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. - Acquisition of 10 kanals of land at Poonch House paves the way for a state-of-the-art G+5 complex, introduction of postgraduate programmes, collaborative certificate courses, vacant Assistant Professor positions to be filled, and a transformative future for music and fine arts education in Jammu and Kashmir.
JAMMU: In a landmark development set to redefine the landscape of higher arts education in Jammu and Kashmir, the University of Jammu has secured the transfer of 10 kanals of state land adjoining Poonch House, Talab Tillo, for the expansion and modernisation of its Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA).
The significant achievement marks the culmination of sustained institutional efforts to overcome longstanding infrastructural limitations and provides a major impetus to the University's vision of developing IMFA into a contemporary centre of excellence in music, performing arts and visual arts.
The Vice-Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof Umesh Rai described the acquisition as a historic institutional achievement that would have a far-reaching impact on the University's academic profile and the cultural ecosystem of the region. "The acquisition of is a significant milestone in the University's efforts to strengthen its academic infrastructure and expand opportunities in disciplines that are central to our cultural identity.
IMFA has an illustrious legacy of nurturing exceptional artistic talent, but its growth and academic ambitions have remained constrained by the availability of adequate space. A G+5 complex is envisaged and an amount of 15cr has been sanctioned by the UT govt in addition to the amount for restoration and renovation of the original premises. With this long-awaited breakthrough, we can now translate our vision of transforming the institute into a modern centre of excellence into a concrete reality”.
"We envision IMFA emerging as a vibrant multidisciplinary institution that attracts talented students, encourages artistic innovation and contributes meaningfully to the cultural and intellectual life of Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
The vacant positions of Assistant Professors would soon be filled and facilitate the introduction of postgraduate programmes in keeping with the spirit of NEP 2020 that views music and fine arts as integral part of holistic learning and not an isolated extra-curricular or co-curricular activity. " the Vice-Chancellor said. He further announced the introduction of postgraduate programmes in Hindustani Classical Vocal Music, Classical Sitar Instrument, Classical Violin Instrument, Classical Tabla Instrument and Classical Dance Kathak. This would also lead to offering such courses as open electives for the students of other disciplines of the University.
Further, once the enrolment picks up, the hostel facility shall also be developed to ensure that the penetration of enrolment in the remote areas of the region. The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha and the cooperation and support extended by the UT administration, particularly the Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, and Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, whose institutional support played an important role in facilitating the transfer of land for this significant educational initiative.
As the premier institution of its kind in Jammu province, IMFA currently offers undergraduate programmes in nine specialised disciplines: Kathak Dance, Violin, Sitar, Classical Vocal, Tabla, Painting, Sculpture, Applied Art and Art History. Over the years, its academic and artistic ecosystem has produced a distinguished body of artists and performers, including a Padma Shri awardee and several recipients of national and international recognition.
However, the institute's academic aspirations and expanding cultural engagements have long outgrown the physical infrastructure available at its existing premises. The proposed expansion will address this critical gap and enable the institute to progress from an undergraduate-focused institution towards a more comprehensive centre for advanced learning, artistic research and professional development.
Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, described the expansion of IMFA as an important opportunity to strengthen the research orientation of arts education and create new possibilities for interdisciplinary scholarship.
"The proposed expansion of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts offers an exciting opportunity to broaden the academic and research horizons of the University. Music and fine arts are not merely domains of creative expression; they represent rich knowledge systems with immense potential for scholarly inquiry, documentation, innovation and interdisciplinary research. The proposed infrastructure will provide an enabling environment for integrating traditional artistic practices with contemporary methodologies, digital technologies and emerging areas of creative exploration.
It will also facilitate greater engagement between practitioners, academicians, researchers, and students, opening avenues for collaborative projects, documentation of intangible cultural heritage and the development of new knowledge. We see this initiative as an important step towards positioning IMFA as a vibrant centre where artistic excellence is complemented by academic rigour, research and knowledge creation," Prof. Rohmetra said.
The institute's significance extends beyond its academic mandate. Its faculty members and students have also contributed to the transformation of Jammu's public spaces through the conceptualization and execution of public artworks at prominent locations under the Jammu Smart City Project. These initiatives have demonstrated the potential of academic institutions to contribute directly to urban aesthetics, public engagement and the cultural identity of a city.
Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, Director, SVAPADA & Principal, Institute of Music and Fine Arts, observed that the acquisition would enable the institute to translate its growing academic and cultural potential into a sustained institutional expansion. "One of the most important outcomes will be the creation of the necessary infrastructure for postgraduate education in our performing arts disciplines.
This will open new academic pathways for talented students and strengthen the institute's role in preserving, advancing and disseminating India's rich artistic traditions. We also look forward to developing stronger connections with artists, cultural organisations and the wider community through exhibitions, performances, workshops and collaborative initiatives. The proposed complex will not simply expand our campus; it will significantly enhance the quality, scope and reach of arts education at IMFA," he said. He credited the Vice Chancellor with taking unprecedented initiatives relentlessly to ensure the transformation of IMFA.
The University of Jammu's initiative also reflects a broader institutional commitment to ensuring that music and fine arts receive the academic recognition, infrastructure and developmental support necessary to flourish alongside science, technology and other professional disciplines. The new complex is expected to strengthen the institute's engagement with national cultural institutions, universities, artists, researchers and creative practitioners, while providing a platform for showcasing the artistic achievements of Jammu and Kashmir at wider national and international forums.
For Jammu, the initiative carries particular significance. IMFA has long served as an important centre for the preservation and transmission of the region's artistic traditions. Its transformation into a modern institution with expanded academic programmes, specialised laboratories, professional studios and public-facing cultural spaces will enhance the University's capacity to contribute to the artistic life of the region.
Also present at the occasion were Prof Sangeeta Gupta, Dean Planning, Prof J P Joorel, Dean Academics, Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar and Prof Garima Gupta, Head Department of Foreign Languages, University of Jammu.
