The School of Energy Management (SoEM), SMVD University, organized a webinar on “Energy Efficiency in Transmission Systems”. Dr. Sanjeev Anand, Faculty, SoEM, SMVDU, coordinated the session and briefed about the relevance of the webinar. Earlier, Dr. Vineet Tyagi, Asst. Prof. and I/C Head, School of Energy Management welcomed all the participants.

The welcome address was delivered by Mr. K. R. Suri, FIE, Chartered-cum-Engineer, Resident Director (INDIGRID) Mumbai, GM (Retired) Power Grid, GOI. He briefed about the latest advancements in transmission systems and stressed the need for the latest technologies in the transmission systems.

The session ended with a vote of thanks presented by Dr. Yatheshth Anand, Asst. Prof., SMVD University. The School of Energy Management expressed its gratitude to Padam Shree Prof. R. K. Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, SMVD University for his support and encouragement.

Dr Supran Sharma and Dr Amitabh V. Dwivedi of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), conducted two sessions on Professional Development and New Education Policy respectively in a weeklong AICTE sponsored STTP organized by MIET School of Management, Jammu on "Strategic Planning in Higher Education Institutions: Issues, Tools and Techniques”.

Dr Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Management, SMVDU, discussed the model of the entrepreneurial university which has emerged over the period of time and how it necessitated the creation of methods and instruments appropriate for institutional leadership. He stated that the professional development of human resources has a decisive and critical role in higher education.

Dr Dwivedi, Faculty, School of Languages, SMVDU, talked about the issues concerning multilingualism and teaching methods where he emphasized that NEP-2020 focuses on experiential learning, gamification and bilingual methods. Also, the building of Sanskrit Knowledge Systems is emphasized in NEP-2020. The two sessions were highly informative, and the organizers thanked the speakers for sharing their knowledge.

Two Panel discussions were organized in a Two-Week DST-NIMAT Project sponsored National Faculty Development Program “Entrepreneurship Development” (17-30 June 2021).The first Panel discussion ‘Role of Supporting Agencies- DIC, SIDC, and others in Entrepreneurship Development’ commenced with the discussion of various initiatives taken by the Govt. agencies to promote entrepreneurship at various levels.Prof. Surender Mor, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, BPSM University, Haryana, with statistical facts and figure explained the growth of entrepreneurial activities and the beneficiaries.

The problems faced by new entrepreneurs were shared by Mr. Bhaskar Suri, Entrepreneur and Mr. Arshad Noomani, Functional Manager; DIC emphasized the various subsidies available for the entrepreneurs especially the rural and agri-entrepreneurs. Dr. Shallu Sehgal Faculty, University of Jammu highlighted the problems of starting and running new ventures at a small level. Mr. Gautam Saini, JK-EDI accentuated the importance of training programs for entrepreneurs to prepare the business plan and procure the funds.Dr. Rashi Taggar, Faculty, SMVDU moderated the panel discussion and concluded that the role of educational institutes and fraternities is to inculcate entrepreneurial zeal among students and guide them for utilising the available schemes.

The second-panel discussion ‘Role of Financial Institutions Banks / SFC etc in Entrepreneurship Development’ was initiated by Prof. Surender Mor, highlighting the role of financial institutions in entrepreneurship development.Dr. Ravi Sharma, Chief Manager, PNB, reflected upon the schemes offered by PNB and other banks to support entrepreneurs. Mr. Javed Khan, AGM, UCO Bank highlighted the role of his organization in providing assistance to entrepreneurs. Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj highlighted the need for support of financial institutions in promoting entrepreneurship in far-flung areas of Bhaderwah.

Dr. Deepak Jain Faculty, SMVDU, emphasized the role played by entrepreneurs in the economy and the support required by entrepreneurs from Banks. Dr. Syeda Shazia Bukhari moderated the panel discussion.Dr. Suparn Kumar Sharma, Dean FoM summarised the key takeaways of stakeholders from the discussion.

