The Diplomat Desk
JAMMU, TDD,Extending warm and heartfelt greetings to the university fraternity on the festival of lights, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu Prof Umesh Rai today said the auspicious occasion of Diwali embodies light, compassion and knowledge.
“Let’s all embrace values of unity, compassion, and spirit of camaraderie for harmonious growth of the society , which is hallmark of celebrating such auspicious occasions”, Prof Rai said at the vibrant ‘Diwali Milan, organized by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, held adjacent to the Open Air Theatre.
The event, celebrated as part of the University’s cultural initiative ‘Jamburiyat’, brought together students, faculty, and staff in an atmosphere of joy and unity.
Prof. Umesh Rai wished the participants a peaceful and prosperous Diwali while expressing happiness over the strong sense of community and spirit of togetherness, the hallmark of the region’s composite culture. He spoke about the symbolic importance of lighting diyas as a representation of the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
Prof. Rai emphasized the significance of organizing this event under “Jamburiyat,” underscoring the need for cultural pride and connection. Quoting Maithili Sharan Gupt’s verse, “Jis ko na nij kul ka na desh ka abhiman hai, wo nar nahi, nar pashu nira hai, aur mritak saman hai”, he said taking pride in one’s heritage enriches both the individual and community.
The Vice Chancellor announced that throughout the year, various events will be organized by Utsah- the clubs consortium under the ‘Jamburiyat’ theme to celebrate and promote the vibrant culture of the Jammu region.
The celebration was marked by the lighting of 2,100 Diyas, a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness, and by soulful musical performances by talented students, which added a rich cultural vibrancy to the festival of lights. Those who performed included Guneet Singh and Nandani Kapoor alumni of the University of Jammu, Arpana Kumari and Shivani, students of Institute of Music and Fine Arts under the guidance of Sh. Suraj Singh. Music accompanists were Andrew, Sahil Sandhu, Sagar Katoch and Kain Sotra.
Special performances featured singing by Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Dr. Neeraj Shama, Gurmed Singh Sandhu, Swati Vijay, Tushar and a poem recital by Madan Magotra.
Earlier, Prof. Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, warmly welcomed the participants and shared Diwali’s message of reflection and unity.
Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, extended a vote of thanks, appreciating the organizing team, especially the students, for their efforts in making the event memorable.
Ms. Swati Vijay conducted the proceedings while sound was looked after by Kulbhushan Thakur and Arif Paul.
Among others present on the occasion included Prof Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof. Naresh Padha, Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Prof. Sarika Manhas, co- Chairperson Campus Cultural Committee, Prof Parmil Kumar, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Dr. Jitender Khajuria, Dr Ginny Dogra, Dr. A. R. Manhas, Dr. Shallu Sharma,Suraj Singh,Rakesh Sharma members of the Campus Cultural Committee,officers, teachers, staff, scholars and students.TDD
