Nurture cultural roots and make a strong connection with cultural and national identity-Prof. Rai
Jammu- At the valedictory function of the Panch Pran Utsav, organized by the University of Jammu in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, Hindustan Samachar and Cluster University of Jammu, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir was the Chief Guest of the function. Prof Nath in his remarks gave some insightful comments on the role of educational institutions in shaping young minds and bringing forth a new dawn of change in the nation. He spoke on the pillars of a good educational institution, namely, academics, research and governance. Prof Nath stressed on pedagogy and emphasized that co-curricular activities should be promoted by educational institutions. Speaking on the subject, he congratulated the organizers for upholding these values and encouraging the youth to add to this work in the coming years. It is noteworthy to mention here that Panch Pran Utsav has been organized to highlight the five resolves of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India during his 76th Independence Day address to the Nation.
Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu in his concluding address summarized the core theme of this illustrious three-day “Panch Pran Utsav.” Prof Rai encouraged the students to nurture their cultural roots and make a strong connection with their cultural and national identity. Earlier, Prof. Prakash C Antahal, Dean Students Welfare delivered a formal welcome address Prof. Vishva Raksha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee summarized the proceedings of the three-day festival. Brajesh Jha, Executive Director, Hindustan Samachar.
The third day of the Panch Pran festival commenced with enriched words of several prestigious speakers. For the first session of the day, retired Colonel (Dr.) Virendra Sahi, Vir Chakra awardee, was the keynote speaker. Showcasing the vast knowledge, he gained from thirty-five years of service in the Indian Army, he delivered a lecture on 4th Pran: Strength of Unity and Solidarity. Speaking of the value this topic holds for a soldier, he shared some snippets from his journey as an Officer in the JAKLI (Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry) regiment of the Indian Army. Explaining the culture of ‘Sarv Dharm Sthal’ in the Indian Army, where places of worship from different religious faiths exist together, on the same piece of land. Using this as an example of unity, he took a turn to explore the reasons why there seems to be a decline in this feeling in the general masses. Painstakingly tracing the long history of this nation, he elaborated how at most points in history, there was a feeling of unity and solidarity in the population. Speaking of the colonial tactic of divide and rule, he mentioned the ways in which the colonizers created a fissure in the communal harmony of this nation, the extent of which was fully felt through the Partition. Prof. Lalit Magotra, former Head, Department of Physics, JU and President of Dogri Santha, Jammu in his address spoke of the diversity of this country in terms of ethnicity, culture, food and language. He emphasized that this diversity is our identity, but sadly, there is a fear that this diversity can become the cause of our disunity. He encouraged everyone to look past inter-personal differences and love each other’s culture. Earlier, Rajeev Rattan, Director, CDC introduced the key note speaker.Prof. Seema Langar, Dean, Life Sciences presented a formal vote of thanks.
In the afternoon session, Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Registrar introduced the keynote speaker and Prof Bechan Lal, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu,the chairperson for the session. The keynote speaker, Mr. Anchal Sethi, Secretary to Govt, Dept of Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs, Govt of J&K UT gave a lecture on 5th Pran: Duties of the citizens towards the Nation. Exhibiting his proficiency in the field of Law, he gave an educational lecture on the duties that are expected to be fulfilled by the citizens of this country. He seamlessly quoted the Constitution of India on the duties to maintain monuments, pieces of art, save nature and wildlife; he spoke of the duty to maintain non-violence. The chairperson for the session, Prof. Bechan Lal, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu spoke of the primary focus on working to improve all of humankind that is in the fabric of Indian culture. This is a land where evolution of humanity is of utmost importance, and a place where nature is worshipped. These are the values that have passed down the generations, and it automatically engrains a sense of duty in Indian citizens. He ended his lecture with the notion that freedom is not free and everyone must work together to attain the vision that is hoped to be a reality for this nation. Prof. Manju Jamwal, Director, The Law School presented a formal vote of thanks.
On the concluding day of Panch Pran Utsav, soulful cultural and competitive events were held. In the Rangoli competition Ayushi Bhardwaj, School of Sciences, Cluster University bagged 1st prize while 2nd prize was awarded to Priya and Yeasmin Nahar of SPMR College of Commerce and 3rd prize was shared by Madhvi Bhagat and Saloni Sambyal of GDC Samba whereas Ankit Sharma of Sai Shyam College of Education, Mehak Saini and Vaishali Sharma of GCW Gandhi Nagar secured certificates of merit. In Quiz competition, team comprising Anil Kumar Sharma, Jagmeet Singh and Krrish Sumbria of GGM Science College bagged first prize, team from MAM College comprising Amanpreet Singh, Akshar Goswami and Aditya Bhardwaj bagged second prize whereas team comprising Anant Mishra, Anandi Mishra from UIET, Kathua secured 3rd prize. During the valedictory function cultural events enthralled audience with variety of cultural items by Suraj Singh Ji – a renowned singer of national repute, students from Cluster University of Jammu and Dogri Band by students from IMFA, University of Jammu.
Prominent among others, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Director, Directorate of Distance & open Education, Prof Parikshat Manhas Chairman, J&K Board of School Education and Ms. Shruti Awasthi Regional Director, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, Prof Satnam Kour, Convenor, Press & Publicity Committee, Prof Suman Jamwal, HOD, History Dept., Prof Pankaj Srivastav, President, JUTA, Prof Rajeev Rattan, Director, College Development Council, Prof K.S Charak, HOD, Mathematics, Prof Alka Sharma, Convenor, University Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Centre, Dr. Dawood Iqbal Baba, Director, Directorate of Sports & Physical Education, Dr Shashi Prabha, Dr Shallu Sharma, Dr Garima Gupta, I/C Head, Dept. of Journalism & Media Studies, Dr Ginny Dogra, Deputy Director, DIQA and members of civil society were also present on the occasion.