This FDP is organized by Faculty Development Cell, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University under Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT) Scheme in collaboration with the School of Business and Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (J&K).

The School of Economics, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in collaboration with Reserve Bank of India, Jammu, organized a webinar on the topic “Financial Literacy and Awareness” on 12th June 2021.

The session began with a welcome address by Dr Meenakshi Gupta, HOD, School of Economics, SMVDU, followed up by an inaugural talk by Dr Suparn Sharma, Dean Faculty of Management, SMVDU. Sh. Sandeep Mittal, General Manager, RBI, Jammu, was the resource person of the event, and he gave excellent coverage on the topic, followed up by a Q&A session and detailed discussion.The emphasis of the webinar was to enable the students and faculty members to have the necessary awareness of various initiatives taken by the Government of India and the RBI during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sh Sandeep Mittal, Sh Anil K Reshi, Assistant General Manager and Sh. Archit Shukla, Manager, RBI, Jammu, addressed all the queries. Dr Suparn Sharma appreciated Mr Deepak Singla, Assistant Manager, RBI, Jammu and Dr Meenakshi Gupta for organizing the event. Miss Garima Gupta, the student coordinator, presented a formal vote of thanks to all.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, organized an online workshop on “Psychosocial Support for COVID19 Pandemic Conditions” on 24th June 2021 in collaboration with the Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education (MGNCRE), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India.

Mr. Samarth Sharma, Consultant, Ministry of Education, Govt of India, New Delhi was the resource person. Dr. Balbir Singh, Dean of Students, SMVDU, welcomed the speaker and audience. The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. W. G. Prasanna Kumar, Chairman, MGNCRE. He emphasized the need of creating awareness among the rural population and pointed out that SMVDU’s engagement in this process is commendable.

He motivated the audience to help the needy COVID victims in all possible ways. Sh. Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar, SMVDU, expressed his gratitude towards the MGNCRE team for the workshop and desired that such a program should be frequently organized for the welfare of the people.Dr. Anil Kumar Tewari, Faculty-in-Charge, University Social Responsibility, SMVDU, coordinated the program with the help of the Dean of Students’ Welfare Office. He appreciated the role of MGNCRE in creating awareness regarding health and hygiene, social entrepreneurship, skill development and waste management so that rural India becomes resilient to deal with any pandemic situation in an efficient way.

Mr. Samarth Sharma, an MBA Graduate from the Panjab University, Chandigarh, conducted the workshop in a highly interactive manner. The participants responded to his invocations with enthusiasm and they learnt how to deal with challenges posed by the pandemic conditions such as helping people in distress, managing COVID vaccination-related issues and planning in advance for any emergency situation. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Balbir Singh and Dr. Anil Tewari.More than 60 faculty, staff and students participated in the interaction.

The School of Electrical Engineering organized a virtual event on the occasion of World Environment Day which aligned with the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” on 5th June 2021. This event was held virtually via Zoom meeting in the presence of Dr Balbir Singh, Associate Professor & Dean of Student Welfare, School of Mechanical Engineering made his presence as the Chief Guest. The event was successfully handled by Reshal Gupta, a student of B.Tech 3rd year.

The Chief Guest, Dr Balbir Singh gave an Educational Lecture on “World Environment Day-Ecosystem Restoration”. Dr Kamaldeep also enunciated about the conservation and restoration of the environment. Dr Surajit Sannigrahi also reinforced the fact that it is necessary for today’s scenario to preserve our Mother Earth. Mr Vinod Singh also emphasized how Netflix could really be a boon and how we could prevent damages to nature.

A Debate Competition was organized on the theme, “Are humans responsible for their own extinction?” Students from other branches also participated in the competition. In Debate Competition, the two best speakers were selected as winners. The School of Electrical Engineering celebrated “World Environment Day” by showcasing two short clips based on “Nature’s Beauty & Deterioration” and “Netflix-A boon or bane for the environment"? and an educational presentation on “Melting Ice-A Hot Topic” was also delivered.

