University of Jammu

University of Jammu Concludes 3-Day Induction Programme for 4th Batch of Design Your Degree

The three-day Induction Programme for the fourth batch of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUG) “Design Your Degree” (DYD) 2026, organised by the Skill, Incubation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC), University of Jammu, concluded today with a vision to inspire students to discover their potential, design their own academic pathways, and develop into future-ready professionals and responsible citizens.

The induction programme, held from August 12 to 14, 2026, was built around the theme “Discover, Design, Develop” and provided the newly inducted students with an immersive introduction to the philosophy, curriculum, learning opportunities and experiential approach of the DYD programme.

The programme was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, in the presence of Prof. Alka Sharma Director, SIIEDC, formally welcomed the audience, Prof. K. S. Charak talked about the achievements of DYD, Prof. Anil Gupta, Prof Jatinder Manhas presented the Vote of Thanks, the inaugral was conducted by, Dr. Pallavi Sachdeva and all other DYD Mentors were also present at the inaugural

A distinctive feature of the induction programme was that it was conceptualised, managed and conducted by senior student cohorts from the 2023, 2024 and 2025 batches under faculty guidance. The initiative demonstrated the spirit of peer learning, student leadership, collaboration and mentorship that lies at the heart of the DYD philosophy

The first day focused on helping students understand themselves and the DYD ecosystem. Activities included ice-breaker and interaction sessions, by Prof. Anil Gupta, Dr Sarika Verma, Dr Manish and senior students of DYD. SWOT analysis, interest inventories and orientation to the DYD curriculum was conducted. These activities encouraged students to reflect on their strengths, interests, aspirations and areas for growth

The second day centred on learning through projects and experiential engagement. Students participated in team-building exercises, project ideation workshops, identification of local community challenges and case-study analysis. The activities encouraged students to move beyond conventional classroom learning and explore how knowledge can be applied to real-world situations.

The third day emphasised designing individual learning journeys. The day included mental health and well-being counselling sessions, group presentations on personal aspirations, interactive reflection exercises and guided activities to help students formulate their academic and personal roadmaps for the coming four years.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour Retd. Lt. Col. Amitabh Bhardwaj, who motivated the incoming students to cultivate curiosity, embrace self-directed learning, uphold ethical responsibility and develop resilience as they embark upon their transformative four-year journey at the University of Jammu.

The DYD programme provides students with the flexibility to customise their educational journeys through interdisciplinary course choices, experiential learning, project-based education and exposure to diverse domains of knowledge. The programme seeks to nurture creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, leadership and responsible citizenship, thereby preparing students to respond effectively to the complex challenges of the 21st century.

The successful completion of the induction programme marked the beginning of a new learning journey for the fourth batch of DYD students, encouraging them to take ownership of their education and transform their aspirations into meaningful academic, professional and social pathways.

SIIEDC, University of Jammu, remains committed to fostering an enabling ecosystem where students can discover their potential, design their learning journeys and develop into confident, innovative and socially responsible individuals.

JU celebrates 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour; VC exhorts University fraternity to lead India’s Viksit Bharat Journey

The University of Jammu celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm, with Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai calling upon universities to move beyond conventional classroom learning and take a defining role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The celebrations began with Prof Rai hoisting the National Flag amid the singing of the National Anthem.

Earlier, he inspected the Guard of Honour presented by the University Security Wing. Students, teachers, officers and non-teaching employees joined the celebrations.

Addressing the University fraternity , Prof Rai paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and countless men and women whose sacrifices secured India’s Independence. He also remembered Sri Aurobindo on his birth anniversary, describing him as a great philosopher, nationalist and a leading figure of India’s freedom movement.

Prof Rai said Independence was not merely a historical achievement but a continuing responsibility. Universities, he said, carried a greater responsibility as campuses shaped the ideas, values, scientific temper and leadership of tomorrow’s India.

“If the vision of Viksit Bharat has to be realised, educational institutions will have to play a defining role,” he said, stressing that universities must connect education with the challenges facing society and the nation.

Emphasising skill development, innovation, entrepreneurship and employability, the Vice-Chancellor said the University was steadily reshaping its academic ecosystem to prepare students not merely as job seekers but also as innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators.

