The University of Jammu today celebrated the 76th Republic Day of India, with a vibrant celebration marked by patriotic fervor and enthusiasm.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu Prof. Umesh Rai, unfurled the National Flag in the Campus, amid the resonating notes of the National Anthem.

Extending his greetings to the students, scholars, faculty, officers and non teaching staff besides their families, Prof. Umesh Rai, spoke in detail about the day in vibrant Indian democracy saying, "This day reminds us of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought for the freedom and democratic fabric of our nation. It also places a responsibility on us—especially academic institutions—to contribute to the nation’s progress by shaping future generations."

Prof. Rai emphasized the pivotal role of teachers, officers, and staff as role models in inspiring the next generation. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and stressed that this ambitious goal can only be achieved through the active involvement of educational institutions. “A robust knowledge economy is the key to building a Shikshit Bharat, and our curriculum must be designed to support this vision,” he remarked.

Prof. Rai congratulated all stakeholders of the University for their relentless efforts in propelling the institution forward and referred to the recent milestones, emphasizing the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation that now places it among the top state universities in India. "This achievement is a reflection of the collective efforts and dedication of our teachers, officers, staff, scholars, and students. It’s their hard work and commitment that have propelled the university to this level of excellence," he said.

Prof. Rai applauded Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance (DIQA), the Arboriculture team, the Green Campus Task Force, and the Health and Sanitation wing for their tireless efforts. "Their dedication, along with the support from every stakeholder of the university, has been the driving force behind this success. This is not just an institutional achievement but a result of the combined efforts and commitment of the entire university fraternity," he added.

Prof. Rai recalled that the University of Jammu had secured a position among the top 50 universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings and ranked within the top 25 state public universities in the country.

Referring to the special recognition given to The Business School (TBS), which achieved 5th position in the "Value for Money" category and 28th overall in the India Today 2024 rankings for government B-Schools, Prof. Rai congratulated Director TBS and his team for this remarkable achievement.

The Vice Chancellor highlighted a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in higher education, noting that a team from the UGC recently visited the University to conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit. The team assessed the University's compliance with accessibility standards, reviewed key infrastructure, and engaged with specially-abled students and alumni to understand their experiences and challenges. He further stated that the visiting team was highly satisfied with the initiatives being undertaken by the University to promote accessibility and inclusivity.

Highlighting the academic advancements, Prof. Rai announced several new initiatives including Ph.D. in Journalism, 4-year undergraduate program in BCA and BBA with Data Science as major at Kathua Campus, 1-year PG Diploma in Museology and Conservation, two new PG Diploma programs in the Department of Sanskrit, introduction of 5-year integrated MSc Electronics program in the Department of Electronics under NEP-2020.

Prof. Rai also commended the research initiatives taken by the University by releasing the first ever Research Manual, published by the Office of Dean Research Studies, which outlines research policies and initiatives of the University during 2018-2024.

On the infrastructural development front, Prof. Rai expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Chancellor and the J&K Government for supporting projects worth over ₹160 crores, some of which have been successfully executed. Key initiatives include the construction of the new building for the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), a ₹77-crore Lecture Hall Complex, ₹7.5 crores for the development of the Patnitop Campus, and approximately ₹10 crores for the extension and remodeling of administrative buildings, teaching departments, laboratories, and libraries. Additionally, ₹25 crores have been allocated for a state-of-the-art Innovation Tower, ₹4.6 crores for a new building for the Department of Journalism and Mass Media, and enhanced facilities for differently-abled individuals, among other significant initiatives.

As part of the Green Campus initiatives, Prof. Rai stated that the University has implemented significant measures to promote environmental sustainability, including restricting the entry of four-wheelers within the campus.

Prof. Rai also highlighted significant progress in recruitment, with over 100 positions sanctioned across teaching, non-teaching, and officer categories, underscoring the university’s commitment to attracting top talent and promoting career advancement opportunities.

Concluding his address, Prof. Rai expressed gratitude to the entire university fraternity, stating, "The achievements of this university are not the result of individual efforts but the collective dedication of all its stakeholders. Let us continue working together to uphold the values of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation."

On witnessing the vibrant cultural performances by the wards of university employees and students, he lauded their brilliant performance. He also congratulated Dean Students Welfare and his entire team for organizing such a wonderful programme.

The Vice Chancellor also complemented Prof. Anju Bhasin Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Meena Sharma Dean Planning and Development, Prof Neelu Rohmetra Dean Research Studies, Prof Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Vinay Chauhan, Director TBS, Prof. Piyush Malviya, Prof. Sarika Manhas, Dr. Deepika Slathia for making consistent efforts in their respective areas.

Earlier, on his arrival, the Vice Chancellor was given a Guard of Honour by the university's security contingent and NCC Cadets, Senior Wing, University of Jammu.

In his welcome address, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Prakash Antahal informed about the new ventures of the Department of Students Welfare which are being organized for the benefit of all the stakeholders of the University.

Prominent amongst those who attended the Flag Hoisting Ceremony included Prof. Anju Bhasin (Dean Academic Affairs), Prof. Meena Sharma (Dean Planning & Development), Prof. Neelu Rohmetra (Dean Research Studies), Prof. Yashpal Sharma, Dean Life Sciences, Dr. Neeraj Sharma (Registrar), Prof. Rajeev Rattan Sharma, (Director CDC), Monika Chadha (Chairperson Campus Cultural Committee), Prof. Sarika Manhas (Co-Chairperson Campus Cultural Committee), Deans, Rectors, Directors, members of Campus Cultural Committee, representatives of the elected bodies of the University, teachers, officers, staff, scholars, students and families of the University employees.

Those who presented colourful cultural programme included Shiva, Ayaansh Mahajan, Kavish, Irfaan Ahmed, Tania, Aradhya, Bhoomi, Purnima, Prapti, Ajay, Mohd. Uzair, Komal Sharma, Kamakhya Bhardwaj and Pavit Singh.

Prof. Monika Chadha presented the vote of thanks. The programme was conducted by Sumeet Sharma. The whole event was organized under the stewardship of Prof. Prakash Antahal and was monitored by Prof. Monika Chadha, Dr. Sarika Manhas Co- Campus Cultural Committee, Dr. Pritam Singh (Associate Dean SW), Dr. Shallu Sharma and Dr. A. R. Manhas (Dy. Chief Proctors), Dr. Harleen Kaur & Dr. Ripudaman Parihar (Assistant Deans SW), Ms Mansi Mantoo (Officer Incharge, SW), Capt. S.R. Dubey (Chief Security Officer) Mr. Sumeet Sharma (Drama Instructor) & Ifra Kak (Cultural Officer). The management was looked after by Kulbhushan Thakur, Balwant Singh, Arif Paul. Sachin Sharma, Jatinder Singh, R.P. Singh and Jasbir Singh.