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 Department of Strategic and Regional Studies (DSRS), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Jammu Kashmir Study Centre (JKSC), organised a special lecture on the theme “Accession of Jammu and Kashmir” at the Seminar Hall, DSRS.
Prof. Prakash Anthal, Dean Students Welfare, University of Jammu, graced the event as the Chief Guest. In his presidential address, Prof. Anthal emphasised the contemporary relevance of studying the constitutional, historical, and geopolitical context of Jammu & Kashmir’s accession to India. He underlined the importance of academic discourse in countering misinformation and promoting national integration.
Delivering the keynote address, Major General (Retd.) Sanjeev Dogra, a renowned defence and strategic expert, spoke in depth about the future Indo-Pak trajectory in light of current regional and global conflicts. He explained the stark contrast between India’s democratic-institutional approach and Pakistan’s military-dominated strategic culture. General Dogra elaborated on India’s short-, mid-, and long-term strategic outlook vis-à-vis Pakistan, and discussed the operational threshold of the Indian Armed Forces in the context of evolving doctrines—particularly after Operation Sindoor. He also shed light on emerging domains of warfare, including cyber and information warfare, and highlighted the critical role of Jammu & Kashmir as India’s first responder in national security preparedness.
Dr. Ajay Sharma, Assistant Professor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, focused his lecture on the historical narrative of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India. He provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the accession, addressing misconceptions and debunking myths surrounding Maharaja Hari Singh’s role. Dr. Sharma emphasised that the decision to accede was constitutional and legally under the authority of Maharaja Hari Singh, and underscored the diplomatic complexity surrounding the events of 1947.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Virender Koundal, Director, DSRS, highlighted the department’s continued efforts in fostering research and dialogue on national security, regional studies, and contemporary geopolitical issues. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where students and scholars raised thought-provoking questions. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Ganesh Malhotra, while the vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Mohd. Monir Alam.
The programme was attended by Mr. Sahil Sharma from JKSC, Mr. Arun Prabhat, youth leader and former President of Jammu University Students Union, Dr. Surinder Mohan, Dr. Ranjan Sharma, Dr. Sunil Kumar, research scholars, and students from various departments of the University.