SMVDU: Mr. Lucky Gupta, a noted theater artist, presented the street play “Maa Mujhe Tagore Bana De” at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University on 27th Feb. evening. This story of the play revolves around the philosophical journey of a boy named Budduram and his craving for proper education. Inspired by Mohan Bhandari’s Punjabi tale with the same name, this story showed the desire of Budduram to write poetry and to become the next Rabindranath Tagore.

Lucky's artistic skills prove to be very impressive as he moulds himself into different characters in just a flying second. He is a highly skilled artiste and has been performing the same play for several years now with his performance in SMVDU being 1061st. This play is solely performed in Hindi but language has never been a barrier in communicating Buddhuram's story. Apart from hundreds of students, a number of faculty and staff, Dean of Students Dr. Yugal Khajuria, President BCA Dr. V.K. Tripathi, Dr. Rakesh Kumar and Mr. Gaurav Jamwal were present. Sahil, Vaibhav and Aarohi managed the show.

The 4th meeting of the Governing Council of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Technology Business Incubation Centre Society (SMVDU-TBIC) was held on 20th Feb 2018. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor SMVDU and ex-officio Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Society. SMVDU-TBIC, is established at SMVD University, Katra with the Grant-in-aid jointly from NSTEDB, DST, MoST, Government of India and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University with an objective to identify potential innovative technology-based ideas and facilitate these into independent self-sustaining businesses.

The other members who attended the meeting were, Dr. Abdul Rashid, Secretary DoST, J&K Government, Prof. V.K Bhat Registrar SMVDU, Prof. V.Verma Dean Faculty of Engineering SMVDU, Dr. Sushil K Mehta, Head School of Business, Dr. Kumud Jha Head of School of Electronic and Communication, Dr. Ashutosh Vashishtha, Coordinator SMVDU-TBIC. Dr. Mehrajudin Bhat, Joint Director J&K Government S&T Department. Dr. Swarkar Sharma, Interim CEO SMVDU-TBIC and member secretary apprised members of the various activities and procedures of the society. All the members appreciated the initiatives taken by SMVDU-TBIC, to promote entrepreneurship and support the innovations in the state of J&K.

In the meeting, Chairperson Dr. Sanjeev Jain suggested that SMVDU-TBIC should work towards promoting innovations leading to manufacturing and product development & efforts should be more on creating outreach to extreme locations of the state. He said that seeking innovative ideas and the creation of Intellectual property within the state, to increase the domestic productions and value addition, would result in more job creation in J&K. Dr. Rashid said that J&K DST will provide support the best possible way in this quest of SMVDU TBIC. Dr. Swarkar Sharma apprised the council members about the performance of SMVDU-TBIC. He informed that SMVDU-TBIC has utilized DST sanctioned grant in last financial year to greater extent by building efficient high-tech resources. These setups are to be made available for prototype development. The council has been informed that SMVDU-TBIC along with support from SMVDU Startup Cell (TEQIP III) is also working towards development of a Tinkering lab, to create open environment for scientific behavior, innovation and creativity for the students of the institution. The facility will be a common platform linking various fields for innovation. It will have computational facilities with advanced equipments like 3D printers, Multi-layer circuit printer, fabrication facility etc. SMVDU-TBIC has received funds from NSTEDB, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India under the NIDHI-Seed Support Scheme in order to further support the innovative ideas and physically incubated startups. Additionally, SMVDU-TBIC also has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with J&K bank with the main objective to support the Startups. Dr. Sharma informed members that SMVDU has recently revised its IP policy and developed an IP management and Standing Committee (IPMSC). The committee will develop procedures for execution of activities related to IP management like patent filing, as well as commercialization like technology transfer etc. and on the lines, an agreement has been signed with a TIFAC approved firm K&S Partners as facilitator. Keeping a unique integration of academia, industry, government and other entities in the startup ecosystem, SMVDU-TBIC has kept its online application portal open 24x7 at its website www.smvdutbic.org. It was informed that Techno-preneurs from all across the state are welcome to participate and for any enquiries can contact SMVDU-TBIC.

SMVDU Katra: NSS at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University organized a special lecture on the growing Drug menace and Fast food culture yesterday. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Swarkar Sharma, who is the ccoordinator of Human Genetics Research Group, School of Biotechnology at the University. In the first part of his lecture, Dr. Sharma traced the trajectory of drugs usage by youngsters and concluded that stress is the primary factor. Students delve into such activities as a matter of adventure or a way out to relieve their ongoing stress. This hampers their physical and mental growth. There is a need to reduce stress in life and precaution is best cure against narcotics.

