Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Central University of Jammu, in collaboration with National Council of Rural Institutes (NCRI), Hyderabad, Ministry of Human Resources Development and Government of India, organized a 2- day workshop on `Transacting Students Engagement for Rural Community Development’ and also signed a MoU between Central University of Jammu and NCRI at Bagla, Jammu.
The event was supported by the presence of notable dignitaries including Prof Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor, CUJ; Dr W G. Prasanna Kumar, Chairman, NCRI; Sheetal Nanda, DC Samba; Dr Rajneesh Sharma, curriculum development specialist and academic realms from the University.
In his special address, chief guest Dr W G Prasanna highlighted the importance of students engagement for Rural Community Development. He appreciated the idea of village field visits and the relationship between DC and CU Jammu.
In his presidential remarks, Prof Ashok Aima expressed the importance of students’ engagement for rural community development. He expressed his interest in establishing research centre which relates with rural community development. He highlighted the importance of studying the society and social system of the State, which in turn can provide high level policy inputs to the stakeholders.
Dr J Jeganaathan, Community Engagement officer, CU Jammu – NCRI, explained the theme of the workshop.
On second day, Dr Prasanna Kumar, NCRI Chairman, visited Jang village. The field visit was organized for students to neighboring villages to provide them with first hand insight into functioning of rural communities and the challenges being faced by them. Discussions were also held regarding avenues for rural communications, rural journalism and rural tourism as part of the rural engagement programme. Consultative meetings were held with Sarpanch and Block Development Officer of the village. The teacher education on rural area, rural communication, health, sanitation and Self help groups were the focus area.
Final, report of the visit was presented to Minister of Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga, who was the chief guest in the valedictory function.
Ganga urged the students to undertake community outreach engagements as it is essential to incorporate social responsibility among youth and encourage regular interactions with rural communities for their development.
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