A Photography Contest was also organized with the theme of “Creative Nature.” Beautiful pictures were shown which truly emphasized the fact that Nature is truly mesmerizing. There were three winners in this competition: Reshal Gupta, along with Aryan Abrol, Ronakpreet Bali, students of B.Tech 2nd year and Aditi Katar, Parag Singh and Krishna Yadav, students of B.Tech 1st year along with Mentor Dr. Kamaldeep, succeeded in making this event a success.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, observed International Yoga Day 2021 in a virtual mode as per the guidelines received by UGC. This year's theme was "Be with Yoga, Be at Home." In this regard, various e-resources developed by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, to know about "common yoga protocol" and benefit from Yoga for physical and psychological well-being were circulated to all faculty, students, and staff members of the University.

Along with this, everyone was also encouraged to visit the website of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (http://www.yogamdniy.nic.in/) for information on the training of common yoga protocol and various yoga courses to sensitize them on Yoga and its benefits. In addition to this, a video on yogasanas was uploaded, whose link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqfZiV9n3Ec so that the fraternity can perform these asanas and pranayamas and get benefitted.

An essay competition was also organized for registered students of SMVDU whose topic was "Yoga - An effective way to boost immunity." The events were coordinated by Dr. Madhu Mangal Chaturvedi (AP, SoPC), Mr. Sumanta Sarathi Sharma (President, BCA) and Dr. Anil Kumar Tewari (Coordinator, Azaadi ka Amrut Mahotsav). Prof. (Dr.) Ravindra Kumar Sinha (Padma Shri), the honourable Vice-Chancellor of SMVDU, expressed his satisfaction and happiness and appealed to include Yoga as a part of everyday life and inculcate its learnings for better physical and mental health.

The School of Philosophy & Culture (SoPC) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, in collaboration with the J&K Regional Centre of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, (estd. at SMVDU Campus) organized a webinar on the topic “Kishtwar: A Land of Sapphire, Saffron and Shrines”. The program began with an inaugural address by Sh. Jamwal.

Dr. Anil Kumar Tewari, Head, SoPC & Coordinator of the event, read out the message received from Prof. Shiv Nirmohi (Padma Shri) who authored two books “Kishtwar: Sanskriti aur Parampara” and “Padar: Lok aur Sanskriti” on the historical and cultural heritage of the region. The invited speakers included Sh. Visesh Paul Mahajan, the first Tahsildar of Padar and presently Director, Horticulture, Planning and Marketing, J&K Govt., Sh. Kewal Krishn Sharma, author of “Kishtwar Darpan”, Sh. Som Nath Sharma, author of “Kishtwar -focus on its tourism potential”, Sh. Daulat Ram, author of “Tarikhi Padar ki Dev Sanskriti”, Sh. Pradeep Parihar, managing editor of www.Kishtwar.com, Sh. Ashish Chouhan, co-author of “Historical & Cultural Odyssey of Paddar” and founder of www.paddarmachail.com. Others including Ms. Arti Devi, PhD Research Scholar, Sh. Deepak Prem Thakur, Chattru Digital Creator YouTuber and Dr. Virendra Bangroo, Director, IGNCA Regional Centre, (J&K). The mother of Ms. Arti Devi and Sh. Daulat Ram also presented Kishtwari folk songs for the audience.

The discussants of the webinar witnessed the remarks by Dr. Rachna Sharma, Founder of Phuro Innovations, and Co-Chair India, Harvard Alumni Entrepreneur, Sh. Narinder Safaya, Founder, “Heritage Kashmir” Sh. Upinder Ambardar, Writer, Jammu and Dr. Aditya Dhopatkar, Research Scholar, Agroecology & Sacred Geography, Navi Mumbai.The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Virendra Bangroo.