In the second part, Dr. Sharma explained that sedentary life style does not need excessive calorie intake. Thus, fast food, which is high in calories adds to our ailments, worries and turns us ill. There is a need to adapt healthy and hygienic routine and take fast food responsibly. Diseases like, high blood sugar or pressure can be tackled once we refrain from fast foods. The lecture was interactive and students’ queries were addressed both in between as well as at the end of the lecture. Mr. Sumanta S. Sharma, Faculty Coordinator NSS delivered vote of thanks to the speaker. The event was organized by NSS volunteers, namely, Mr. Aman, Mr. Dhanraj, Ms. Simran and Ms. Shubhangi.

A guest lecture and faculty interaction of Prof. T. Satya Savitri , Head, ECE, JNTU College of engineering Hyderabad, under the TEQIP-III Program was organized at SoECE, SMVDU.

Prof Satya Savitri discussed the fundamentals of Digital Image Processing and presented a detailed presentation and apprised the audience about the areas in the field of Digital Image Processing. The presentation was very elaborative in nature and student, faculty and the staff members of SoECE and SoCSE attended the lecture. She discussed about the new field of digital forensic which is becoming a major area of research and motivated the audience to pursue this area. The lecture was followed by interaction and discussion with the faculty of ECE. Mr Ashish Suri, AP SoECE discussed how the students of SoECE can be placed in the companies which visit JNTU regularly and how the students of SMVDU can get summer internship with the companies which have MoU with JNTU. Prof. Savitri expressed willingness for JNTU and SMVDU collaboration to promote the research, academic & placement activities. Prof Satya Savitri interacted with the students & staff and appreciated about the infrastructure and the research output of the school. Dr. Sumeet Gupta, Dean Academic affair presented the memento and the vote of thanks was presented by Dr Amit Kant Pandit,I/c HoD SoECE .

SMVDU Katra: Two days national workshop on Diagnostics Cytogenetics was held in School of Biotechnology Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra in association with M/S Lieca Biosystems India on, from 26-27 February 2018. More than 70 delegates comprising of Faculty, Research Scholars, M.Sc., B.Tech. students from University and other universities participated in the national level workshop. The Inaugural session was presided over by Prof. V.Verma, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Head School of Biotechnology, gave the formal address about the workshop and recently established central facility of Cytogenetics and Animal Tissue Culture in SMVDU. This facility will benefit the patients of Jammu and Kashmir with suspected genetic abnormalities. Key note Lecture was delivered by Mr. Rajiv Jaiswal senior Consultant Cytogenetics, M/S Lieca Biosystems India. He discussed various aspects of Cytogenetics and modern cytogenetic techniques. He demonstrated the use of the Scope and its applications.

The second technical session started with hands-on training to the delegates about the metaphase capture and analysis. Third technical session started with an expert lecture by Dr. Parvinder Kumar, Assistant Professor, University of Jammu and Dr. Rakesh Kumar organizing secretary and Coordinator Cancer Genetics Research Group, SoBT SMVDU. Dr. Parvinder’s talk focused on various congenital abnormalities prevalent in and around Jammu region. Dr. Rakesh spoke about various case reports of patients with Cytogenetic abnormality from North India. Dr. Rakesh Kumar presented vote of thanks. He thanked Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain for his support in establishing of animal tissue culture and Karyotypic. Dr. Rakesh also thanked his research scholars for their tireless efforts especially G. R. Bhat, Divya Bakshi, Amrita Bhat, Sonali Verma, Ruchi Shah, Itty Sethi, Bhanu Sharma and Minerva for the smooth conduct of the workshop. Divya Bakshi conducted the proceeding of the workshop and G. R. Bhat and Amrita helped in smooth conduct of Workshop.

An Extension Lecture on “Gender Sensitization” by Prof. Parvathi Vudumula was organized by School of Languages and Literature. Prof. Parvati is Head, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at JNTUH College of Engineering, Hyderabad. Students of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University attended the lecture. In her session, she focused upon spreading awareness amongst students regarding Gender disparity that prevails in the society and who perpetuates such biased conceptions. At the end of her session, she interacted with the students who appreciated her efforts at sensitizing the youth which is the need of the hour. Dr. Amitabh Vikram Dwivedi, Head, School of Languages and Literature congratulated Prof. Parvathi for such a thought provoking and stimulating session. Further, Dr. Ranbir Kaur, Assistant Professor, School of Languages and Literature presented token of gratitude to Prof. Parvathi and thanked her for enriching the students with her ideas.

