The team comprising Shivika Thakur and Zain-ul-Abdeen Banday of the University of Jammu, won the Silver Rolling Trophy, instituted by the Governor N. N. Vohra, at the 1st Annual North Zone Inter-University Declamation Contest which was organized by the University of Jammu. The topic of the declamation contest was “Is tolerance any longer relevant in promoting a strong, stable and harmonious society”.The Governor who was the Chief Guest at the Valedictory function which was organized at Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, speaking on the occasion said that the getting together of students at such competitions provides them a good opportunity of getting to know each other and develop deeper understandings about the feelings and sentiments of people from other areas and regions.
The Governor noted that India is a land of rich diversity, and pluralism is deeply embedded in our thousands of years old socio-religious traditions and we should strive to foster and sustain harmonious relations among our diverse communities.The Governor observed that challenge before our society and the future generation is to ensure that this wonderful experiment called India is not lost and its glorious traditions stay deep rooted in our actions and thoughts. He noted that the Constitution of India contains chapters on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy which safeguard all human rights and lay down the parameters and objectives of a welfare state and good governance. He urged the students to adhere to tolerance and ethical values throughout their future lives and stressed that peace and harmony are imperative for the growth and development of the country.
The Governor observed that declamation contests, debates, sports and other extra-curricular activities help the youth to enlarge their horizon and evolve a liberal perspective; besides bringing out their best and ensuring their personality development.The Governor wished all the participants bright careers ahead and presented the Silver Rolling Trophy to the winning team. He gave away certificates of excellence to Ms. Shivika Thakur of Jammu University; Mr. Abhishek Sharma of Punjab University, Chandigarh and Mr. Zain-ul-Abeedin Banday of Jammu University for being adjudged 3rd, 2nd and the best speaker respectively in this declamation contest. He also gave away individual participation certificates to all the contestants from 6 Universities of North Zone which included Guru Nanak Dev University; Lovely Professional University; Punjab University, Chandigarh, Kashmir University; Central University-Jamuu; and Jammu University.Prof. Sharma,Vice-Chancellor, Jammu University also shared his views on the topic.The Welcome address was given by Prof. Pankaj Srivastava, Dean Students Welfare, Jammu University and a Vote of Thanks was presented by Prof. Anupama Vohra, associate Dean Students Welfare, Jammu University.