A demonstration-cum-interaction among students and experts from IIT Roorkee was organized in the School of ECE at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The students showed great interest and the interaction was fruitful and encouraging. The experts showed the live demonstration of projects available on Virtual Lab platform. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Vikram Singh and Neeraj Tripathi with the support and assistance from Dr. Anil Kumar Bhardwaj , Nodal Coordinator and faculty SoECE, SMVDU. The resource persons, visited the campus, were Mr. Rajeev and Pankaj. Dr. Anil Bhardwaj informed that such meetings would also be conducted in future and the virtual lab project will be made available to other colleges also.

A workshop focusing on developing entrepreneurship skills, attitudes, and behaviors was held at SMVD University. The School of Business organized the one-day event under the National Innovation and Start-up Policy and Institution Innovation Cell. Participants included students from various undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Supran K. Sharma, the Dean of the Faculty of Management and Chairman of the event. Dr. Jyoti Sharma, the Head of the School of Business, discussed the necessary traits for entrepreneurship and the development of entrepreneurs, while Dr. Deepak Jain, the Coordinator of the Workshop, presented on identifying and pursuing business opportunities.

Dr. Syeda Shazia Bukhari, Co-Coordinator of the workshop presented vote of thanks. Research Scholar, Mr.Arjun Singh moderated during the workshop. Successful entrepreneur, Mr. Rajneesh Sharma, shared his experiences and offered advice to the students, addressing topics such as branding, packaging, pricing, and logistics. The workshop aimed to instill entrepreneurial skills in aspiring managers so that they may initiate their own ventures in the future.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University participated in a one-day workshop called National Energy and Science Technology (NEST'23), organized by the American Nuclear Society-IIT Jammu at the IIT-Jammu Campus. The workshop focused on Nuclear Power Programme and was attended by faculty members, including Prof. Eswaramoorthy Muthusamy, and students from the Department.During the workshop, students were given information about the Physics of Nuclear Reactor, Types of Nuclear Power Plants, Potential & Advances in Nuclear Power, Reducing Radiation Exposure & Waste Management Approaches, and other related topics. The students had the opportunity to interact with renowned nuclear scientists and professors, including Dr. Sugilal Gopalakrishnan (Head, Fuel Processing Unit, BARC), Shri. Shiv Abhilash Bhardwaj (Former Chairman, of the Atomic Energy Regulation Board), Dr. Debabrata Datta (Ex-Associate Director, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd.), and Prof. Kannan Iyer (Dean Faculty Affairs & Sr. Professor, IIT Jammu).The students were able to get their doubts solved during the interactions with the guest speakers, and they also gained valuable knowledge about Nuclear Science and India's progress in the Nuclear field. Overall, the workshop provided an excellent platform for the students to learn about Nuclear Power Programme and interact with experts in the field.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of SMVDU Katra organized an awareness rally against drug abuse in Sirah village of Panthal block. The aim of the rally was to spread awareness among the common people about the harmful effects of drugs and most importantly to bring awareness among the parents to have a close vigil on their children so that they do not fall prey to any untoward situation with regard to drug addiction. Around 100 volunteers participated enthusiastically in the rally. The Rally started from the University premises and covered the market area of Sirah village and then reached the police check post near DPS Katra school. Thereafter, volunteers returned back following the same route. NSS Programme Coordinator, Dr. Rajiv Kumar appreciated the efforts of volunteers in organizing the rally successfully. Vice Chancellor, Prof. R. K. Sinha congratulated the volunteers for organizing the much-needed campaign.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India, sponsored a three-day national-level training program on "Disaster Management" for Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, organized by the School of Business at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The program, the 15th in a series of successful training, aims to equip IFS officers with the necessary skills for successful disaster management. During the inaugural function, Prof. Ravindra Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, of SMVDU, emphasized the importance of preserving the environment and making people aware of its ill effects. Dr. Jyoti Sharma, Program Coordinator & Head, SoB, stated that education is necessary for disaster management preparation rather than learning through tragedy. Dr. Suparn Kumar Sharma, Dean Faculty of Management formally welcomed the delegates and elaborated on the aim of this program. Dr. Ashutosh Vashishtha, Associate Professor, School of Business, expressed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his constant support and introduced the SMVDU technology Incubation centre to IFS officers. The training program included IFS officers from several Indian states. The program will utilize various strategies, tools, practical exercises, case studies, and multicultural discussions to explore the key issues faced when handling disaster situations. Mr. Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar, SMVDU, highlighted the crucial role of IFS officers in conserving natural resources for human sustenance. He also shared his experiences of disasters in Jammu and Kashmir. Delegates from different states of India are participating in the training. Dr. Deepak Jain, a Member of the Organizing Committee, delivered a vote of thanks to the different departments whose contributions were essential for the successful conduct of the program.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra in collaboration with Excise Department Jammu organized a one day Trekking event from Mansar Lake to Mahoregarh fort. A group of 150 trekkers from SMVDU was flagged off from Mansar by Kusum Sharma, Dy. Excise Commissioner Executive Jammu in the presence of Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar SMVDU and Ved Prakash CEO Surinsar Mansar Development Autority SMDA. " This is an important Trek which the Tourism deptt. has promoted from last few years for making Mansar and adjoining areas winter hub of soft adventure activities like trekking, adventure camps, hiking etc. She said that trekking expedition for students is aimed at spreading awareness about drug abuse and encouraging youth to pursue healthy life style and take part in sports and adventure activities. She said that Excise Deptt. believes that participation of youth in sports and adventure activities would lead to positive lifestyle changes. Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar SMVDU briefed the students about the trekking event and need for the cleanliness to be maintained in the Surinsar Mansar Wildlife sanctuary. He emphasized that Mansar offers many trekking routes which makes the experience of a visitor more enjoyable and adventurous. He thanked Excise Deptt for sponsoring such type of events so as to motivate youth and to keep them away from anti-social activities like drugs. He Congratulated Board of Cultural Activities for organising such a event.