A Two day International Conference on “Economic Growth and Structural Changes: Trend, Pattern and Policies” by School of Economics, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, was inaugurated on 23rd February 2018, at Matrika Auditorium. Mr. Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjoora, Minister for Agriculture Production, Jammu & Kashmir Government was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University also graced the occasion. Other dignitaries included Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur, General Secretary and Treasurer, Indian Economic Association, Dr. Devendra Awasthi, Joint Secretary, Indian Economic Association along with Prof. Dr Mukhopadhyay, Dean Faculty of Management, Prof B. Kamaiah, Head, School of Economics and participants from India and abroad.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjoora, after extending thanks to all the SMVDU members, explained the role of agricultural sector in the Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the Indian economy. He raised his concern regarding various issues like agricultural land shrinkage and farmer suicides in the agricultural sector. He also mentioned the possible role of centrally sponsored schemes in agriculture like “Fasal Bhima Yojna” and the proposal of vegetable clusters in J&K. The minister highlighted the vision of doubling the income of the farmers by 2022. He said that state government is committed to provide full support to the farmers and would welcome advice of researchers academicians and practitioners.

Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU extended thanks to chief guest and expressed that School of Economics is a budding School in SMVDU and deserve appreciation for organizing good number of good quality events, in a short span of time. He asked the students and researchers to focus on the millennium development goals in their research.

The Prof. D. Mukhopadhyay, Dean Faculty of Management welcomed the gathering while Prof. B Kamaiah, briefed about the School and the Conference. He mentioned that this conference is important in terms of its timing since India as well as the world is moving towards structural changes. Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur, General Secretary and Treasurer, Indian Economic Association delivered the inaugural speech. He explored the glory of Indian Economic association and expressed thanks to School of Economics SMVDU for the collaboration in conduction of this International Conference. Dr. Devendra Awasthi, Joint Secretary, Indian Economic Association also add some valuable points about the contribution of Indian economic Association and extent hearty wish for the success of the Conference. Local Organizing Secretary, Dr. Kakali Majumdar, presented the Vote of thanks and informed that thee Conference has evoked massive response and more than 150 participants having registered for the event from all over India and abroad.

‘The objective of an economist in Indian perspective should be to have the ability to blend economic sustenance with spiritual advancements; were the enlightening thoughts shared by Dr. Subramanium Swamy, Chief Guest, at the Megafest “Artha’ organised by School of Economics, SMVD University. Dr. Swamy ; a well-known economist and member of Rajya Sabha, addressed the gathering of young students and faculty members of SMVD University, in the valedictory function of ‘Artha.’ Impressed with the serenity and modern infrastructure of the University, Dr, Swamy said that he would be willing to take up teaching again in such University. While speaking on the topic ‘why one must learn economics’, he said that the economics has transformed and now it is a science that would help in shaping the world, with a perspective. One must know economics in holistic way and use it for the development. Dr. Swamy said that each country and region have their comparative advantages and hence an economist must look into the resource competences and address the solutions with micro as well as macro perspectives. Hence an economist must be able to distinguish clearly between micro and macro aspects of economics. Dr. Swamy emphasized upon the core of Indian ethos and culture. He said that the prime objective of the Indian development is attaining happiness; not only profit maximisation or production approach. The young shaping economists, must keep the social context and the objective of creating happiness at the core of materialistic development. More materialism leads to more greed and hence more corruption. Dr. Swamy while addressing the young minds, emphasised upon the power of women in the society. He said that the women in Indian society have always been given highest importance and that has paved the way for peace and development.

Before the lecture, Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, SMVD University, welcomed the Chief Guest, Dr. Subraminiam Swamy, and congratulated the students of School of Economics for the mega event. He said that learning is the bank of understanding and the SMVD University provides an avenue for the learning and overall development of the students. Prof. D. Mukhopadhay, Dean, Faculty of Management, welcomed the esteemed guest and said that the academic environment in SMVD University provides for a wholesome development of the students. The occasion was graced by, Prof. V.K. Bhat, Registrar, Dr. Yugal Khajuria, Dean of Students, Dr. Pabitra Jena, i/c Head, School of Economics, faculty staff and students of SMVDu and other schools and colleges from across India. The event Artha was a mega fest organised by the students of School of Economics in SMVD University, from 16-18 February 2018.

The event ‘Artha’ witnessed various competitive and knowledge gaining events such as future Chanakya, Quizonomics, Ecoscrap etc. The event was participated by the students of various schools and colleges across India. The festival was proceeded by the award giving ceremony. SPMR college and APS bagged first position in Furture Chanakya. Students from SPMR College and SPMR School won first prize in Quiizonomics and Rock-O-Nomics, while GCW Udhampur won first prize in Shipwreck, KC Public School and APS Sain Xaviers, KV-1, were winners in Delve through the lens of Nature. Prof. D. Mukhopadhaya, Dean faculty of Management, distributed the prizes and encouraged students for their enthusiastic participation. The event Artha was ornamented by a vivacious cultural night to supplement the festival in more rampant manner. The successful organisation of the event motivated the students.

