University of Jammu’s "Display Your Talent 2025 - Ravi Zone & Pir Panjal Zone" inaugurated simultaneously at Kathua Campus & GPGC Rajouri

KATHUA AND RAJOURI: In alignment with the visionary initiative of Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu to connect cultural events more closely with students, the ‘Display Your Talent 2025 – Ravi Zone & Pir Panjal Zone’ was officially inaugurated today.

The event is being organized by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu in collaboration with Kathua Campus, University of Jammu and GPGC Rajouri respectively. This vibrant cultural festival spans a total of two days from 17-11-2025 to 18-11-2025. Over the course of the events, students from around 25 Colleges of Ravi Zone & Pir Panjal Zone will showcase their creativity through 24 competitions across categories, including music, dance, literary arts, fine arts, and theatre.

At Kathua Campus, this highly anticipated inaugural Display Your Talentevent kicked off today with great enthusiasm and fervour, welcoming guests and participants from all corners of the Ravi Zone. The inaugural event was honoured by the esteemed presence of Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, University of Jammu, and Prof. Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, University of Jammu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively, Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Rector, Kathua Campus and other key dignitaries.

The judging panel for Group Song (Indian), Jai Dogra Song, Light Vocal Solo, Classical Vocal Solo and Classical Instrumental Solo (Percussion) comprised of Mr.Suraj Singh, Dr.Chankya Sharma and Sh. Bhadur Singh and for Western Group Song and Western Vocal Solo, the Judging panel consisted of Sh. Narinder Wazir and Mr. Andrew, whose expertise and impartial evaluation contributed to the day’s successful outcomes.

The observers for Day One were Dr. Rajbir Singh and Mr. Ashwin Kumar Kushwaha, who monitored the proceedings and ensured the smooth conduct of all events. Prof. Arvind Jasrotia expressed his delight in hosting such a dynamic gathering and affirmed that the campus will continue to organise similar events, further demonstrating its strong organizational capabilities and commitment to cultural enrichment.

The event also provided offsite campuses with a valuable opportunity to connect with the degree colleges of the region, fostering collaboration and strengthening academic and cultural ties. During the inaugural ceremony, Prof. Monika Chadha, highlighted how such platforms play a crucial role in nurturing creativity, fostering talent, and providing individuals with the opportunity to showcase their skills to a wider audience. In an effort to enhance inclusivity and ensure wider participation from students in remote and far-flung regions, Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai envisioned the decentralization of the event into five zones—Tawi, Devika, Ravi, Pir Panjal and Chenab.

She emphasized the recent shift to a zone-wise format, introduced to address the difficulties faced by students from distant and remote areas in reaching Jammu. This model not only eases participation but also highlights the rich sub-regional identities that shape Jammu. The event was also attended by distinguished guests including Dr.Vivek Sharma, Academic Coordinator; Dr SourabhShastri I/c Head MCA, Dr Pankaj Khajuria, Asstt. Registrar, Faculty Members of Kathua Campus, Faculty Members from different Degree Colleges of Ravi Zone, staff and students whose presence added significance to the occasion The proceedings of the inaugural were carried by Dr Nomita Sharma.

At Govt. PG College, Rajouri, the programme commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the triumph of knowledge and creativity over ignorance followed by a formal welcome address by Dr. Zakir Hussain Kalis, Cultural Coordinator for Pir Panjal Zone, who extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the chief guest, dignitaries, participating students, faculty members, and the audience. The occasion was graced by Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, University of Jammu, as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, Prof. Antahal lauded the visionary leadership and unwavering support of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu in making this initiative a resounding success.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the host college in successfully organizing the programme and providing a much-needed platform for students from various colleges of the Pir Panjal Zone to exhibit their extraordinary talents across multiple disciplines. He urged the participating students to fully seize this golden opportunity to express their latent talents that often remain immaterialized due to lack of exposure. Prof. Zamir Ahmed Mirza, Principal Govt. PG College Rajouri, in his presidential address, expressed profound gratitude to the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, for entrusting the college with the responsibility of hosting this prestigious zonal event.

He expressed hope that the University would continue to organize such initiatives in the future to foster the holistic development of students and nurture their artistic and cultural potential. He also appreciated the efforts of the college Cultural and Literary Activities Committee, Sitting Arrangement Committee, Hospitality and Protocol Committee and other stakeholders involved in organising the event. Dr. A R Manhas also commended the college for its meticulous planning and seamless execution of the event.

The inaugural day witnessed a colourful and energetic presentation of cultural items by students ranging from Indian Group Song to Jai Dogra Song, Light Vocal Solo, Painting, Poster Making, Collage Making, Skit, and Mimicry. Performances were evaluated by an eminent and qualified jury panel comprising Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, Mr. Mohit Kumar, Mr. Subash Jamwal and Mr. Rajinder Kumar Narang. The sessions were deftly moderated by Prof. Khaleeq Ahmed and Dr. Khalid Riyaz, ensuring smooth conduct and lively engagement.

The day ended with the formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Ahsan ur Rehman Rizvi and Prof. Sabia Akhter, who expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their support and participation.Among the prominent attendees were Dr. A.R. Manhas, Dr. Vimal Kishore, Dr. P.P. Singh, Dr. Riaz Ahmed Mirza and several other faculty members and cultural coordinators from colleges across the Pir Panjal Zone.

The events of the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu are being conceived, planned, and coordinated by the DSW team led by Prof. Prakash Antahal (Dean Students Welfare), Prof. Monika Chadha (Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee), Prof. Sarika Manhas (Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee), Dr. Pritam Singh (Associate Dean SW), Dr. Shallu Sharma and Dr. A.R. Manhas (Deputy Chief Proctors), Dr. Harleen Kaur and Dr. Ripudaman Parihar (Assistant Deans SW), Ms. Mansi Mantoo (Media Officer), Sumeet Sharma (Drama Instructor), and members of the Campus Cultural Committee.