Ved Prakash CEO SMDA appealed to the participants to adopt adventure activities and participate in wonderful treks developed by the Authority. " Surinsar Mansar region offers treks through Wildlife sanctuary and ASI monuments " he said. He invited the participants to explore heritage destinations like Mahoregarh Dhergarh, Purmandal and Babore temples located in the jurisdiction of SMDA. Suraj Prakash Lochan ETO Samba , Rupali Vaid ETO Udhampur Excise Range awared the participants about the menace of drug abuse. " Drug addiction is a challenge where Government alone cannot succeed unless there is community help, parental assistance and proactive role shown by all sections of society. " he said. Starting the seven kilometre trek from Mansar to Mahoregarh Fort a UT of JK monument the trekkers enjoyed beautiful panoramic views of the nearby hills while ascending the trail. The trekkers were enchanted by the beauty of serene Mansar Lake and the greenery on offer. At the culmination of the trek, the participants were given certificates by the Chief Guest. Students from SMVDU while sharing their experiences said that such trails give an opportunity to enjoy nature at its best and hoped for joining more treks organized by the University and the Excise deptt in near future.

The NSS group at SMVDU in Katra worked together with M.A.M. College Jammu to arrange an awareness rally with the aim of advocating for the reduction in plastic usage. The team from NSS SMVDU was requested by M.A.M. College Jammu to hold a session with their own NSS volunteers and arrange an awareness rally. Dr. Rajiv Kumar, NSS Coordinator at SMVDU, held a session during which he informed the students about various activities held by NSS SMVDU in the past year. The objective of the session was to encourage students to participate in NSS activities to develop their personalities and contribute to the community. Dr. Vishal Sharma, NSS Programme Officer at MAM College, expressed appreciation to the NSS team from SMVDU. The awareness rally was held on the college campus, with both NSS teams working together to advocate for reduced plastic usage. Prof. Dr. G.D. Singh Rakwal, the Principal of MAM College, praised the efforts of the NSS groups and suggested that they organize more similar events in the future.

SMVDU Participated in the Students Exchange Program under EBSB AKAM Twenty students of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) participated in the students exchange program under EBSB and Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav at AMET University Chennai from 23-27 January 2023.The Students had an on-campus tour where they saw various facilities provided by AMET university for future seafarers. They were also taken for beach walks, and city tours comprising temple visits to cultural destinations, museums and libraries, heritage sites to monuments. The students were also served pure south Indian delicacies in banana leaves along with melodious songs and dance forms to expose and sensitize them to the pristine culture of Tamil Nadu. Students of SMVDU enthusiastically participated in cooking and they also prepared chapati, dosa, sambar and curry etc. Students and faculty members were all dressed in the south Indian traditional uniform to show respect and honour the hospitality and warmth of the host institution.Talks on Universal Human Values and South Indian Culture were also organized to show the nuances and intricacies associated with human endeavours. Students also participated in the March past followed by cultural programs on Republic Day, which were collaboratively performed by the AMET Cultural team and the students from SMVDU.The Founder and Chancellor of AMET University along with the Vice Chancellor distributed certificates and mementoes to the participants.