Referring to the pioneering Design Your Degree (DYD) programme, Prof Rai said the initiative had earned recognition at the national level. He credited its success to faculty members who, alongside their regular teaching and research responsibilities, volunteered to mentor students across disciplines. The performance of JU students at national innovation platforms, including competitions involving IITs and IIMs, he said, showed what young minds could achieve with the right mentoring and opportunities.

He said the same collective spirit enabled the University to introduce the Five-Year Integrated UG-PG Programmes, aimed at attracting and retaining talented young minds from Jammu and Kashmir, with strong support from Heads of Departments, faculty and the University's academic bodies.

Highlighting the academic expansion, Prof Rai referred to the introduction of B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering at UIET, Kathua Campus, Four-Year Bachelor of Physical Education and Sports, Two-Year Integrated Master of Library and Information Science and the Integrated Teacher Education Programme. New Ph.D. programmes in Journalism & Media Studies, Philosophy and Engineering & Technology have also been initiated.

He said 68(teaching, non-teaching and officer positions) were sanctioned for UIET, Kathua Campus and the recruitment process is now being initiated.

The newly established Department of Foreign Languages, he said, would offer certificate and diploma programmes in Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Russian, giving students global communication skills and wider employment opportunities.

Highlighting the University's growing innovation ecosystem, Prof Rai said students mentored through SIIEDC had excelled at national innovation and hackathon platforms. He also referred to Innovathon 1.0, which brought together around 107 teams and 321 participants from universities, engineering and management institutions, startups and innovation groups from across the country.

Prof Rai stressed the need to connect contemporary education with the Indian Knowledge System. Referring to the Sri Aurobindo Gyan Kendra and Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, he said Indian knowledge traditions should not remain confined to specialised centres but find an appropriate place in curricula across disciplines.

Turning to Jammu’s cultural and linguistic diversity, he referred to the establishment of the Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects & Emotional Intelligence and the creation of corpus funds to provide long-term support to academic, literary and cultural initiatives.

Referring to the Jammu Vishwavidyalaya: Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam, Prof Rai said the initiative brought the languages, dialects, literature, art, traditions and communities of the region onto a common platform. Jammu, he said, represented a remarkable example of unity in diversity that deserved to be showcased nationally and internationally.

“Education remains incomplete without culture, creativity and community engagement,” he said, referring to the University's flagship youth festival GOONJ-2026 and other cultural initiatives. He appreciated the Department of Students Welfare, faculty and students for creating platforms for widespread student participation.

On the challenge of drug abuse, Prof Rai said there could be no Viksit Bharat without a healthy and drug-free India. Referring to the University's participation in the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, he said youth would be the principal force behind India's transformation and universities had a responsibility to mentor and prepare them as responsible guardians of society and the nation.

Dwelling on the University's long-pending land issue, Prof Rai said the process concerning acquisition of147 kanals and 11 marlas of land under the occupation of Army, adjoining the Main Campus has reached an advanced stage and the University would pursue the remaining formalities with the concerned authorities to secure its possession at the earliest.

Describing the land crucial for the University's future, he vehemently pitched for a comprehensive master plan capable of meeting the institution's requirements for generations.

He envisioned the proposed expansion with multi-storeyed academic towers, underground parking, wide internal roads, interconnected buildings, adequate emergency infrastructure and substantial open and green spaces.

“We should not plan only for the next few years. This generation has a responsibility to dream and plan for the University for hundreds of years to come,” Prof Rai said, stressing that the opportunity must be utilised with foresight as land availability would become increasingly difficult in future.

He also referred to the University's acquisition of around 50 kanals of land in Kashmir, secured without financial expenditure on the land, to expand its academic and research presence in the Valley. Fencing work, he said, was underway and a temporary structure was being developed. The proposed centre would serve as a multidisciplinary platform for research on culture, philosophy, social issues, science, agriculture and other areas relevant to Jammu and Kashmir, besides facilitating collaborations with institutions across the country.

On digital infrastructure, Prof Rai said the University's Centre for IT Enabled Services and Emerging Technologies had achieved 100 Gbps network connectivity, a major jump from the earlier 1 Gbps capacity. The next phase, he said, would involve replacement and modernisation of the University's ageing optical-fibre infrastructure.

The Vice-Chancellor also called for renewed efforts to provide internal research grants to faculty members to encourage quality research and innovation. He said faculty promotion processes, including the long-pending Senior Professorship cases, had resumed, while the University was moving ahead with engaging Professors of Practice to strengthen the interface between academics and professional expertise.