Panel Discussion on Cultural and Historical Heritage of Udhampur organized at SMVDU

Under the Thursday Minds-Meet program, an online discussion on the cultural and historical heritage of Udhampur was organized at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, on 17th June 2021. In the beginning, Dr. Anil Kumar Tewari, Faculty-in-Charge, University Social Responsibility, SMVDU, welcomed the guests. Sh. Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar, SMVDU, shared his experiences as an Additional Divisional Commissioner in Udhampur.

The renowned speakers of the event included Sh. Ashok Sharma, Senior Lecturer, Govt. Higher Secondary School, Udhampur, Sh. Prakash Premi, Writer & Poet, Udhampur, Sh. Swaran Singh, Teacher and Poet, Basantgarh, Dr. Neelam Sareen, Scholar of Dogri literature, Sh. Sumer Khajuria, Poet and Writer, Advocate, Udhampur, Sh. Anil Paba, Director, Amar Santosh Museum, Udhampur, and Ms. Medhavi Sharma, Student & Painter, National Institute Design, Ahmedabad, who is also an alumna of SMVDU.

The speakers presented their viewpoints and given information regarding various heritage sites and cultural practices. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Virendra Bangroo, Director, IGNCA Regional Centre of J&K, SMVDU Campus.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) R. K. Sinha (Padma Shri), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, celebrated World Environment Day at 8:30 AM on 5th June 2021. On this occasion, a plantation program was organized near the Kailash Hostel and the VC Lounge. Due to the COVID19 protocols, only Deans and Heads were invited to plant trees in that area, others were requested to plant saplings near the places of their stay.Those who participated in the plantation on the specified area include Prof. Ashok Kumar Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Dr. Supran Kumar Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Management.

Dr. Balbir Singh, Dean, Students’ Welfare, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jha, Dean, Research and Development, Dr. Sharda Potukuchi, Head, School of Biotechnology, Dr. Saurabh, Head, School of Business, Dr. Anil Kumar Tewari, Head, School of Philosophy & Culture, Dr. V. K. Tyagi, Head, School of Energy Management, Mr. Parvez Singh Slathia, President, Board of Sports Activities, and Mr. Sumanta Sarathi Sharma, President, Board of Cultural Activities. Amla, Bela, Ilaichi, Lukad, Imli and Sharifa were the planted varieties.

The plantation program was coordinated by Mr. Surinder Kumar, Assistant Registrar, Security Wing. It concluded with a light refreshment on the lawn of the VC Lounge and a vote of thanks to the Vice-Chancellor and the participants.

Two-Week duration DST-NIMAT Project Sponsored National level Faculty Development Program on ‘Entrepreneurship Development’ commences today at SMVD University. The FDP is being organized by Faculty Development Centre-SMVDU under Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT) Scheme in collaboration with the School of Business and Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (J&K).

In the inaugural speech Chief Guest of the function, Padma Shri Prof. Ravindra Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University expressed his concern for the entrepreneurial skills to be inculcated at the early learning stage so as to develop the human capabilities of our nation to become developed. Dr. Suparn Kumar Sharma, Coordinator, FDC-SMVDU & Dean, Faculty of Management, encouraged the participants to exploit this opportunity of learning with full zest and vigour. He also informed that FDC-SMVDU is going to conduct a number of programs with the purpose to inculcate new teaching and skills in all the relevant areas.

Earlier, the Guest of Honor of the inaugural session, Sh. Nagendra Singh Jamwal (KAS), Registrar, and SMVDU) briefed the participants about the University and its achievements since 2004.

In the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Saurabh, Convener of FDP and Head, School of Business, emphasized the importance of Faculty Development Programs and explained how to excel and create the essence of learning by healthy expression.

Dr. Ratna Chandra, one of the Co-Coordinator of FDC-SMVDU, highlighted the achievements of FDC-SMVDU since its inception and described how more than 500 teachers have been trained in various programs organized.

