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Cradled in the lap of mountains at the foothills of auspicious Trikuta, besides the river Tawi at an altitude of 1030 ft. is Jammu. This 'city of temples' has many places...
‘Inter Zonal Display Your Talent - 2025’ commenced at JU
Jammu, Dec 16: ‘Inter-Zonal Display Your Talent 2025’ commenced today at the University of Jammu which is an annual feature of the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu. In this event students from the affiliated degree colleges and university departments participate in 24 different competitions viz music, dance, literary, fine-arts and theatrical activities. Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu was the Chief Guest of the inaugural function and Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar was the Guest of Honour on the occasion. Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson CCC, Prof. Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson CCC and other senior functionaries of the university also attended the programme which started with the lighting of traditional lamp by the dignitaries.
This new format of Display Your Talent has been envisioned by Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu which has witnessed a larger participation of the students from the far-flung areas. All the affiliated colleges from Jammu province have been distributed into 5 Zones; Tawi Zone, Pir- Panjal Zone, Devika Zone, Ravi Zone and Chenab Zone where Zonal Level Display Your Talent competitions were organized and the winners of those competitions are now competing in Inter Zonal Level.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, welcomed the participating students on behalf of the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai and described Display Your Talent as one of the University’s most enduring cultural traditions. Tracing its origins to the vision of former Vice-Chancellor Prof. M.R. Puri, she noted that the event has evolved over the years and, under the present leadership, has been decentralized to reach students across campuses and zones, culminating in a central-level finale. She emphasized that the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to taking cultural activities closer to students and nurturing talent across regions.
Prof. Rohmetra underlined that Display Your Talent goes beyond competition and marks to promote holistic education, cultural heritage, and life skills essential for balanced personalities. She observed that universities are spaces not only for academic learning but also for personal growth, confidence-building, and creative expression through culture, sports, and the arts. Such platforms, she said, help students de-stress, rediscover focus, and return to their academic pursuits with renewed energy and purpose.
Welcoming the visiting students from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Prof. Rohmetra highlighted the significance of cultural exchange in celebrating India’s unity in diversity. She remarked that each region brings its own unique cultural expression, and such interactions strengthen mutual understanding and national integration. She also acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Students Welfare, technical staff, faculty members, judges, organisers, and student participants, urging students to come forward with confidence, participate wholeheartedly, and cherish these experiences as an integral part of university life.
To encourage the participating students, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, who himself is a promoter of arts, presented a guest performance of singing.
Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Prakash Chand Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, University of Jammu, described the inauguration of the four-day Youth Display Your Talent programme as a moment of pride for the University. He extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, and expressed gratitude for her presence despite prior commitments. Prof. Antahal also welcomed the Guest of Honour, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, and acknowledged the continued support of Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, and Prof. Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee. He appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Campus Cultural Committee in successfully implementing the programme in its revised format, involving zonal-level competitions across five zones, followed by the inter-zonal finals at the University. He also expressed gratitude towards Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Rector Kathua Campus, Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Rector Udhampur Campus, Dr. Ravender Tickoo, Principal GCW Parade and Dr. Z.A. Mirza, Principal GPGC, Rajouri for successfully conducting Zonal Level DYT in their respective institutions.
Prof. Antahal highlighted that the restructured format was introduced to ensure wider participation, especially from students in remote and far-flung areas, and noted that its success is reflected in the University’s achievements at the national level in recent years. He underlined that while awards are limited, every participating student is a winner, as such platforms help build confidence, creativity, and stage presence. Extending his best wishes to all participants, including the visiting students from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, he encouraged students to embrace the experience, learn from it, and continue to excel in the years ahead.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, University of Jammu, described Display Your Talent 2025 as one of the University’s most cherished cultural traditions and a celebration of creativity that has evolved with time. She noted that since its inception in 1983, the festival has grown into a major platform for artistic expression in music, dance, theatre, fine arts, and literary activities. Highlighting the University’s expansion across 164 affiliated colleges, multiple campuses, and diverse regions, she explained that the introduction of the zonal format from 2024, under the guidance of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, has significantly widened participation, especially for students from far-flung areas. Prof. Chadha elaborated that the five-zone structure has strengthened inclusion, showcased sub-regional cultural identities of Jammu, and transformed the festival into a journey of representation and cultural revival. She also informed that this year’s programme has been enriched with a cultural exchange initiative featuring a visiting team from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, and the inclusion of adjudicators from outside the Union Territory to provide students with wider exposure and professional insights. Expressing gratitude to campus heads, faculty members, organisers, and student volunteers, she encouraged participants to perform with confidence and creativity, underscoring that their art plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The formal vote of thanks was delivered by prof Sarika Sharma.
Special attraction of the day was a spectacular cultural presentation by the students of Shivaji University Kolhapur who have especially come to the University of Jammu for a Cultural Exchange programme. They would also perform on 17th December at 2 pm at Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium. Civil Society of Jammu is also invited to witness the same.
The events conducted in the Day one of Inter Zonal Display Your Talent included One Act Play, Skit, Mime, Mimicry, Elocution, Debate, Cartooning, Poster Making, Painting and Collage Making. The eminent adjudicators included Theatre; Mr. Anil Tickoo, Mr. Daljinder Basra, Mr. Rishi Raj. Fine Arts; Sh Suman Gupta, Mr. M.A. Alnasir, Mr. Manoj Chopra, Mr. Chander Shekhar, Mr. Raj Bhagat. Literary Events; Prof. Neelam Saraf, Prof. Indu Kilam & Ms. Alka Mantoo. Teacher Incharges of various events included Dr. Harish Dutt, Dr. pallavi Sachdeva, Dr, Farah Choudhary, Dr. Bhagwati Devi, Dr. Geeta, Dr. P.P. Singh, Dr. Monika Bhardwaj & Dr. Prince Sharma.
The events of DSW are conceived, planned and organised by the team consisting of Prof. Prakash Antahal (Dean Students Welfare), Prof. Monika Chadha (Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee), Prof. Sarika Manhas (Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee), Dr. Pritam Singh (Associate Dean SW), Dr. Shallu Sharma & Dr. A.R. Manhas (Deputy Chief Proctors), Dr. Harleen Kaur & Dr. Ripudaman Parihar (Assistant Dean, SW), members of Campus Cultural Committee, Ms Mansi Mantoo (Media Officer), Sumeet Sharma (Drama Instructor) and Ifra Kak (Cultural Officer). The events were witnessed by the members of Campus Cultural Committee, teachers, students, scholars of the University of Jammu and prominent members of the civil society. The sound was looked after by Kulbhushan Thakur and Arif Paul.
On 17th December, the events of Western Singing, Quiz, Rangoli and Clay Modellling would be conducted at Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, 10am onwards.