3rd Annual Prof. Shailendra Singh Jamwal Memorial Debate Competition’ Organised at University of Jammu

Jammu, April 30: The Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, organised the ‘3rd Annual Prof. Shailendra Singh Jamwal Memorial Debate Competition’ for students of affiliated colleges and University departments here today under the ambit of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, with the topic “Drug addiction is a societal failure, not an individual one.”

The competition is held annually to commemorate the life and legacy of Prof. Shailendra Singh Jamwal.

 Prof. Pankaj Srivastava, Director, Centre for Distance & Online Education (CD&OE), University of Jammu, was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function. Family members of Prof. Jamwal, including Dr. Sureshtha Jamwal (wife), Sh. Narinder Singh Jamwal and Sh. Brij Nandan Singh Jamwal (brothers), along with other family members, were also present on the occasion.

In his address, Prof. Pankaj Srivastava commended the Department of Students Welfare for organising the competition in fond memory of Prof. Jamwal, describing him as a distinguished academician and researcher. He noted that Prof. Jamwal was not only an accomplished scholar but also deeply connected to his department, institution, culture, and the broader community. He also shared his fond memories associated with Prof. Jamwal.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, highlighted the significant contributions of Prof. Jamwal in various capacities at the University of Jammu. She stated that his scholarly and visionary work had benefitted not only the University but the entire region. She also elaborated on the relevance and scope of the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai, for his continued patronage and guidance in organising such student-centric programmes. She further remarked that the debate topic was highly relevant, addressing multiple perspectives on the pressing issue of drug abuse.

Dr. Madhulika Singh from the Department of History, University of Jammu, presented a detailed citation on the life and achievements of Prof. Jamwal. Dr. Virender Koundal, Director, DSRS, and Dr. Ganesh Malhotra from DSRS, also paid tributes, highlighting Prof. Jamwal’s notable contributions towards reshaping and correcting the narrative of Jammu & Kashmir.

Prof. Jamwal was awarded the Commonwealth Academic Fellowship in London, UK, in 2003 and also received a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the London School of Economics. During his tenure in the UK, he worked on the project titled “Kashmir Imbroglio and the British Policy 1947–48.” He served as a reviewer for major international projects of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan under the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), London. In 2004, he delivered lectures on Jammu and Kashmir at several prestigious institutions, including the Foreign Office, University of Bristol, British Library, Indian YMCA, and the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. He authored three books on the history of Jammu and Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir: Autocracy to Democracy (July 2011), Srinagar Riot Enquiry Committee – 1931 (January 2012), and Settlement Operations in Kashmir and Jammu (January 2012). His extensive research has played a vital role in presenting the region’s narrative in a balanced and informed perspective at both national and international levels.

In the competition, Shilpa Devi and Karthik Sharma, both from Jammu College of Physiotherapy, secured the first and second positions, respectively, while Samiyaa Sharma from GCW Parade clinched the third position. Certificates of Merit were awarded to Sarabjeet Hira (GDC R.S. Pura), Anshika Gandhi (Law School, JU), Ojeswi Rajput (GCW Parade), and Arzoo Sharma and Priyanshi (MIER). The award for the Best Team was secured by Jammu College of Physiotherapy.

Dr. Neena Gupta, Dr. Vijender Kumar, and Dr. Shubhra Jamwal served as adjudicators, while Dr. Neelam Choudhary was the Teacher In-charge of the event. The programme was attended by senior faculty members, officers, staff, scholars, and students of the University.

Prof. Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, presented the vote of thanks.

The event was organised under the guidance of Prof. Prakash Antahal, Prof. Monika Chadha, and Prof. Sarika Manhas, and was coordinated by Dr. Pritam Singh (Associate Dean, Students Welfare), Dr. Shallu Sharma and Dr. A.R. Manhas (Deputy Chief Proctors), Dr. Harleen Kaur and Dr. Ripudaman Parihar (Assistant Deans), Ms. Mansi Mantoo (Officer In-charge), and Sumeet Sharma (Drama Instructor). Sound arrangements were managed by Kulbhushan Thakur and Arif Paul, while hall management was overseen by Sunny Singh, Narayan Choudhary, Poorvi Verma, Sunaina Sharma, and Pragya Sharma. The event was conducted by Ananya.