SMVDU Katra: Ashwani Nachappa, an accomplished former athlete and an Indian film actress from Karnataka, visited Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University on 3rd March 2017. She interacted with students in Matrika Auditorium; the hall was full of students. In her addressed she emphasized that everybody today wants to climb the ladder of success as fast as possible, but for every successful person the path has been the same and there have been challenges along the path of success, and one needs passion to meet the challenges. The difference is made not only by passion, but also by a deep interest in what one does – the interest makes the passion flow. What you do today should be different from what you did yesterday, with zeal and creativity. But remember, there are no shortcuts in life. You must feel lucky that your parents and this institution have given you everything you need. Now it is your task to shape your life. When you set your goals, you are the competitor of your own goals and the only way to succeed in such a competition is to excel not to compete. Excellence is not competition. The talk was followed by an extensive interaction session. Dr. Yugal Khajuria, Dean of Students, delivered a vote of thanks. Ms. Vedika Sumbli conducted the show.

It may be noted that Ms. Nachappa had won 2 silver medals in South Asian Federation games in 1984 hosted by Nepal. She had also won 2 silver medals, 3 gold medals in South Asian Federation Games in 1986 and 1988 hosted by Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively. She had also won Silver Medal in 4x100 m relay in Asian Games held in Beijing, China in 1990. During the interaction here, Mr. Ashok Sharma, Director Sports SMVDSB, Dr. V.K. Tripathi, President BCA, Mr. Rajeev Kumar, In-Charge Sports SMVDU, Cp. Sucha Singh Sports Coach. Mr. S. S. Sharma, Coordinator NSS, Dr. Pabitra Jena and Dr. Ajay Sharma were present. Ms. Nachappa also interacted with the Vice Chancellor Dr. Sanjeev Jain on promotion of sports and athletics at SMVDU. Dr. Jain also felicitated her.