Referring to student and employee well-being, Prof Rai said a Mental Health & Counselling Unit had been established at the University Health Centre to provide counselling, emotional support and psychological guidance to students, teachers, officers and employees.

Looking ahead, Prof Rai said universities were operating at a defining moment marked by rapid advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space exploration, digital transformation and global connectivity, alongside challenges such as climate change.

“The question before universities is not simply whether we can keep pace with change. The question is whether we can lead that change,” he said.

Outlining his vision, Prof Rai said the University of Jammu must become an institution that creates knowledge rather than merely consumes it, produces innovators rather than merely degree holders, remains deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir while being proudly connected with India and the world, and contributes meaningfully to Viksit Bharat.

Attributing the University's achievements to its faculty, officers, non-teaching employees and students, Prof Rai also acknowledged the support of civil society, media and other stakeholders.

“You are strength of this great institution ,” he told the University fraternity, saying the institution's progress had been possible through the collective commitment and cooperation of every section of the University.

Prof Rai called upon teachers, students, officers and employees to work collectively to take the University of Jammu among the country's leading institutions, while contributing equally to the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. He urged the fraternity to renew its Independence Day resolve to strengthen the institution through knowledge, innovation, service and a deep sense of responsibility towards society and the country.

In a special moment during the celebrations, the Department of Students Welfare felicitated Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai for the significant academic and institutional achievements made by the University under his leadership. Prof Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, read out the citation highlighting the University's journey and major initiatives undertaken during his tenure.

The citation highlighted the introduction of the Design Your Degree programme and Five-Year Integrated UG-PG Programmes, expansion of academic opportunities, infrastructural development and student-centric initiatives. It made special mention of the progress in resolving the decades-old issue concerning University land under the possession of the Army, which would open new avenues for the University's future expansion.

Earlier, welcoming the participants, Prof Prakash C. Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, described Independence Day as an occasion to remember with gratitude those who sacrificed for the country’s freedom and to renew the collective responsibility towards the nation. He said the true spirit of freedom lay in carrying forward the values of unity, responsibility and service.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, who thanked the Vice-Chancellor, University authorities, faculty, Officers,staff, students and all those associated with the successful organisation of the Independence Day celebrations.

The wards of University employees and University students who presented colorful patriotic cultural presentations included Yaksh*ta Singh, Aradhya, Ghanika, Bhumi, Vanshika, Tanishqa Sharma, Chanpreet Kaur, Amanpreet Kaur, Sakshi Billawria, Ayansh Mahajan, Vedhant, Ridhul Sangra, Sushma Deol and Rajdeep Singh.

Among others present on the occasion were Deans, Directors, Rectors, Heads of various Departments, officers, scholars, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students of the University.

It is pertinent to mention here that the events of the Department of Students Welfare are organized under the guidance of Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee and Prof. Sarika Manhas Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee and are coordinated by Dr. Pritam Singh, Associate Dean SW, Dr. Shallu Sharma & Dr. A.R. Manhas (Deputy Chief Proctors), Dr. Harleen Kaur & Dr. Ripudaman Parihar (Assistant Deans) Ms. Mansi Mantoo, Officer Incharge(DSW), Sumeet Sharma, Drama Instructor. The sound was looked after by Kulbhushan Thakur and Arif Paul.

Girls’ Hostels at University of Jammu Celebrate Independence with Patriotic Spirit

An Independence Week was celebrated at the Girls’ Hostels, University of Jammu, beginning with the waving of the National Flag under the Har Ghar Tiranga initiative, with patriotic fervour to commemorate the 80th year of Independence. The boarders and staff of the Girls’ Hostels participated enthusiastically in a variety of activities, including patriotic speeches, poems, songs, folk songs, spirited slogans and dance performances. The event was attended by the Provost of Girls’ Hostels, wardens, resident wardens and the entire hostel staff, creating an atmosphere charged with national pride, unity and enthusiasm.

Prof. Shashi Manhas, Provost of Girls’ Hostels, while sharing her thoughts on the significance of Independence, emphasized that freedom is not merely a political achievement but also carries with it a responsibility towards the nation, society and future generations. She stressed that the younger generation has a particularly important role in shaping the future of the nation. She expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among youth, describing it as a serious challenge to the physical, mental and social well-being of young people and, consequently, to the progress of the nation. She called upon educational institutions, families and society to work collectively to create awareness among youth and to provide them with positive avenues for personal growth, creativity and nation building. She also emphasized the need for the younger generation to remain connected with the age-old moral values, traditions and cultural ethos of India. In the race towards modernity and technological advancement, she observed, society must not lose sight of the values of compassion, discipline, honesty, respect, responsibility and service to others that have traditionally formed the foundation of Indian culture. Modern education, she said, should therefore go hand in hand with character building and the preservation of cultural and moral values.

