STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: After a vibrant and spirited showcase of talent, creativity, and cultural diversity, two days Multi-Genre Mega Youth Festival “Goonj” concluded here on Wednesday at Jammu University.
The valedictory function was graced by Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir, whereas Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairperson of the Higher Education Council, Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Chancellor of Kumara Mangalam University was the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the jam-packed gathering at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar expressed his delight at the success of the festival. He emphasized the importance of such events in nurturing creativity, talent, and cultural exchange among the youth.
“This festival has not only showcased the incredible talent present among our youth but has also strengthened the bonds of friendship and camaraderie,” remarked Bhatnagar, adding, “It is a privilege to be part of this event, and there is so much energy emanating from the participants that I am feeling very energized.”
He further added that it is good to see how enthusiastic and innovative these students are and they have vindicated the true meaning of ‘Goonj’, as their enthusiasm is resonating in this auditorium.
“I think this is the benchmark of how well the program has gone and how much the participants have really enjoyed it, participated in it, and benefited from it,” Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar said, adding that the success of the program was evident in the vibrant exchange of ideas and the enthusiasm displayed by participants.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar highlighted the importance of best practices and cultural values in shaping individuals and communities.
He emphasized the significance of finding solutions to challenges and fostering a culture of resilience and sportsmanship. He urged the students to aim for excellence and stated that success will follow.
Earlier, Advisor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar also visited the stalls put up by the University Teaching Departments, off-site Campuses, Colleges, and Cluster University of Jammu showcasing their Innovative R&D and Best Practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dinesh Singh expressed his admiration for the event’s success and highlighted the university’s pivotal role in shaping the future of education.
“The success of this event has been vindicated from the very moment I entered the auditorium. I had no doubt that Goonj is a success, as its resonance was palpable,” Prof Dinesh Singh said and added that when the Gyanoday Express commenced its journey, it marked a significant breakthrough.
He asserted, “It was not just the inception of a train; it represented a personal innovation for me. With confidence, I can declare that the journey of J&K University has begun. Having recently returned from London, I must confess my heart lies with Jammu more than any other place.”
He further shared that during his London visit, representatives from the British government, parliament members, and academicians were all eager to know the developments taking place in the University of Jammu.
“I urge the students to take pride in the university’s progress, for it will benefit India as a whole. Yesterday, during the Lieutenant Governor’s visit, the sight of NCC and NSS students’ parade left a profound impression on me. Their fervor and dedication assured me of a bright future for India,” Prof Dinesh Singh said and added that this momentum will only intensify, leading to multifaceted progress.
Proposing a new vision for education, Prof. Singh asserted, “A new definition of education is originating from Jammu University. The aim is to facilitate effective expression of knowledge and emotions, aligning education with holistic development.”
Earlier, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu-Prof Umesh Rai said that education transcends the confines of classroom walls.
“Education’s outcome is only holistic development. I don’t believe in education inside walls,” said Prof Umesh Rai, adding “Sports and cultural activities are the medium to that. All sports include the feeling of teamwork, and if we want to amplify the feeling of teamwork, it can only be done through such activities and projects.”
Earlier, Prof. Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, University of Jammu presented a formal welcome address whereas Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson Campus Cultural Committee gave a detailed overview of the report of the two-day event.
On this occasion, coordinators of various vectors and adjudicators of Best Practices, Radio Partner Red FM, College on Wheels team and Cultural Representatives were also felicitated.
Result of various Competitive Events organized under Goonj-2024.
In Culture, Group Song India, GCW stood First, Cluster University of Jammu second and GDC Kathua third. In Light Vocal solo, Mukesh Kumar, cluster University of Jammu stood first, Chand Kumar, GDC Vijaypur and Sonia Verma, GCW Udhampur stood Second and third respectively. In Western singing solo, Vineet Raina, Cluster University of Jammu stood first, Tanoj Kumar, DD&OE stood second and third prize was shared by Rishav from SMVDU and Ritisha Manhas from GCW Parade.
In Group Dance Folk, First Prize was clinched by GCW Udhampur, Whereas Cluster University Jammu and GCW Parade stood Second and third respectively.
In Elocution, Nipun Sharma , DD&OE stoof first, whereas Sugandha Gupta , GCW Parade and Aasmi Abrol from MIET stood Second and third prize respectively.
In Poster making, Rashi and Zaigham Salaria from Cluster University Jammu stood first and Second respectively and third prize went to Sohani Rajput , GDCW Kathua.
In Rangoli, Ayushi Bhardwaj , Cluster University Jammu stood First whereas Gurleen Kour, GCW, Bhagwati Nagar and Abiyantika Sharma, Dept. of Economics stood Second and Third respectively.
In Photography, Athrav , SMVDU stood First whereas Diwakar Dayal , TBS and Sivansh Bagal, GDC Udhampur stood second and Third respectively.
In Skit, the team of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University stood first, whereas Cluster University Jammu and GCW Udhampur stood Second and Third respectively.
In the Category of Short Film Making using Smartphone, GDC Doda stood First whereas PG Integrated and Udhampur Campus JU stood Second and third respectively.
Under Sports, in Football (W), SMVDU Katra stood First whereas GCW Udhampur and PG Dept, University of Jammu stood Second and third respectively.
In Kabaddi (M), Cluster University of Jammu stood First whereas PG Dept. University of Jammu and GDC Udhampur stood Second and Third respectively.
In Kho Kho (W), PG Dept. University of Jammu stood First whereas GCW Udhampur and GDC Kathua won Second and Third Prize respectively.
In Kho Kho (M), GDC Rajouri stood First whereas PG Dept. University of Jammu and GDC Kathua won Second and Third Prize respectively.
In Volleyball (M), Cluster University of Jammu stood First whereas GDC Ramgarh and SMVDU Katra won Second and Third Prize respectively.
In Handball (W), PG. Dept. of University of Jammu stood First whereas GCW Parade and GCW Udhampur stood and Third respectively.
In Basketball (W), First Prize was clinched by PG Dept, University of Jammu and GCW Parade received Second Prize.
In Basketball (M), PG Dept University of Jammu stood First whereas GCET Jammu and Cluster University of Jammu stood Second and third respectively.
Overall winner trophy was won by PG Dept. University of Jammu whereas the Cluster University of Jammu and SMVDU, Katra were declared as First and Second runners-up.
In Best Practices, Under the University Category, Cluster University of Jammu was declared as Best.
Under Off Site Campuses Category, Kathua Campus was declared as the Best.
Under the affiliated Colleges Category, Government Degree College Samba was declared Best.
Under different Departments of the University Category, TBS, JU was declared First and SHTM stood Second and the third prize was shared by the Department of Education and School of Biotechnology. There were two Consolation Prizes under this Category, which were clinched by the Department of Home Science and the Directorate of Distance and Online Education. The Departments who were declared First, Second and Third Prize shall also be awarded a Cash Prize.
The proceedings of the valedictory function were conducted by Ifra Kak, Cultural Officer, DSW.
Among others present on the occasion included Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development, Deans, Directors, Rectors of off site Campuses, Heads of the teaching departments, Registrar, University of Jammu, senior functionaries of the participating institutions, members of the Civil Society, Officers from Police, faculty members from the University teaching departments, offsite campuses, affiliated colleges, participating Universities, officers, staff and students.
