Prof. Manoj K. Dhar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu today exhorted youth to rededicate themselves towards nation building with renewed vigour and work for heralding peace and tranquility across the country. 

"An onerous responsibility lies on our youth to contribute in the gigantic effort of steering the nation and the state towards peace, progress and all round development", the Vice Chancellor said while unfurling tricolour on the 72nd Independence Day at the University Campus here. 

The University of Jammu scripted a new chapter in its history by celebrating this Independence Day by hoisting the tricolour on the specially erected 135 feet high mast at the central place of the Campus in presence of students, scholars , faculty members, officers, office bearers of various associations, staff and their families.

Prof. Dhar referred to the maxim that the basis of great nations lie on great universities and said that it is a proud moment for all to see the University of Jammu figuring among twelve distinguished Category one institutions of the country. This has become possible due to consistent efforts of the successive Vice Chancellors, teachers, officers, non- teaching staff, scholars and students who deserve accolades.

The Vice Chancellor pledged to carry forward this odyssey of the University of Jammu to make it an enviable institution of excellence,  not only at  the national level but international level too. " For this we all will have to work with missionary spirit, dedication and devotion", he asserted and added that Universities can contribute immensely towards change through the medium of research and scientific advancement. Therefore, he said , it is imperative to tailor curriculum in such a way which promotes productivity and encourages youth for employability.

The Vice Chancellor exuded confidence that the scholars and the students of the Jammu University who are second to none would contribute towards the upliftment of the society. He said the pass outs of this University are manning important positions in different spheres and contributing by settings up their own ventures. 

Prof. Dhar elaborately dwelled upon the freedom struggle and sacrifices of  great visionaries who made the dream of independent India come true. 

"Let us resolve to put in our best as responsible citizens of this nation to make India great in the comity of nations at the strength of hard work, commitment and devotion", the Vice Chancellor said and extended his Independence Day greetings to all.

The main highlight of this year’s Independence Day celebrations at University of Jammu was the hoisting of tricolour on the  135 feet high mast at the Fountain Plaza, near Dhanavantri Library in the University Campus. The University of Jammu has become one among the few institutions of the Country where National Flag of this much height is erected as per the directives of MHRD,Govt of India.

Earlier Prof. Parmeshwari Sharma, Dean Students Welfare, delivered the welcome address. She invoked the spirit of patriotism and belonging for the Nation and Institution.

At the arrival of the Vice-Chancellor, Guard of Honour was presented by the Jammu University Security Guards led by Capt. S.R. Dubey, Security Officer. On this occasion, Cultural items were presented by the wards of University employees. Kamya Langer and Manmeet Kour recited self-written poems. Suneedhi, Manika and Suhani presented one group song and a beautiful patriotic group song was presented by the students of Institute of Music and Fine Arts which was composed by Suraj Singh.

Prof. S.K. Pandita, Chairman Campus Culture Committee presented the formal Vote of Thanks whereas the programme was conducted by Ifra Kak and coordinated by Sumeet Sharrma. 

Prominent among those present included Prof. Jigar Mohd. (Dean Research Studies), Prof. Keshav Sharma (Dean Academic Affairs), Prof. Rajni Kant (Director, College Development Council), Prof. Parmeshwari Sharma (Dean Students Welfare), Dr. Meenakshi Kilam (Registrar) besides  Deans,Rectors, Directors/HODs of different  Departments/Offsite Campuses. Dr. B.K. Bajaj (Associate Dean Students Welfare) Dr. Anil Gupta & Dr. Garima Gupta (Assistant Deans Students Welfare) were also present. Amongst the teaching faculty, members of Campus Cultural Committee, Officers, staff and students of University of Jammu, the prominent members of the civil society also graced the occasion. The Sound System was looked after by Kulbhushan Thakur and Arif Paul. To mark the occasion, sweets were also distributed among the children.