Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar today underscored the importance of drawing inspiration from India’s rich legacy as a knowledge hub and global leader, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach in finding solutions. Advisor Bhatnagar was speaking during the Amrit Kaal Lecture Series- 2024 under theme ‘Dissolving Boundaries Evolving Education’ at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.
The Advisor hoped that the lecture series would inspire forward-thinking and urged everyone to step out of their comfort zones. Recognizing the pivotal role of teachers in shaping students’ futures, he encouraged continued efforts towards positive change within oneself and the broader ecosystem.
Underscoring the shift towards knowledge- and technology-based society, Advisor Bhatnagar urged the audience to acknowledge India’s abundant talent and heritage rather than constantly looking to the West. Vice Chancellor University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, in his address emphasized the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach in academia.
By encouraging students to explore diverse fields of study, he advocated for breaking down traditional boundaries that confine learning within rigid disciplinary lines. A highlight of the event was the felicitation of Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of the Higher Education Council, J&K, and former Vice-Chancellor of University of Delhi.
Prof. Singh was honored with the prestigious “Bhartiya Pragya Bhushan Samman” in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the field of education. The citation was read by Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, and Formerly Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu.
The keynote address was delivered by Padmashree Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, Higher Education Council, Government of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory who captivated the audience with his enlightening discourse titled “From the Indus Valley Civilization to Srinivas Ramanujan: The Fascinating History of Indian Mathematics,” shedding light on the rich heritage of Indian mathematics.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. Sudhish Pachauri, formerly Pro Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, delivered an insightful address that enriched the gathering. Reflecting on the theme of the lecture series, he praised its uniqueness, emphasizing the multitude of boundaries present in India, ranging from religious and ego-driven boundaries to those in subjects and knowledge.
He discussed the similarities among different literatures such as Urdu, Hindi, English, and Sanskrit, suggesting that they share common elements. Prof. Pichauri specifically addressed how language segmentation can create barriers between people and emphasized the need to break down these boundaries through a collective spirit of unity across various fields of study.
Former Pro Vice Chancellor, DU, Prof. Sudhish Pachauri, Director ISTRAC, B. N. Ramakrishna, Director MMTTC, University of Jammu, Prof. S. K. Pandita, Co-chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, Prof. Sarika Manhas among other also addressed the event on their respective topics. A cultural evening was also organized which showcased the Kathak Performance by Shivam Shukla, “Lear”, a devised performance based on William Shakespeare’s “King Lear”.