JU celebrates 55th Foundation Day

Jammu, Sep 05: The University of Jammu Thursday celebrated its 55th Foundation Day, marked by a series of events highlighting the institution's growth and achievements.

Padma Shri Prof Dinesh Singh, former Vice Chancellor of Delhi University and Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council was the Chief Guest, whereas Prof Manoj Singh Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu, Prof Bechan Lal, Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu and Prof Pragiti Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University were the Guests of Honour.

In his address, Prof Dinesh Singh reflected on the significance of such celebrations, emphasizing the need for introspection and continual improvement.

“Jammu University (JU) is in my DNA,” he remarked, describing the deep connection he felt with the university. He urged attendees to consider the purpose of Foundation Day, suggesting it offered a moment to pledge renewed dedication to the institution, state, and nation.

He also spoke about the evolving role of educators, stating, “A teacher should learn from his students and always strive for self-improvement, aiming to make a substantial change in society.”

He lauded the leadership of JU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Umesh Rai, for steering the University to new heights, particularly through initiatives like the “Design Your Degree” programme, which he described as a pioneering effort for student empowerment.

Vice Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai highlighted JU's remarkable achievements, including its rise in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2024), where it secured the 50th position among universities and 23rd among 11, 000 State Universities. He shared that the University's Business School earned recognition, ranking 18th in The Week's Government B-School category.

Prof Rai introduced “Jammuriyat,” a new term aimed at foregrounding the rich cultural diversity of the Jammu region. He asserted that the pluralistic nature of this region should necessarily be developed, fore-grounded, preserved and celebrated to ensure its addition to the national pluralism. He announced that the club consortium ‘Utsah’ would organize a series of activities around it.

On the infrastructure front, Prof Rai announced the initiation of several significant projects, including the Innovation Tower, a new facility for the Department of Journalism & Mass Media and the Madan Mohan Malaviya Teachers’ Training Centre.

“Sustainability initiatives such as campus digitization, the introduction of e-vehicles, and the creation of vertical gardens from recycled materials are important initiatives of the University,” he said, adding that the University launched “Gyananjali Journal” for language scholars and the QR Code System in the Dhanwantri Library, which would enhance resource accessibility.

The inaugural issue of the ‘Jammu University Times’, a monthly e-newsletter published by the media cell of the University was released as highlight of the occasion. Prof Rai shared that it would serve as an invaluable resource for JU fraternity and public about the University and provide internship opportunities to the students.

Prof Bechan Lal, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, commended the University’s achievements under Prof Rai's leadership, particularly the institution's impressive performance in the NIRF rankings and its role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP).

Prof Manoj Gaur, Director IIT Jammu, highlighted JU's journey, saying these achievements were a reminder of the glorious past. He praised the University's present NIRF ranking, attributing it to the dynamism of the Jammu University fraternity. Prof Gaur further acknowledged JU's legacy of producing notable personalities.

Prof Pragiti Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SMVDU, congratulated all stakeholders, recognizing their contributions to JU's success and offered unconditional support for the further implementation of the NEP.

Earlier, Prof Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affair presented a formal welcome address.

On the occasion, former employees including Prof YR Malhotra, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, Kulbushan Gupta, former Confidential Assistant in Examination, Raj Kumar, former section officer, Punjab Singh, former Jamadar, Dayal Chand, former maali, Kurku Ram, former Head Security and Shakina, former sanitation worker were felicitated.

Serving employees, Prof KS Charak and Vinod Bali were felicitated for their contributions in Design Your Degree and NAAC preparations, respectively. Students from sports, NCC and NSS were also felicitated for their achievements.

The event was marked by the cultural performances in which students from the University departments participated. Formal vote of thanks was presented by Prof Rahul Gupta, Registrar, University of Jammu and Prof Garima Gupta, conducted the proceedings of the event.

Others prominent present on the occasion included Prof Vinod Kumar, Fellow of Indian National Science Academy, Prof Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, Prof Pankaj K Srivastava, Director DD&OE, Deans of various faculties, heads of various departments, faculty members and students.