SMVDU Katra, 3^rd Oct. 2018. Ms. Akanksha Badyal, Research Student, School of Languages and Literature, SMVD University presented a paper entitled “Dialectic of Root and Multiplicity: A Post Feminist Inquiry of Indian Chick- Lit” at International Conference on “Research in Social Science and Humanities” Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 30 September- 1 October, 2018. Her research paper aimed at exploring the rhizomatic attitude of chick generation who by defying the dialectics of root and multiplicity, exercises the post-feminist ideology of choice and individuality. Ms. Badyal has been working under the supervision of Dr. Anurag Kumar and Dr. Amitabh V. Dwivedi, at the School of Languages and Literature, SMVDU. Her research area dwells into investigation of chick lit genre in Indian Literature. Sharing her experience at the conference, Akanksha Badyal said, an assortment of research on distinctive works is surely a great assistance and will also provide an impetus to delve into research further. Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice-Chancellor, appreciated the researcher’s effort and hoped that other researchers of the School would also explore and present research at international level.

SMVDU Katra 30^th Sept,18. Until recently, an initiative was undertaken by the National Service Scheme (NSS) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University to help university create a campus-wide culture of conservation. Under the aegis of Clean India Green India Mission, a plantation drive wasorganised, where more than 200 students and volunteers participated and planted various types of trees in different parts of the university. The Chief Security officer, Mr. Surinder Singh, informed that more than 6000 trees were sown this year. This shows university’s commitment to a greener India along with preserving the ecosystem. Students showed great enthusiasm and commitment in this plantation drive. The event was coordinated by Mr. Sumanta S. Sharma, Faculty Coordinator and was ably supported by Mr. Abhishek Gupta, Mr. Dhanraj, Mr. Akhil, Mr. Aman, Mr. Saransh, Ms. Mehak and Ms. Shreya. Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU believes that higher institutions have a profound impact on communities-both by teaching students how to be environmental stewards for a lifetime and by saving precious resources today.

SMVDU Katra, 03^rd Oct. 2018. A good institution not only imparts quality education but also engages itself into the welfare of society. Following that, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University has been organising a students-run social welfare program “VIKALP” since its inception where the university students impart education to the needy children of nearby villages. This semester SMVDU students actively participated in the program and covered three villages. The Vikalp team also conducted computer classes for the children so that they may get an opportunity to connect with World Wide Web. An education-awareness campaign was also organized to raise awareness regarding literacy and higher education among parents and guardians. Considering children’s comfort and ease and clubbing it with time-management, adequate transport facility was also arranged. In order to tap the overall development of children and to enhance their interpersonal skills, weekly activities were meticulously scheduled, making a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. All children were provided with free-of-cost books and stationery items, an initiative much appreciated by the villagers. Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice-Chancellor (SMVDU), lauded the efforts put up by the students, and believed more families would be benefitted of this noble initiative.

SMVDU Katra, 30^thSept. 2018. The final of a weeklong Inter Hostel Basketball Tournament (Girls) was held at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The event witnessed enthusiastic preparation and participation from both the finalists. A total of 6 teams participated in the event. The league matches started from September 17 amongst all the teams to make it to the finals. The finals were held between Shivalik 'A' &Shivalik 'B', out of which, Shivalik 'A' led by Captain, Muskaan Sharma registered a fantastic win of 34-3, with Karuna Goyal being the highest scorer in the match. The students performed well and proved themselves while showing their best and were honoured for their skills. Sh. Ashok Kumar, Director Sports, SMVDSB and Sh. Rajiv Kumar, Incharge Sports, SMVDU, graced the finals with their presence. All the matches during the tournament were officiated by sports coach Sh. Sucha Singh and Mr. Sumit Sharma.

SMVDU, Katra, 2^nd Oct. 2018. On 149^th birth anniversary of the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, a ten-day long Swacch Bharat Mission, culminated and completed. The event was organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. All ten days were swarming with events and activities. While addressing the physical and spiritual growth of mind and body, regular yoga sessions were conducted, where a huge number of students, faculty members and staff actively participated. Since the university has been committed to ‘Clean India-Green India’, various cleanliness and plantation drives were taken place on campus with a clear message-go green, be healthy. To make ten days an engaging saga, various competitions were also organised, such as sketching competition, themed “The legacy of Mahatma” and an oratory competition, titled “Swacchata hi Seva”. Volunteers and students from the faculties of Engineering, Sciences, Humanities, Architecture and Management contributed to the core, as reported by Mr. Sumanta S. Sharma, NSS Faculty Coordinator. Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, congratulated the NSS team and appreciated their sincere efforts.