Such events provide opportunity to young minds to explore their hidden talent: Prof Umesh Rai

JU to organize Inter-University North Zone Youth Festival ‘Antarnaad-2023’ from today

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The University of Jammu is organizing a five-day long Inter-University North Zone Youth Festival ‘Antarnaad-2023’ from 31st of January, this was informed by Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, here today during a curtain raiser ceremony.
Vice Chancellor, Prof Umesh Rai was flanked by Prof Arvind Jasrotia, Registrar, University of Jammu, Prof Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare and organizing secretary Antarnaad, Prof Rahul Gupta, convener press, media and publicity committee, Prof Vishav Raksha, Chairperson campus cultural committee, University of Jammu and Coordinator antarnaad and Dr Vinay Thusoo, media head, University of Jammu.
While interacting with the media, Prof Rai said that the JU has played a historic role in the growth and integration of Jammu and Kashmir. This University has been a torch bearer for pluralistic, cultural and secular credentials, besides contributing towards nation-building.
“It is a matter of great pride that India is hosting G-20 summit under the guidance of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi,” Prof Umesh Rai said and added that on the similar lines University of Jammu is also gearing up to contribute to the ensuing G20 event.
He said that in this league, JU in collaboration with Association of Indian Universities is hosting 36th edition of the Inter-University North Zone Youth Festival, in which more than 18 Universities and 1000 participants are taking part.
“It is the third time that the University of Jammu is hosting the North Zone Youth festivals,” Vice Chancellor said and added that the aim of the event is to promote brotherhood, unity, peace and harmony.
Prof Umesh Rai said that the event is built on a healthy spirit of competition and would offer an opportunity to the young minds to explore their hidden talent and also to interact with their counterparts from different parts of the country.
“This event shall feature Arts, Fine Arts and Literary activities, which will develop critical thinking and national integrity among students,” he said and added that even the name of the Youth Festival ‘ANTARNAAD’ holds significance in contemporary times, which means to listen to inner soul and lead the way of life accordingly.
He informed that Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha shall be the chief guest at the inaugural function, whereas Member of Parliament and Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur shall grace the valedictory function.
In response to a media query, Prof Umesh Rai said that to promote co-curricular activities in University, they have launched 11 clubs, including photography club, heritage and tourism club, literary club, film club, theatre club, dance club, painting club, music club, translation club, nature and wildlife club, and community services and social justice club.
“The idea behind starting these clubs is to widen the span of education beyond classroom,” Prof Umesh Rai said.
Pertinently, three local teams from Jammu, including University of Jammu are also participating in the festival. The cultural contingent of University of Jammu consists of winners of display your talent.
A welcome address was delivered by Ranjeet Kalra, teaching faculty Human Resource Development Centre and a vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Vinay Thusoo, Incharge media, University of Jammu.
Among others Prof KS Charak, head department of Mathematics, Dr Garima Gupta, Assistant Dean Students Welfare, Dr Hema Gandotra, NSS coordinator, Dr Imran Farooq, Nodal Officer Amritkaal, Mansi Mantoo, media officer and students and faculty from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies were present on the occasion.