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 77th Republic Day with patriotic fervour at the University campus. Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, unfurled the National Flag in the presence of Deans, senior faculty members, officers, staff,scholars, students, NCC cadets, security personnel and other members of the University fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor paid tributes to the architects of the Indian Constitution, freedom fighters and martyrs, and saluted the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, paramilitary forces and police personnel who continue to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, particularly in this region.
Highlighting the academic progress of the University, Prof. Rai said that apart from the recently introduced Integrated UG-PG Programme in the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, the University has approved several new programmes in line with NEP-2020 and the Design Your Degree (DYD) initiative. These include four-year BBA and BCA (Data Science) programmes at Kathua Campus, Integrated UG-PG in Information Technology at Poonch Campus, MA in Disaster Management, MA programmes in History, Punjabi and Education under CD&OE, and PhD programmes in Philosophy, Mass Communication & Journalism, Rural Studies, Physical Education, and Engineering & Technology. The University will also launch Integrated UG-PG programmes across disciplines from the coming academic session, he said.
He further informed that engineering education at UIET, Kathua Campus is being restructured to focus on emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics & Automation, Data Science and Data Analytics from the academic session 2026-27, in response to student demand and industry requirements.
Emphasising skill development and employability, the Vice-Chancellor shared that the University has launched several certificate and skill-based courses, including Fundamentals of Accounting, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, GST, Banking, Insurance, AI & Data Science, Mobile Journalism, and Personality Development & Communication, along with short-term finishing courses open to students from all disciplines.
Speaking on research growth, Prof. Rai highlighted a significant achievement, noting that faculty citations have increased nearly twelve-fold, rising from around 900 in 2022 to over 10,500 in 2025, reflecting the University’s strengthened research ecosystem acknowledging the collective efforts of the Dean Research Studies, Heads of Departments, and faculty members.
On the promotion of Indian Knowledge Systems, he referred to the inauguration of Aurobindo Gyan Kendra, strengthening of the Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, and the submission of a proposal to the Ministry of Education for establishing an Indian Knowledge Centre at the University.
Highlighting cultural initiatives, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the role of the UTSAH Student Club Cluster in promoting Dogra art, literature and folklore, and nurturing the spirit of “Jammuiyat.” He informed that the University Council has approved the establishment of a Centre for Culture, Dialects, Emotional Intelligence and Regional Studies of Jammu and Kashmir, and that Lok Sahitya Utsav and Goonj will be organised in the coming months to further promote regional languages and heritage.
The Vice Chancellor also informed that the University Health Centre will now remain functional round-the-clock ensuring the availability of first-aid and emergency medical support for students and staff.
The Vice-Chancellor also lauded the outstanding achievements of DYD students, who secured National Top Position at Samadhan-2025, second position at the IUST Hackathon, All-India 7th rank at AISS-2025, Top-35 ranking at EY-DSCI National Cybersecurity Hackathon, and a National Runner-Up position at IIT Bombay TechFest, one of Asia’s largest science and technology festivals. He also mentioned the participation of 21 students in the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme with NIT Nagaland.
On digital transformation, Prof. Rai informed that the Centre for IT Enabled Services has been expanded and renamed as the Centre for IT Enabled Services & Emerging Technologies, which has implemented e-Office, rolled out 17 e-SAMARTH modules, entered collaborations with IIT Kharagpur, ICT Academy Chennai and GHV Accelerator, and hosted international corporate lecture series.
Student welfare initiatives include the launch of the Earn While You Learn Scheme, establishment of a Counselling Facility at the University Health Centre, and expanded health services.
Placement initiatives were also highlighted, including the first-ever Job Fair organised by CD&OE with 15 companies and 565 candidates, and a placement drive with Century Bank Brokers, Dubai, resulting in 150 students securing overseas placements.
On the administrative front, the Vice-Chancellor stated that over the past few years, 167 faculty members were promoted under CAS, while 32 faculty members, 15 officers and 79 non-teaching staff were appointed. Long-vacant statutory positions of Registrar, Finance Officer and Controller of Examinations have also been filled.
Earlier, Prof. Anthal formally welcomed the distinguished guests, including Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, representatives of teaching and non-teaching associations, officers, NCC cadets, security personnel, students, and their families. He paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyrs and underscored the enduring legacy of the Indian Constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
As part of the celebrations, a soulful rendition of “Vande Mataram”, the National Song of India, was presented in commemoration of its 150th year. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee.
Among others present on the occasion included Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs,Prof Pankaj K Srivastava, Director CD&OE, Rectors, Directors, Deans of various faculties, HoDs of different Departments, Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar,Dr Jatinder Khajuria,Finance Officer,Faculty members, Officers, Representatives of all associations of the University, staff, scholars and students.