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’s two-day 3rd Zonal Level Youth Festival, ‘Display Your Talent 2026’, commenced simultaneously in the Kathua-Samba and Rajouri-Poonch zones on Thursday, providing students from affiliated colleges an opportunity to showcase their talent in music, dance, theatre, literary and fine arts.
Organised by the Department of Students Welfare (DSW), University of Jammu, in collaboration with Kathua Campus and Government PG College, Rajouri, respectively, the festival will continue till October 23, with competitions across 27 categories.
The zonal-level initiative, introduced under the vision of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, aims to bring cultural activities closer to students, particularly those studying in colleges located in remote and far-flung areas. By decentralising the University's annual talent festival into five zones, the initiative seeks to ensure wider participation while providing a platform for students to represent the distinct cultural identities of their respective regions.
At Kathua Campus, Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, University of Jammu, inaugurated the festival as Chief Guest, while Prof. Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, attended as Guest of Honour. Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Rector, Kathua Campus, along with faculty members and other dignitaries, was also present.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Monika Chadha said that cultural platforms such as Display Your Talent provide students with opportunities to identify and develop their creative abilities. Referring to the vision of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, she said the introduction of the zonal format was intended to address the difficulties faced by students from distant areas in travelling to Jammu for participation in cultural events. She added that the initiative would encourage greater participation and bring forward the cultural diversity of different sub-regions of Jammu.
Earlier, welcoming the guests and participants, Prof. Arvind Jasrotia expressed satisfaction over Kathua Campus hosting the zonal festival. He said such programmes provide an opportunity for the University's offsite campuses to establish closer connections with degree colleges of the region. He also expressed the campus's commitment to organising similar activities in the future.
The first day witnessed competitions in Group Song (Indian), Light Vocal Solo, Classical Vocal Solo, Western Vocal Solo, Cartooning, Poster Making and Collage.
In the Group Song (Indian) competition, GDC Kathua (Boys) secured the first prize, while SPPND GDC Samba bagged the second prize.
In Light Vocal Solo, Rohini Bhagat of GDC Kathua won the first prize, followed by Babli of Siddhi Vinayak College of Nursing in second place and Anuj Rattan of GLDM Degree College, Hiranagar, in third place.
In Western Vocal Solo, Niharika Dogra of DRD College of Nursing secured the first prize, Anuj Rattan of GLDM Degree College, Hiranagar, won the second prize, while Mannat Jamwal of SPPND GDC Samba bagged the third prize.
In Classical Vocal Solo, Anuj Rattan of GLDM Degree College, Hiranagar, secured the first prize.
In Cartooning, Sheria Thakur of UIET, Kathua Campus, won the first prize, Priya Bandral of UIET, Kathua Campus, secured the second prize, while Shivankit Singh of GDC Kathua stood third.
In the Collage competition, Sania Sambyal of Kathua Campus secured the first prize, Sheetal Bhadwal of GDC Mahanpur won the second prize, while Nehu Sharma of GDC Mahanpur bagged the third prize.
In Poster Making, Palvi Devi and Diksha Bhagat of GDC Samba secured the first and second prizes, respectively, while Hitaishi Khajuria of UIET, Kathua Campus, won the third prize. Mohit Singh of GLDM Degree College, Hiranagar, and Sunidhi of Siddhi Vinayak College of Nursing were awarded certificates of merit.
The competitions in Group Song (Indian), Light Vocal Solo, Classical Vocal Solo and Western Vocal Solo were adjudicated by Dr. Monu Kumar and Dr. Mukteshi Sharma, while Sh. Ganesh Sharma and Mr. Ankush Kesar adjudicated the Cartooning, Poster Making and Collage competitions.
Dr. Prince Sharma and Mr. Tarun Chouhan were the observers for the first day. Sound arrangements were managed by Mr. Kulbhushan Thakur, while Mr. Sachin Sharma, Mr. Pawan Verma and Mr. R. P. Singh coordinated the event. Dr. Meenakshi Thakur conducted the proceedings of the inaugural function.
Faculty members of Kathua Campus and various degree colleges of the Kathua-Samba Zone, along with staff and students, attended the programme.
Meanwhile, at Government PG College, Rajouri, the 3rd Zonal Level Display Your Talent festival for the Rajouri-Poonch Zone was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Devansh Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, who attended as Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Devansh Yadav highlighted the importance of providing students with opportunities beyond classroom learning. He said cultural and literary activities help students develop confidence, express their creativity and discover their abilities. He appreciated the initiative of the University of Jammu to provide a common platform for students from different colleges to participate in cultural competitions.
Earlier, Prof. (Dr.) Anwer Shah, Principal, Government PG College, Rajouri, welcomed the Chief Guest, dignitaries and participants. He highlighted the importance of organising such events at the zonal level and providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their talent.
The inaugural ceremony began with the rendition of Vande Mataram and the National Anthem under the supervision of Prof. Khaleeq Qazi. The Principal presented a bouquet to the Deputy Commissioner, following which the ceremonial lamp was lit jointly by the Chief Guest, the Principal and the representative of the University of Jammu.
The programme featured a cultural presentation by Parvaiz Malik and a group dance by Gunasvi and Party. The Chief Guest was also felicitated on the occasion.
Dr. A. R. Manhas introduced the Display Your Talent programme and briefed the participants about its objectives and various activities.
The day's programme included Light Vocal Solo, Indian Group Song, Mimicry and Skit, with cultural presentations by Nargis Sultana and Tasmia Saleem.
Competitions in Poster Making, Collage Making and Rangoli were conducted under the supervision of Dr. Khalid Rayaz, Dr. Tahira and Gulshan, while the Quiz Competition was conducted by Dr. Razaq, Prof. Anies and Prof. Altaf.
The adjudicators for the Rajouri-Poonch Zone included Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Sh. Rakesh Sharma, Sh. Suraj Singh, Sh. Manoj Damir, Mr. Ravinder Sharma and Mr. Amit Anand.
Dr. A. R. Manhas, Dr. Shallu Sharma and Dr. P. P. Singh attended as observers from the University of Jammu.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Zakir Hussain Kalis under the overall supervision and guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Anwer Shah, Principal, Government PG College, Rajouri. Dr. Zakir Hussain Kalis also proposed the vote of thanks.
The zonal-level events are being organised by the Department of Students Welfare team comprising 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 Students Welfare; Dr. Shallu Sharma and Dr. A. R. Manhas, Deputy Chief Proctors; Dr. Harleen Kaur and Dr. Ripudaman Parihar, Assistant Deans Students Welfare; members of the Campus Cultural Committee; Ms. Mansi Mantoo, Media Officer; and Sumeet Sharma, Drama Instructor.
The valedictory functions in both zones will be held on October 23, 2026.
