At the 3rd Annual Inter-State (North Zone) Declamation Contest which was organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University at its Matrika Auditorium today, the team comprising Ms. Shivika Thakur and Mr. Tushar Kalsotra of the Jammu University won the Silver Rolling Trophy which has been instituted by Governor N. N. Vohra. The topic of the Declamation Contest was “Are the vastly diverse and multi-cultural societies in our country an asset or a liability in the rapid reduction of poverty and delivery of equitable governance?”. 35 students from various universities and colleges of J&K and the neighbouring states participated in this Contest.The team comprising Mr. Ansab Amir Khan and Shajar Hasab Abidi of Aligarh Muslim University won the Best Team trophy. The 1st prize was won by Ms. Shivika Thakur of Jammu University; 2nd prize by Mr. Ansab Amir Khan of Aligarh Muslim University and 3rd prize by Ms. Mokshi Sharma of Central University of Jammu.Governor N. N. Vohra and First Lady participated in the Valedictory function of this contest. Governor noted with satisfaction that the number of students who had participated in the contest had been progressively going up, particularly the number who are from outside the State. He urged the Vice Chancellor to ensure even larger participation of students from the far off and rural areas within J&K in the next Declamation Contest.
Referring to the topic of the Declamation Contest, Governor observed that the chosen subject is significantly relevant in the contemporary context and emphasized that the students must sincerely think about the challenges facing the country and make up their minds to contribute towards a New India marked by equity in governance, reduction in poverty, much higher levels of literacy, communal harmony, public order and rapid economic growth. He urged the students to channelize their energies and thought process and devote focused attention towards building their futures and towards nation building. Governor observed that the passing out students must play a very important role in contributing towards the maintenance of societal balance and communal harmony in our country.Governor congratulated Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, and Dr. V.K Tripathi, and Chairman Board of Cultural Activities for organizing the Declamation Contest and wished all the participants bright careers ahead. Governor announced a special cash prize of Rs. 5100 for Mr. Paras Dubey, Post Graduate student in the Department of Economics, in the University, who presented a very graceful classical dance on the occasion.The participants were adjudged by a three member Jury comprising Dr. Garima Gupta, Assistant Professor, Department of English, University of Jammu; Dr. Sapna Sangra, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Jammu; Dr. Anurag Kumar, Assistant Professor, School of Languages and Literature SMVDU.