Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: The University of Jammu celebrated the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day with a vibrant Patriotic Cultural Evening led by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, who urged students to uphold unity, integrity, and service to the nation. A Tiranga Rally, led by the Vice Chancellor, was the highlight of the celebrations, as students, faculty, and staff marched with the tricolour, filling the campus with patriotic fervour.
Expressing solidarity with the tragedy stuck people of Kishtwar, the Vice Chancellor began his address by observing a two minutes silence in memory of the lives lost in the cloud burst at Kishtwar today. The Vice Chancellor, formally launched a new initiative in collaboration with Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, aimed at strengthening both the University’s infrastructure and its industry linkages. This initiative has enabled the installation of a modern public address system and energy-efficient lighting on campus. He expressed gratitude to Power Grid for their generous CSR support,
Prof. Rai also proposed expanding the partnership by introducing customised academic programmes—ranging from certificates to diplomas and degrees—for Power Grid employees. Highlighting the importance of keeping alumni closely connected with their alma mater, he said the goal is to nurture lasting pride and strong bonds between graduates, students, and faculty—a vision reflected in the spirit of today’s celebrations.
Prof. Umesh Rai said, “Independence Day is not just a date in history—it is a reminder of the sacrifices that built our freedom and a call to protect and strengthen it every day. As torchbearers of the nation’s future, our students must commit themselves to building a society rooted in compassion, innovation, and national pride. True patriotism lies not only in words but in our actions, in how we contribute to the growth of our communities and our country.”
The Vice Chancellor observed that the University’s celebrations are designed to instil in students a deep sense of belonging to the nation and to encourage them to become active participants in shaping India’s future. On this occasion, POWERGRID officials, including Mr. Sanjeev Chauhan, CGM (Projects); Mr. Ashutosh Sharma, Senior DGM (HR); and Mr. Vinul Koul, DGM (HR), were felicitated for their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) sponsorship towards installing a modern Public Address system and energy-efficient lighting on campus.
This CSR initiative, valued at approximately Rs 13 lakhs, has transformed campus safety and communication by improving night-time visibility, enabling effective broadcasting of announcements and emergency alerts, and ensuring a more secure and accessible environment for students and staff. The project aligns with POWERGRID’s sustainability and education objectives and underscores the impact of industry–academia collaboration.
During the programme, a Viksit Bharat Quiz was conducted, drawing enthusiastic participation from students. The cultural segment also included poetry recitation, where Dr. Vikram Sahi, I/c Librarian, and Dr. Bhagwati Devi, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi, presented their self-composed patriotic poems, adding a deeply personal and emotional touch to the evening.
Earlier, Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, welcomed the gathering and commended the students and other stakeholders of the University for their enthusiastic participation in the event. Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, expressed gratitude to POWERGRID, the organising team, participants, and attendees for making the evening a meaningful tribute to the nation’s 79th Independence Day.
Among others present on the occasion were senior functionaries of the University, Prof. Anju Bhasin. Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof. Prakash C Antahal. Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Yashpal Sharma, Dean Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. J. P. Singh Joorel, prominent members from civil society, Directors, Rectors, Heads of Departments, faculty, officers, staff, students, scholars, and residents.
