Jammu University celebrates 55th foundation day
The University of Jammu (JU) celebrated its 55th Foundation Day today, marked by a series of events highlighting the institution’s growth and achievements.
The occasion was attended by Padma Shri Prof Dinesh Singh, former Vice Chancellor of Delhi University and Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council, as the chief guest, whereas Prof Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu, Prof Bechan Lal, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, and Prof Pragiti Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, were the guests of honour.
In his address, Prof Dinesh Singh reflected on the significance of such celebrations, emphasising the need for introspection and continual improvement.
“JU is in my DNA,” he remarked, describing the deep connection he feels with the university. He urged attendees to consider the purpose of Foundation Day, suggesting it offers a moment to pledge renewed dedication to the institution, state and nation.
Singh 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 calling it ‘the new rising sun’, 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 state universities.
The inaugural issue of the ‘Jammu University Times’, a monthly e-newsletter published by the media cell of the university was released on the occasion. Prof Rai shared that it will serve as an invaluable resource for JU fraternity and public about the university and provide internship opportunities to the students.
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’ shall organise a series of activities around it.
On the infrastructure front, Prof Umesh 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.
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 are 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, SMVDU, congratulated all stakeholders, recognising their contribution to JU’s success and offered unconditional support for the further implementation of the NEP.