Prof. Manhas particularly highlighted the role of girl students in this transformative process, observing that educated and empowered young women can become powerful agents of positive change in their families, communities and the nation. She encouraged the boarders to become responsible citizens who combine modern outlook and scientific temper with a deep respect for India’s cultural heritage and constitutional values.

Prof. Manhas also expressed her sincere appreciation to the wardens, Dr. Chinmoyee Maharana, Dr. Meenakshi, Dr. Skarma, resident wardens Dr. Radhika and Dr. Bhagwati, office assistants Rupinder, Seema, Dimple and Jyotsna, and the entire hostel staff for their continued support and enthusiastic participation. She also appreciated the girl boarders for their active involvement, creativity and patriotic spirit, which made the celebrations successful and memorable.

The Independence celebrations at the Girls’ Hostels, University of Jammu, were thus not merely an expression of patriotism but also a reaffirmation of gratitude towards the freedom fighters, respect for India’s rich cultural heritage and a collective commitment towards responsible citizenship, character building and nation building. Dr Chinmoyee Maharana, Warden SNGH and NGH, conducted the proceedings of the event. The celebrations concluded with a renewed resolve among the students and staff to contribute meaningfully towards a strong, progressive, drug-free and value-based India.

Biotechnology Conference Organised at University of Jammu to Promote Innovation, Startups and Entrepreneurship

The School of Biotechnology (SBT), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKST&IC), organised a one-day conference on “Biotechnology for Societal Development, Startups, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Skills” at the University of Jammu. The conference aimed to acquaint participants with emerging opportunities in biotechnology, with a focus on innovation, startups, entrepreneurship and translation of biotechnological research for societal development.

The programme commenced with the welcome address by Prof. Madhulika Bhagat, Director, School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu. The event was funded by JKST&IC, and Ms. Shruti Khanna, Deputy Director, JKST&IC and Co-convenor of the event, graced the occasion. Dr. Yash Pal Khajuria, Organising Secretary, SBT, presented an overview of the conference. Ms. Ish*ta Choudhary, Accounts Officer, JKST&IC, also attended the event.

The Chief Guest, Prof. J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, emphasised the importance of scientific disciplines including agriculture, biotechnology, plant genetics, microbiology and biochemistry in promoting social and community development. He highlighted the efforts of researchers across disciplines towards conservation of existing crop varieties and development of improved varieties for the benefit of society.

Prof. Joorel further stressed that scientific advancements should focus not only on improving health, productivity and quality of life, but also on ensuring environmental sustainability. He underlined the need for sustainable agricultural practices and innovative technologies to enhance farm productivity and improve the economic well-being of farmers. He also emphasised that interdisciplinary research and collaboration are essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.

The technical session commenced with an invited talk by Mr. Vikrant Dogra, Chairman, Unati Agri Allied and Marketing Multistate Cooperative Society Limited (UAMMCL), who emphasised the importance of translating scientific research into practical applications for societal welfare. He highlighted the potential of introducing Chilli Thorm (Therma), a traditional crop of Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the role of biotechnologists in its propagation through modern techniques.

Sharing his experience with the Unnati programme, Mr. Dogra described its journey from initial challenges to becoming a multi-state initiative covering 10 states, with a focus on mass livelihood generation. He encouraged young students to pursue startups and entrepreneurship and transform their scientific knowledge and innovations into socially beneficial ventures.

Dr. Vidushi Abrol, Business Manager, IIIM-TBI, highlighted the growing opportunities for entrepreneurship and startup development in Jammu and Kashmir. She briefed the students about the startup ecosystem in India, the roadmap for establishing a startup and the role of various incubation centres in supporting young entrepreneurs. She also shared examples of startups supported by IIIM-TBI that have successfully established themselves and highlighted the Purple Revolution initiative of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu.

Referring to a SWOT analysis conducted by her team, Dr. Abrol emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir possesses rich and largely unexplored biodiversity, offering significant opportunities for biotechnologists to develop innovative products and create market value from local bioresources.