Dr. Rashi Taggar, Organizing Secretary of the FDP moderated the inaugural session and made the participants aware of important aspects related to the program. Dr Deepak Jain, co-convener of the FDP expressed his thanks to DST, EDI and FDC for sponsoring this program. Dr. Syeda Shazia Bukhari, Co-organizing Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks to dignitaries. 53 participants from all around India with diverse specializations have enrolled in this prestigious and celebrated program.

The resource persons are from eminent institutions and established start-ups who will interact with the participants to imbibe the importance of inculcating entrepreneurial zeal among students. With the purpose to have a better hands-on session, virtual tours of a number of industrial units are also being arranged for the participants apart from interactions with successful entrepreneurs.

Commemorating International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, the School of Languages and Literature (SOL&L) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), organised a virtual event as a part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The event started with the welcome address by Dr Isha Malhotra, Head, SoL&L, and convener of the event. She stressed the gravity of the issue that children are being constant victims of abuse and aggression due to wars, forced labour, ongoing pandemic etc.

Prof. V.K. Bhat, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, SMVDU, expressed his thoughts on how children are being traumatised and refrained from basic necessities all around the globe.Dr Rakesh Jha, Dean, Research and Development, SMVDU, shared his views on how we should come together in creating a better environment for children to grow peacefully. He also urged students to join VIKALP, an initiative taken by SMVDU to teach underprivileged students.

A large number of students participated and showcased their talent through creative illustrations, poetry recitation, video presentations, and songs. The event was also attended by faculty and staff members and students from various departments. The event was concluded with a formal vote of thanks given by Ms Sakshi Singh, Faculty, SoL&L, and coordinator of the event. She also expressed her gratitude to the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. R.K. Sinha, SMVDU, for providing a platform through ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

A webinar on “Role of FCI in Efficient Management of Food Supply”, was organized by the School of Business, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in collaboration with Food Corporation of India, J&K, commemorating 75 years of India’s independence, “Bharat ki Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav”.

In the inaugural session, Dr Saurabh, Head, School of Business, apprised the participants about the importance of the webinar which provided the platform for industry-academia interaction. Dr Suparn Kumar Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Management, discussed the role of interactive sessions with industry delegates in the professional development of the students. He emphasized the importance of FCI in ensuring the food supply to various parts of the country.

Sh. Nihar Ranjan Pradhan, General Manager, FCI J&K apprised about the different operations of FCI which contribute to the effective management of the supply of food grains all over India. Sh. Samrudha Kaware, Area General Manager, FCI, J&K, highlighted the role of information technology to ensure visibility of the demand and supply of food grains and the ways adopted to safeguard the interest of lesser privileged sections of society. The virtual visit to FCI, Jammu depots centres and other facilities was coordinated by Sh.Vikas Mahajan, Manager, FCI. In the valedictory session, Dr Anil Kumar Tewari, University Convener of Bharat ki Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav Program, emphasized the importance of attaining freedom from corruption and prejudices. The Webinar was successfully coordinated by Dr Rashi Taggar, Faculty, School of Business, SMVDU.

The School of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), organized a webinar on Anti Child Labour Day on June 12, 2021, as a part of celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav-a vision of Hon’ble PM Sh. Narender Modi Ji.

The event was virtually conducted on Google Meet and coordinated by Dr Pooja Sharma, Faculty, CSE, SMVDU. The invited speaker, Dr Rishu Sharma, Faculty, BCKV West Bengal, expressed her views on the eradication of child labour. She appealed to everyone to participate in this campaign to make India free of child labour.

The event comprised glimpses of VIKALP an initiative by SMVDU students for providing learning to kids of nearby villages and inculcating in them moral values. B. Tech final year student Mr Hardik, also shared his views on Child Labor. Dr Sharma expressed her thanks to all participants, particularly Dr Rishu Sharma for her valuable time, and Prof. RK Sinha, VC, SMVDU and Sh. NS Jamwal, Registrar, for providing such platforms and avenues through Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.