21 February, 2018: Cultural evening to promote linguistic and cultural diversity was celebrated in the Two-Day National Congress on “International Mother Language Day” organized by School of Languages and Literature. The event had colorful performances by various performers from different parts of the state as well as from the University itself. At the very inception, Paras Dubey, Student performed a Kuchipudi Dance. It was followed by Street-Play on the theme “Kawad” by Red Arts Punjab Club. Dr. Anurag Kumar gave an amusing Awadhi performance on Rafiq Shadani’s “Ullu Hau”. Dr. Ranbir Kaur and Ms. Sarabjeet Kaur gave a melodious performce “Madaniya”. Ms Bhushan Sharma and students of School of Languages and Literature gave an enthralling performance on Poonchi Folk Tradition. A young girl Vaishnavi Sharma narrated self-composed story “A Wishing Star”. Further, Bhaderwahi Folksong by renowned singer Chain Singh was also a part of the cultural evening. Finally, the Bhangra group from University of Jammu entertained the audience with their enthralling performance.

Whipping into shape on 16th February, 2018, the School of Economics, at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University inaugurated a mega fest: ARTHA. The festival was inaugurated by the Mr. Zorawar Singh, General Secretary, Jammu Press Club, a young and dynamic face in Media. He shared his life experience and emphasized on the importance of team spirit with Rashtriya Bhakti. He also mentioned the problem of drug abuse and asked students to be away from any such vices. The inaugural session witnessed the presence of, Prof. D. Mukhopadhyay, Dean, Faculty of Management, Prof. V.K. Bhat, Registrar of the University, Prof. Yugal Khajuria, the Dean of Students. The speakers applauded the efforts of the students of School of Economics and emphasized upon the creative platforms like these events, provided by the University.

The three day event has galore of events. On day one the highlight events were guest lecture of Dr. Swarkar Sharma, CEO SMVDU TBIC, regarding how students can take up the startup, Mr. Kulwant Singh, Assistant Prof. School of Economics, regarding the new evolving economic opportunities, formal event Future Chanakya, discussions and debates on smoldering topics such as Why Should Government Subsidize Farmers? For school students and Population of India: An Asset or Liability for Economic Growth for college students. Other events included Balam Pichkari, Bff’s, Balloons Stomp, Ball Bopping, Impromptu Poetry Contest, Ice Cream Sticks Modelling, House Of Cards, Beads Show, Stop and Throw, The Dice Game

The first day also witnessed a magical performance of the students of School of Economics in the cultural evenings that included dances of many regions and traditions of the areas; musical evening. The event shall be running for three days and has participation of various students from various schools and colleges of India.

22 February, 2018: Two-Day National Congress on “International Mother Language Day” organized by School of Languages and Literature concluded today in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The vent was a grand success with the participation and presentations of distinguished scholars, writers, poets and story tellers with various language backgrounds, from across the country. The valedictory session compared by Ms. Parul Priya, Research Scholar, School of Languages and Literature was chaired by Dr. Yugal Khajuria, Dean of Students. Dr. Khajuria in his valedictory speech congratulated the entire team for successfully concluding the National congress. Surbhi Sharma, Research Student of School of Languages and Literature presented the report of the events in the Congress. Akanksha Sharma, Research Scholar, School of Languages and Literature presented the Vote of Thanks. The Congress concluded by distributing the certificates and mementos to the participants.

School of Physics at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra organized a special lecture on “NaNo Materials”. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Y. Aparna, Professor and Head, Department of Physics at JNTU College of Engineering Hyderabad. The lecture began with an introduction on chronological developments in the field exploiting Nano science and technology. Concepts linked to the fundamentals behind the science and technology of materials at the nano scale and their potential applications were explained beautifully to the audience. Different methods of synthesis of nano materials and possible tools of their characterization were discussed. The talk being interdisciplinary in nature addressed larger audience involving science and engineering and hence received deep apprication. The session ended with vote of thanks to the speaker by Dr. Jitendra Sharma, the faculty coordinator for the event.

