STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu (JU), Prof. Umesh Rai, underscored the significance of youth festivals in nurturing creativity, cultural exchange, and holistic development among students.
He emphasized that such events provide a platform for young minds to showcase their talent and strengthen the spirit of unity and innovation.
The Vice Chancellor as the Chief Guest was speaking at the valedictory function of Goonj 2025, the two-day Multi-Genre Mega Youth Festival, which concluded on Thursday at the University.
B.R. Sharma, State Election Commissioner, attended as the Guest of Honour, while Abdul Majid Butt graced the occasion as the Special Guest.
Prof. Rai asserted that Goonj has resonated across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the need to expand its reach nationally.
“Next series of Goonj shall be organized on a larger scale, with activities spanning the university’s seven off-site campuses and culminating in a grand event at the main campus,” Prof Rai said.
Vice Chancellor further highlighted the transformative impact of the Design Your Degree program, which has gained national recognition. Prof Umesh Rai maintained that the credit for the successful implementation of this program goes to the Higher Education Council and the unwavering support of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of J&K.
Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of leveraging the FM Community Radio Station, established in the Department of English, to enhance knowledge dissemination and student engagement.
He congratulated Dean Students Welfare, Professor Prakash Chandra Antahal, and his team for their exceptional efforts in organizing the event.
B.R Sharma expressed happiness over the organization of Goonj which not only provides a platform for the students to showcase their talent in cultural and literary events and sports activities but also give University teaching departments an opportunity to showcase their best practices.
He emphasized the importance of such events in nurturing creativity, talent, and cultural exchange among the youth where they come together, share ideas and interact.
Expressing commitment of the government in strengthening and supporting such endeavours in the Universities, Abdul Majeed Butt said that events like Goonj bridge the gap between urban and rural education.
“We are trying to provide full support to universities to help them adopt innovative educational practices and improve overall academic standards,” he said and added that such events play a pivotal role in offering platform to students from the peripheral regions and ensure equitable access to quality learning experiences.
Earlier, Prof. Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, JU presented a 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, Cultural Representatives were also felicitated.
Among others present on the occasion included Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, Prof. Naresh Padha, seniormost faculty, Prof. Pankaj Srivastava, Director CDOE, Deans, Rectors, Directors, Heads of teaching departments, faculty members, officers, office bearers of various associations, staff, scholars and students.
Results
Cultural Events
Elocution-Ojasvi from GCW Parade, first, Muskan Thakur from GCW Kathua, second and Manmeet Kaur from Cluster University of Jammu, third. Vishal Roudan from Dept. of Lib. Sciences JU, Suhani Gupta from Dept. of Journalism JU, and Shivani from GDC Bishnah got Certificates of Merit.
Poster Making: Vanshika Rajput from GDC Bhagwati Nagar, first, Aseesabjot Kaur, GCW Parade, second and Gurleen Kaur from GDC Bhagwati Nagar, third. Shelly Parihar from Department of Chemistry JU and Ariba from GDC Bishnah got Certificates of Merit.
Short Film Making: Department of Journalism JU, first, GDC Doda, second and Dept of Political Science JU, third. Udhampur Campus JU and Department of Law JU received Certificates of Merit.
Light Vocal Solo: Nirmal Kumar from IMFA, first, Mukesh Kumar from Cluster University of Jammu, second and Ankush from GDC Kathua, third. Netra Tickoo, GCW Parade and Nishu Devi, CD & OE, JU got Certificates of Merit.
Self Composed Poetry: Shafqat Hussain from Dept. of Journalism JU, first, Gursimar Kaur from GDC R.S. Pura, second and Ankush Singh, IMFA, third. Certificates of Merit were received by Nikhil Singh from Dept of Law JU and Vishal Roudhan from Dept of Library Sciences JU.
Skit: PG Integrated Team JU, first, Center for Distance & Online Education JU, second and Udhampur Campus JU, third. GCW Parade got Certificate of Merit.
Folk Dance: Dept. of Law, JU, first, CD & OE, JU, second and GDC Bhaderwah, third. Certificate of Merit was given to GDC Kathua.
Sports Events
Basketball (Men): PG Dept JU, first, Baskar Degree College Udhampur, second and GDC Kathua, third.
Volleyball (Men): PG Dept JU, first, GDC Poonch, second and GDC Udhampur, third.
Handball (Men): PG Dept JU, first, GDC Udhampur, second and GDC Kathua, third.
Kho-Kho (women): PG Dept JU, first, GCW Udhampur, second and GDC Ramnagar, third.
Table-Tennis (women): PG Dept JU, first and GDC Ramnagar, second.
Athletic (Men): GDC Marh, first, GDC Rajouri, second and GDC Khour, third.
Athletic (women): PG Dept JU, first, GCW Udhampur, second and GDC Reasi, third.
Overall Championship in Sports was clinched by PG Department of Sports, University of Jammu.
Result of Best Practices: School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, first, Kathua Campus, second and The Business School, third. Directorate of Sports & Physical Education got Certificate of Merit.
