From classrooms to committees: Design Your Degree students of University of Jammu pioneer YuvaConverse’25, inspiring policy dialogue for a developed India

JAMMU: In a remarkable display of youth leadership and innovation, the students of the Design Your Degree (DYD) programme, University of Jammu successfully curated and hosted YuvaConverse’25—a three-day flagship event that brought together over a hundred young minds for vibrant discussions and diplomacy-driven dialogue.

The event marked the University’s first-ever MUN-inspired youth forum, providing a dynamic space for students to engage in policy-oriented discussions on issues of national and regional importance. A total of 102 delegates from 16 educational institutions participated, reflecting the growing culture of student-led intellectual engagement fostered under the DYD initiative.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, appreciated the remarkable efforts of the DYD students in conceptualizing and executing YuvaConverse’25, describing it as a shining example of how experiential learning can nurture confident, informed, and socially responsible youth. He said that the initiative embodies the spirit of the Design Your Degree programme, which aims to transform students from passive learners into active thinkers and leaders. Prof. Rai further emphasized that such student-led endeavours not only strengthen intellectual discourse on campus but also align perfectly with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, where young minds play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s developmental narrative.

Addressing the valedictory session, Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu appreciated the entrepreneurial initiative of DYD students.He noted that such platforms go beyond conventional learning and nurture leadership, critical thinking, and creativity among the youth.  He further said that youth has a great role in building Viksit Bharat and such intellectually stimulating engagement activities can help them to think beyond traditional curriculum. 

Prof Alka Sharma, Director, SIIEDC in her address said that such student driven initiatives reflect that the tangible outcomes of DYD program, as envisioned by Prof Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, are visible. She further informed that the multidisciplinary and trans-disciplinary approach of DYD program provides enough opportunities to our students to emerge as global thought leaders and change makers.

Prof K S Charak, Mentor in his remarks said that this event offered participants an immersive experience in public speaking, critical thinking, and diplomacy and the skills that are essential in today’s interconnected world. He further appreciated the energy and enthusiasm of the delegates that reflected the students’ passion for dialogue-driven problem-solving and their readiness to lead change through informed discussion.

Prof Anil Gupta, Mentor for this initiative informed this initiative emerged as a part of project YuvaVerse under the Start Up Course of DYD program led by the team of Fatima Sayed, Shailja Sharma, Harshita, Vishali, Dhwani Gupta and Mehak Shan. 

During the event there there were four committees under which delegates deliberated on issues including - Women’s Empowerment: Partnerships for Rights & Resilience (UN Women); From Voice to Vision: Youth Steering Viksit Bharat @ 2047 (Lok Sabha); Advancing Youth-Led Innovation for Inclusive Industrial Growth (JKLA); Fostering Grassroots Tourism through Strategic Development (AIPPM). 

Sarnish served as the Secretary General of the event while Fatima served as Director General. Dr Pallavi Sachdeva, Mentor, DYD who coordinated the smooth execution of the 3 days event appreciated the wonderful team work of all the three batches of DYD students. 

The event was graced by all the mentors of DYD program including Prof Gurjeet Kour, Prof Jyoti Sharma, Prof Sadaf Shah, Dr Jitendra Manhas, Dr Shallu Sehgal, Dr Sarika, Dr Ripudaman, Dr Sunil, Dr Manish, Dr Sandeep and others.