The conference provided an interactive platform for students, researchers, faculty members and aspiring entrepreneurs to engage with experts and gain insights into the evolving biotechnology ecosystem, innovation opportunities and entrepreneurial pathways. The programme concluded with an emphasis on strengthening the interface between biotechnology research, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal development, while encouraging participants to explore opportunities for translating scientific knowledge into socially relevant and entrepreneurial ventures.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Ankit Mahajan, Organising Secretary, SBT, University of Jammu.

The programme was attended by distinguished faculty members of the School of Biotechnology, including Prof. Jyoti Vakhlu, Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Prof. B. K. Bajaj, Dr. Ritu Mahajan and Dr. Nisha Kapoor.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Yash Pal Khajuria, Dr. Ankit Mahajan, Dr. Sheetal Ambardar and Dr. Bharathiraja, faculty members of the School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu.

JU comes alive in Tricolour as VC Prof Umesh Rai leads massive Tiranga Yatra

Students, faculty, HoDs, Directors, officers and staff join in large numbers

VC calls upon youth to become responsible partners in building a Viksit, Nasha Mukt Bharat

The University of Jammu came alive in the colours of the Tricolour on Thursday as Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai led a massive Tiranga Yatra, bringing together students, faculty members, Heads of Departments, Directors, Deans, officers and staff in an overwhelming display of patriotism, unity and national pride.

Organised as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, the Yatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the University. Carrying the National Flag and raising patriotic slogans, hundreds of members of the University fraternity walked together, transforming the campus into a vibrant sea of saffron, white and green.

The Yatra commenced from the National Flag at Fountain Plaza, with Prof Umesh Rai at the forefront, accompanied by Prof Neelu Rohmetra Dean Research Studies, Prof J P Singh Joorel Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Naresh Padha, Prof. Pankaj K Srivastava, Director CDOE, Prof Prakash C Antahal Dean Students Welfare, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, other senior functionaries of the University, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, faculty members, officers, staff and students. The enthusiastic participation from teaching departments and administrative units turned the Yatra into a campus-wide celebration of the spirit of Independence.

The event assumed added significance as the University joined the nation in commemorating the 80th Independence Day of India and 150 years of Vande Mataram, celebrating the spirit and ideals that inspired India's freedom movement and continue to strengthen the country's sense of national unity.

Addressing the participants, Prof Umesh Rai said the Tiranga is not merely a symbol of India's freedom but a reminder of the sacrifices, struggles and collective resolve that shaped the nation. He said every time citizens hold the National Flag, they also carry the responsibility of upholding the values and ideals for which countless Indians struggled.

Describing the youth as the nation's greatest asset, Prof Rai said universities have an important responsibility to sow in young minds a deep sense of duty towards the country and society. He said the Tiranga Yatra was not merely a celebration but also an occasion to remember and honour the generations whose sacrifices made India's freedom possible.

Prof Rai said the University was also connecting the spirit of the Tiranga Yatra with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, stressing that the vision of a Viksit Bharat cannot be fully realised without a Nasha Mukt Bharat. Substance abuse, he said, does not affect an individual alone but has far-reaching consequences for families, society and the nation.

The Vice-Chancellor said universities must prepare young people to recognise such challenges and respond to them with awareness and responsibility. “As Vice-Chancellor, it is my responsibility to prepare our students as vigilant sentinels who are conscious of their responsibilities towards society and the nation,” Prof Rai said.

Calling upon students to translate patriotism into everyday action, Prof Rai said love for the nation should find expression in integrity, discipline, compassion, social responsibility and commitment to one's work. He said the strength of India's journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047 would ultimately depend upon the character, capabilities and sense of responsibility of its youth.

Referring to the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram, Prof Rai said the iconic national song inspired generations during India's freedom struggle and continues to evoke a deep sense of national belonging. He urged students to understand the history and values associated with the nation's symbols and carry their spirit forward.

One of the defining features of the Tiranga Yatra was the participation of the University fraternity across academic and administrative levels. Heads and Directors joined their students and faculty members, while officers and staff walked alongside them, making the Yatra a collective expression of the University's commitment to national unity and responsible citizenship.

The programme was organised by the Department of Students Welfare under the visionary leadership of Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu.