21st February, 2018: Two-Day National Congress on “International Mother Language Day” organized by School of Languages and Literatureat SMVD University was inaugurated today in the auspicious premises of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. Prof. Dr. D. Mukhopadhyay, Dean, Faculty of Management, was the chief guest of the occasion. Prof. Mukhopadhyay highlighted the prominence of commemorating such events and congratulated the entire team for conducting the first ever congress on this topic, in the region Dr. Amitabh Dwivedi, Head, of the School presented the Inaugural address, highlighting how such events assist in promoting linguistic and cultural diversity. Dr. Anurag Kumar, the convener of the event welcomed the esteemed dignitaries and participants in the celebration of recognizing and promoting multilingualism. The inaugural session was followed by “Meet the Writer” session where in renowned journalist and writer, Mrs. Yogita Yadav presented self-composed short story entitled “Galat Pate ki Chitthi”. Eminent academician, Prof. Desh Bandhu Dogra Nutan presented his valuable insights on “Dogra, Duggar and Dogri”. Further, Prof Sukhchain Singh from University of Jammu had an heartening session on “Ghazals”. Prof Raj Kumar, distinguished intellectual from Central University of Jammu projected the significance of “Matrbhasha se Bhasha ka Vikas”. Dr Radha Rani from University of Jammu presented a self-compose narrative “Janamdin”. Prof Divendra Thakur prominent academician from Ramnagar had an interactive session on “Kesh Dogri Gallan”. “Meet the Writer” session was followed by sessions on various national languages. Dr. Ranbir Kaur, Assistant Professor, School of Languages and Literature presented the vote of thanks.

Katra 16th Feb. 2018: A Week Long Faculty Development Program on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing (SDM-2018) concluded today at School of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra. Prof. K. Narasimhan from Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay was the Chief Guest during the valedictory session. The program was held from 12th to 16th February, 2018. Dr. Ankush Anand (Assoc. Prof., SME), the program coordinator presented a report of the program. A total of 37 faculty members from different institutes of the country attended the program. Prof. Pradeep Kumar from IIT Roorkee, Prof. K. Narasimhan from IIT Bombay, Prof. G. Dutta from IIITDM- Jabalpur were the eminent speakers who disseminated various aspects of sustainability in design and manufacturing environment. During this One Week Program, Prof. Pradeep spoke about the Taguchi Technique for optimizing the manufacturing processes. Prof Narasimhan spoke about various technologies like hot stamping and metal forming for sustainable automobile design and manufacturing. The other speakers who spoke during the program include Prof. Vinay Kumar, BIT Misra, Dr. V.V.Tyagi (Asst. Prof., SoEM, SMVDU), Dr. Ankush Anand (Assoc. Prof., SME and Program co-ordinator), Dr. R.K. Misra (Assoc. Prof., SME) and Dr. Balbir Singh (Assoc. Prof., SME). The valedictory also included a feedback session from all the Faculty members who attended this Faculty Development Program.

During the valedictory session, co-ordinator of the program Dr. Ankush Anand thanked the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor SMVDU Prof. Sanjeev Jain for his continuous encouragement in organizing such events which helps in overall development of Faculty members through scientific research. The program co-ordinator also appreciated the student committee members for round the clock efforts which led to the successful conduct of this program. The Faculty participants from outside institutes expressed their eagerness to attend more such programs on issues related to sustainability and other emerging areas where inter-disciplinary groups may work in a closed loop in various areas of engineering, science and, technology. Proceedings of the event were carried out by Er. Ankush Raina (Asst. Prof., SME). Er. Mir Irfan ul Haq(Asst. Prof., SME) presented the vote of thanks.

Students of School of Architecture and Landscape design, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra shared their internship experience in national and international countries with high-profile Architects e.g. at Germany, Turkey, Czech Republic, Indonesia etc. The students went through the internship as a part of their curriculum, and spent full semester internship (professional practice) at reputed offices within and outside the country. Subsequently; the experiences, work and other visits conducted by the students in this period was presented before a panel of external and internal jurors for evaluation at the end of the internship. School of Architecture conducted the evaluation of the internship through a 3-member jury panel consisting of Dr. (Ar.) Amitava Sarkar (NIT Hamirpur), Ar. Vishal Abrol (Architect, Jammu) and Ar. Navin Gupta (Internal Coordinator of Internship). Pertinent to mention that, out of the class of 38 students;. Many students got opportunities with reputed offices across India e.g. at Hyderabad, Auroville, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmadabad etc. The external examiners applauded the works of the students immensely and congratulated the Head of the School, Prof. Rajeev Garg and faculty members of the school for the good internship opportunity provided to the students with related support thereof. A two day internship jury concluded with the formal lecture by the experts on formal practices of Architecture and group interaction with the batch. Vice-Chancellor of the University; Dr. Sanjeev Jain along with Dean- Faculty of Engineering; Prof. V. Verma congratulated the faculty, staff and students of the school for exceptional internship laurels brought by the school this year.