IIM Jammu observes Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti with cultural vibrance, spirit of service, and a call for Atmanirbhar Bharat

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu observed the 156th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi Ji, alongside the 121st birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister of India, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji, with reverence and enthusiasm at its Jagti Campus. The celebrations reflected the timeless values of simplicity, truth, non-violence, selfless service, and patriotism espoused by these two stalwarts of the nation.

The event began with floral tributes offered to Mahatma Gandhi Ji and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. Faculty members, officers, staff, and students also paid their heartfelt floral tributes, remembering the immortal contributions of these great leaders to India’s freedom, integrity, and progress.

Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research; Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Professor of Practice; Prof. Pranab Ranjan Das; Professor of Practice, IIM Jammu; Dr. Ashish Kumar, Chairperson, Student Affairs; Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu along with other faculty members, officers, staff, and students of IIM Jammu.

A truly unforgettable moment was the soul-stirring performance by Shri Sahil Ji, a member of the housekeeping staff at IIM Jammu. With every note and gesture, he brought Mahatma Gandhiji’s and Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s timeless message to life, moving hearts across the audience. His heartfelt expression transcended roles and hierarchies, earning a standing ovation from Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu and all present at Mandapam Auditorium. This soul-touching performance beautifully embodied the spirit of inclusivity, celebrated hidden talent, and reinforced the profound sense of unity and shared purpose within the IIM Jammu community.

Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, reflected on the profound significance of the day, which brings together the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi Ji and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji with the sacred festivals of Dussehra and Ram Navami, celebrating the timeless triumph of truth, righteousness, and moral courage. He passionately underscored Gandhiji’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, as championed by Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, and the enduring importance of Swadeshi, urging everyone to support Indian artisans, local enterprises, and indigenous products as a path to national self-reliance.

Deeply moved by Shri Sahil Ji’s soul-touching performance, he shared that he was so touched that he wished to join everyone present in giving a standing ovation, emphasizing that true talent resides in every individual and every corner of Bharat, and when recognized and nurtured, it blossoms into a beacon of national pride. He concluded with an inspiring appeal for unity, self-reliance, and collective action to lead India to even greater heights of progress and glory.

The day began with a Blood Donation Camp and Medical Health Check-up at Sanjeevani, organized by the Kartavya–Social Responsibility Club of IIM Jammu in collaboration with GMC Jammu and the J & K Thalassemia Society.Faculty, staff, and students participated wholeheartedly, symbolizing Mahatma Gandhiji’s ideal of “Seva Parmo Dharma”, Service is the highest duty and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastriji’s call of “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” which reminds us of the dignity of sacrifice and service for the larger good of society.

A Cultural Event was held at the Mandapam Auditorium. Students presented soulful songs, thought-provoking skits, graceful dances, and stirring poetic recitations, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhiji’s philosophy of peace and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastriji’s life of humility, integrity, and dedication. The cultural tapestry brought alive the shared vision of both leaders, a vision of India that is morally strong, socially harmonious, and committed to collective progress.

The program culminated with the singing of the National Anthem, marked by enthusiastic participation and a collective resolve to follow in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi Ji and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji. The event was organized, executed and coordinated by the student team under the supervision of Student Affairs Office of IIM Jammu.