The Tiranga Yatra concluded on a spirited note, leaving the campus resplendent in the colours of the National Flag and underscoring the University of Jammu fraternity's shared commitment to the ideals of freedom, unity, responsibility and Nation building.

The events of DSW are organized under the guidance of Prof. Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee and Prof. Sarika Manhas Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee and are coordinated by Dr. Pritam Singh, Associate Dean SW, Dr. Shallu Sharma & Dr. A.R. Manhas (Deputy Chief Proctors), Dr. Harleen Kaur & Dr. Ripudaman Parihar (Assistant Deans) Ms. Mansi Mantoo, Officer Incharge DSW, Sumeet Sharma, Drama Instructor.

Jammu University Celebrates 155th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo

The Department of Philosophy, University of Jammu, in association with the Sri Aurobindo Gyan Kendra, University of Jammu, celebrated the 155th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo by organising an ICPR-sponsored special lecture on the theme “Logical Foundation of Sri Aurobindo’s Philosophy in the Light of Shankar Vedanta.”

Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The special lecture was delivered by Prof. (Retd.) S. P. Pandey, former Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, who provided an insightful exposition of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophical vision and its relationship with Shankar Vedanta.

In his illuminating lecture, Prof. Pandey elaborated upon the multifaceted personality of Sri Aurobindo, highlighting his contributions as a philosopher, spiritual thinker, nationalist, poet, educationist and visionary. He traced the evolution of Sri Aurobindo’s thought from political activism and nationalism towards a profound philosophy of spiritual transformation. He emphasised that these diverse dimensions of Sri Aurobindo’s personality are deeply interconnected and together constitute the foundation of his distinctive philosophical vision.
Prof. Pandey further examined the philosophical relationship and differences between Adi Shankaracharya and Sri Aurobindo, particularly with regard to their conceptions of truth and reality. Using the metaphor of light and darkness, he explained that while Shankara’s philosophy primarily emphasises the removal of ignorance and the realisation of the ultimate truth, Brahman, Sri Aurobindo views truth in terms of the progressive manifestation of consciousness. In Aurobindo’s philosophy, the movement from darkness to light signifies not merely the removal of ignorance but a continuing process of spiritual awakening, evolution and transformation of human consciousness.
Prof. Pandey also highlighted the originality of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophical approach, describing him as the first thinker to introduce the “logic of the infinite.” He underlined Sri Aurobindo’s role as a cultural ambassador of India whose philosophical and spiritual thought continues to provide a significant intellectual contribution to humanity.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the contemporary relevance and importance of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy. He observed that Sri Aurobindo’s thought provides meaningful insights into the challenges of modern life and can help individuals transcend worldly chaos through a deeper understanding of spirituality and human existence. He highlighted the historical significance of Sri Aurobindo’s life and contributions to literature, philosophy, nationalism and spirituality. Prof. Rai encouraged the students to read and understand Sri Aurobindo’s works so that they could cultivate the art of living spiritually while continuing to perform their everyday responsibilities.
Earlier, Prof. Jasbir Singh, Head, Department of Philosophy, welcomed the Chief Guest, the distinguished speaker, faculty members, research scholars and students. In his welcome address, he highlighted the significance of organising such academic and intellectual programmes, particularly for students, as they provide an opportunity to engage with the ideas of great Indian thinkers and explore their contemporary relevance.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr. Vijay Laxmi Rai, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Vikram Shahi, In-charge, Central Library, University of Jammu.
The programme was attended by a large number of faculty members, research scholars and students from various departments and the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu. Prominent among those present were Prof. Anupama Vohra, Prof. Anju Sharma, Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Prof. Vishav Raksha, Prof. Sunita Sharma, Prof. Pankaj Kumar, Prof. Garima Gupta, Prof. Dushyant Rai, Dr. Hema Gandotra, Dr. Tsering, Dr. Panu Sharma, Dr. Ajai Kumar Mishra, Dr. Rishikesh Chauhan, Dr. Ruby Bharti and Dr. Suman Sharma, Dr. Anjum Ara, Mr. Ashwin Khushwaha, Ms. Deepti Padmanabham (AO) besides teachers and students from other departments of the University and affiliated colleges.
The special lecture provided an intellectually stimulating platform for understanding Sri Aurobindo’s philosophical legacy and his vision of the spiritual evolution of humanity. The programme concluded on a thoughtful note, reaffirming the relevance of Indian philosophical traditions and Sri Aurobindo’s transformative vision in contemporary times.