings, Satish Sharma, today inaugurated 40 day long photo exhibition on Ambaran "The historical Buddhist Citadel" at Ajanta Hall of National Museum in New Delhi. The exhibition was jointly organised by the National Museum of India and Centre for Himalayan Asian Studies and Engagement (CHASE) New Delhi. The photographs have been clicked by veteran photographer Vijay Kranti and his son Akshat Kranti.
While speaking on the occasion, the Minister remembered the efforts of his father late Madan Lal Sharma, who was also Member Parliament, in preserving his historic site which has religious significance to Buddhists. Satish Sharma said that the photographers of this exhibition acknowledge years of dedicated efforts of former MP late Madan Lal Sharma and his efforts at putting Ambaran and Akhnoor on the national map of Buddhist tourism.
The Minister said that the site is known for its terracotta figures that included Buddha heads of various sizes and ornately dressed male and female statues, with clearly seen influences of the Graeco-Buddhist and Gandhara schools of art. The Minister, while sharing the message of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, asserted that the government has placed special emphasis on promoting the rich cultural heritage of J&K and it's tourism.
Satish Sharma said that Akhnoor is blessed with five extraordinary cultural historical natural and technological specialities which are the Buddhist Monastic site of Ambaran, the Akhnoor fort, the Jia Pota Ghat, Chenab river and peaceful facet at Akhnoor. It is government 's commitment to promote and place Akhnoor on the tourist map of India, he added.
Satish Sharma also informed that similar kind of photo exhibitions will also be held in Jammu and Srinagar after the conclusion of this exhibition. The Minister concluded that this exhibition is a photographic tribute to the archeologists of India and people of Akhnoor. Pertinent to mention that, Ambaran is one of the latest historical findings of Archeological Survey of India and the oldest Buddhist site found so far in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh which is situated at the bank of chenab river. The highest spritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism,14th Dalai Lama had visited this ancient site in November 2012.
JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high level review meeting where CEO of the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), Aijaz Asad, presented a comprehensive update on the Jhelum & Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP). This update comes after the World Bank granted an extension to complete the remaining works. Present in the meeting were Secretary, PWD; Commissioner, SMC; Chief Engineer R&B Central Kashmir besides other concerned officers.
The Chief Secretary impressed upon the ERA to ensure regular monitoring of progress on the ongoing works. He asked them to make sure the works are completed in time with no laxity at any level. Regarding maintenance of quality and adherence to specific timelines, the Chief Secretary asked the R&B department to take penal action against the defaulting contractors as per law or blacklist them for taking up any future contracts.
The Chief Secretary asked for ensuring completion of 130-bedded additional block at the Government LD Hospital within the extended timeline. The CEO informed that this additional block aims to significantly enhance the healthcare infrastructure and patient capacity at this crucial healthcare facility. He further apprised that the authorities are closely monitoring the progress to ensure timely completion of this vital project within the extended project timeframe.
Regarding the remaining work of 5 bridges in North Kashmir, Secretary PWD, Bhupinder Kumar, informed the meeting that the LoA stands issued for each of the bridge to be constructed at Wahidina, Waza Mohallah, Shrakwara and Wagoora. These works are expected to be completed by December 2025. Regarding completion of the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) at Humhuma, it was divulged that the dormitory building, service block and warehouse have been completed. It was added that the delay in procurement of electromechanical components by the contractor lead to termination of the contract with the remaining works to be re-tendered and expected to be completed in seven months at a cost of Rs 40.16 crore.
About the 160-bedded new block of Bone & Joint Hospital, the meeting was apprised that the construction has been fully completed. It was given out that the procurement of additional equipments are in progress and scheduled to be completed by the end of this month. Regarding upgradation of 49 Dewatering Stations, Commissioner SMC, Owais Ahmad, informed the meeting that 45 stations are fully functional with 2 stations at Khan Colony and Surnai Mohalla dropped while 2 at Zero Bridge and Peerbagh foreclosed.
With respect to status of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for these dewatering stations, it was told that the same had been completed at a cost of Rs 32.12 crore and handed over to SMC. This system aims at monitoring and controlling dewatering stations in Srinagar for their efficiency and effective output.
It is worth mentioning here that the total expenditure incurred on JTFRP till date stands at Rs 1,547.5 crore, with the World Bank reimbursing an amount of Rs 1,465.86 crore. The project has been extended until August 31, 2026, allowing completion of the remaining works that were not completed till December, 2024 for different reasons.
PULWAMA: In a significant step towards revitalizing the floriculture sector in the district, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Field Station Bonera, Pulwama organized a grand Tulip Show today. CSIR-IIIM has initiated a strategic programme for indigenous tulip bulb production under the overall supervision and mentorship of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences.
As part of this strategic intervention, over one lakh tulip bulbs have been successfully cultivated on 12 kanals of land at the Field Station. The programme is aimed at reducing import dependency, promoting domestic tulip cultivation and fostering an agritech ecosystem. The Field Station was opened to the public today, allowing visitors to witness the breathtaking bloom of tulips. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with a large number of people, including children and students, attending the festival.
The event showcased breathtaking displays of tulips in full bloom, offering a glimpse into the region’s floricultural potential and the success of indigenous innovation. This step aligns with the national mission of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, reducing reliance on imported bulbs while creating economic opportunities for local farmers," said a scientist from CSIR-IIIM.
CSIR-IIIM officials emphasized the importance of scientific intervention and innovation in agriculture, stating that this initiative will pave the way for self-sufficiency in tulip production, benefiting both local farmers and the economy at large. The initiative is expected to strengthen the floriculture industry, providing new opportunities for research, commercial cultivation and employment generation in the sector.
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