Explores defence-academia collaboration, community engagement initiatives
Poonch,DD, To strengthen and to ensure optimum outreach of higher education in border and remote areas, Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, today visited the University’s Poonch Campus and reviewed academic progress with focus on achievements registered in various disciplines.
The Vice Chancellor also inspected various infrastructural projects and discussed strategic expansion plans.
The visit also aligns with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visionary call for replacing the terminology of “last village” with “first village”, signifying a transformative approach to integrating border regions into the national development framework.
During the visit, the Vice Chancellor was accompanied by Hon’ble MLA Poonch, Mr. Ajaz Jaan; Dr. Guneet Singh Sudan, Director IT and OSD, J&K Higher Education Council; Dr. Jasbir Singh, Principal, SKC Government Degree College, Poonch; and local Sarpanchs. Prof. Rai interacted with faculty, staff, and campus officials, emphasizing the importance of quality education, skill development, and equitable access to higher education in geographically sensitive and underserved districts.
Importantly, the Vice Chancellor’s visit comes in the lead-up to a historic moment for the University of Jammu: for the first time in its history, the Academic Council meeting—one of the highest academic decision-making bodies—will be held at the Bhaderwah Campus on June 15, 2025. This initiative reflects the University’s evolving academic outreach and its alignment with the vision of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, JKUT and Chancellor of the University, who has consistently advocated for the holistic development of youth through expanded academic, cultural, and sporting opportunities across all regions of the Union Territory.
The Bhaderwah Campus will also host a series of academic, literary, and sports events between June 14–16, 2025, aimed at celebrating regional heritage, encouraging student participation, and promoting communal harmony. These efforts underscore the University’s broader commitment to nurturing local languages, cultural identity, and inclusive academic practices.
The objective behind holding the Academic Council meeting at Bhaderwah Campus—and similar important events at off-site campuses—is to make these campuses an integral part of the University’s core functioning. By involving them in key decision-making and flagship initiatives, the University aims to instill a strong sense of inclusion, institutional belonging, and collective purpose among faculty, staff, and students at these campuses.
During the Poonch Campus visit, Prof. Rai also indicated that new academic programs are being proposed for introduction at Poonch, and the matter will be formally deliberated during the upcoming Academic Council meeting at Bhaderwah. The objective is to expand course offerings that reflect both regional aspirations and national priorities in education.
Dr. Rubia Bukhari, In-charge, Department of Sericulture, presented a comprehensive briefing on academic activities and development initiatives at the Poonch Campus.
As part of the engagement, Prof. Rai held a productive meeting with Brigade Commander Brig Mudit Mahajan to discuss academic cooperation between the University and the armed forces. The University of Jammu will introduce tailor-made academic programs—including certificate, diploma, and degree courses—designed specifically for armed forces personnel stationed at Poonch and Bhaderwah. These programs will cater to their operational realities while enhancing lifelong learning opportunities. The Vice Chancellor also stated that University faculty will provide practical, technology-supported solutions to address specific needs of the armed forces, and internship opportunities will be extended to students as part of this collaborative framework.
Earlier, Prof. Rai alongwith other officials from the University paid obessiance at Gurdwara Nangali Sahib.
The Vice Chancellor also interacted with various social organizations in Poonch and acknowledged their efforts in supporting youth, education, and community welfare. He expressed the University’s willingness to partner with such groups for initiatives that support youth engagement, education, and rural development.DD
