Inspiring Journey of Academic Excellence and leadership of Jammu University
Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal
In 1969, through an ordinance enacted by the then-Governor Bhagwan Sahay, the University of Jammu began its journey with just twelve departments, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. At that time, few could have imagined that this humble institution would one day rise to become one of the nation’s foremost academic establishments, proudly adorned with an A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, and its innovative strides would reverberate globally, even reaching the hallowed halls of top academic institutions in England. This remarkable transformation is deeply rooted in the visionary leadership of Manoj Sinha, the LG of Jammu and Kashmir and Chancellor of the University of Jammu. His unparalleled vision for education and tireless dedication have fostered a profound unity between the administration, academic community, and civil society, propelling the higher education ecosystem to unprecedented heights. The inspiring journey of Jammu University-rising from its modest, local beginnings to securing its place among the elite A++ institutions, while leaving a significant global impact-stands as a powerful testament to the transformative influence of his leadership, proving that even the smallest of beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.
The cornerstone of this academic renaissance is the pioneering ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) programme, introduced in 2022 as India’s first undergraduate initiative aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This visionary programme embodies NEP’s emphasis on flexible, multidisciplinary, and student-centric education, offering an unparalleled opportunity for students to craft their academic paths according to their interests and aspirations. By fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and research, DYD empowers students to explore their potential, pursue their passions, and chart their futures with confidence. Prof. Dinesh Singh, an eminent educationist, former Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, and current Vice-Chairman of the J&K Higher Education Council, has hailed the programme as a game-changer, predicting that it will “transform higher education and revolutionize the way students pursue their academic aspirations.” The programme’s impact has transcended the university’s boundaries, earning accolades from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports. In its latest report submitted to the Rajya Sabha, the committee lauded Jammu University’s innovative approach and recommended DYD, built on the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), as a model for higher education institutions across India.
Beyond academic reforms, the university has embraced experiential learning through its ambitious ‘Gyanodaya Express’ initiative, an educational train journey inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s life-altering travels across India. The journey began on 19thof November, 2023from the revered precincts of Mata Vaishno Devi. It brought around female students from various universities and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir for a transformative experience
The train, equipped with distinctive infrastructural attributes such as a specialized library carriage and uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity, facilitated a seamless and deeply engaging educational experience. Strategic collaborations with esteemed entities, including the Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) at the University of Delhi and eYantra, enriched the program by affording students access to avant-garde technological resources and innovative methodologies. A cursory glance into the compendium of oral and written narratives, meticulously compiled by the university, elucidates the transformative impact of this experience on participants, reinforcing the principles of transdisciplinary education and fostering opportunities for experiential learning.
The University of Jammu is set to launch a GPT-4 competition for college students across Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to address regional challenges. The competition will focus on critical issues such as disaster management (earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches), climate change (particularly cloudbursts), horticulture (including saffron and apple cultivation), ecotourism, pollution, transportation, small-scale hydropower, and the complexities of terrorism. Participants will be mentored by experts from leading institutions, including IISc, ISRO, IIT Bombay, and the CIC, to enhance their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. In addition, the university is offering online courses, such as the Space Science and Technology program from IIRS-ISRO and geospatial technology applications, to further develop students’ skill sets. The university is also fostering entrepreneurship and a start-up culture to help students turn their ideas into impactful ventures.
The Centre for IT Enabled Services and Management (CITES&M) at the University of Jammu is also undergoing a transformative evolution into a dynamic technological hub. Expanding beyond its core focus on website and internet services, it now includes Capacity Building, IT-Skill Development, Start-ups and Innovation, Consultancy, and Outreach. The center is also establishing specialized clubs for knowledge sharing and skill acquisition. With a forward-thinking approach, CITES&M aims to integrate local contexts into global tech frameworks, boosting the university’s international visibility and opening up greater opportunities for all stakeholders.
The university’s transformation goes beyond academics to a vibrant campus life, propelled by the establishment of the UTSAH student club cluster. This initiative offers a wide range of clubs focused on sports, arts, culture, community service, and entrepreneurship, providing students with opportunities to develop talents, build connections, and broaden their perspectives. Participation in these activities fosters vital skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, preparing students for future challenges. The university’s infrastructural growth has been equally remarkable, with renovations to the guest house, the creation of a green campus, and the construction of cutting-edge facilities. These include a seven-story innovation tower, a state-of-the-art engineering kitchen, a dedicated Mass Communication and Journalism building equipped with the latest technology, and a sports arena featuring a shooting range-all under rapid development. This transformation is set to make the university a dynamic hub where students thrive academically and personally.
Jammu University has also increasingly established itself as a formidable cultural institution, placing considerable emphasis on the preservation and promotion of the rich heritage intrinsic to the Jammu region. The university has undertaken a series of initiatives designed to foreground the cultural specificity and identity of the Jammu region-an area that has historically received limited scholarly and public attention. One notable example of such efforts is the introduction of an innovative academic programme focused on the historical and cultural tourism of the Jammu region, which seeks to illuminate its distinctive legacy.
The university has consistently demonstrated its commitment to cultural vibrancy through a series of impactful events. The Goonj-2024 festival, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, seamlessly blended culture, sports, and literature, providing a prominent platform for showcasing the remarkable talents of Jammu’s youth. Similarly, the 36th Inter-University North Zone Youth Festival, ‘Antarnaad,’ in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities, exemplified the university’s dedication to celebrating India’s rich unity in diversity. Over five days, the festival featured diverse performances in music, dance, theatre, and fine arts, offering a profound celebration of artistic expression. Through these endeavours, Jammu University continues to create an environment where cultural heritage and academic excellence converge, benefiting both its students and the wider community
To enhance the university’s academic ecosystem, it is now extending its reach beyond national borders to foster stronger collaborations and research partnerships. With this goal in mind, a delegation led by Prof. Dinesh Singh visited some of the United Kingdom’s leading universities, including Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), Middlesex University, and the UCL Institute of Education (IOE). The delegation also engaged in prominent academic events, such as the India-UK Education Conference and the India-UK Reception at the UK Parliament, which provided platforms for meaningful discussions on advancing higher education ties between the two countries. A standout moment of the visit was the enthusiastic reception of the Design Your Degree (DYD) program, with indications that these efforts will open up new avenues for students and faculty, enriching their educational experiences on a global level.
This unwavering commitment to excellence underscores the University of Jammu’s aspiration, rooted in the long term vision of the current Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, to establish itself as a dynamic nexus where state-of-the-art infrastructure, a progressive and adaptable pedagogical framework, and experiential learning harmoniously intersect. This synergy cultivates an enriching academic milieu that not only stimulates creativity but also propels innovation among its students and faculty. In transcending its regional roots to emerge as a national asset with global resonance, the university inspires successive generations and charts a visionary course for the advancement of higher education in India.
(The author is Visiting Professor IIT, Jammu)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
