Justice Tashi Rabstan inaugurates Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme at JU

Four-day youth engagement festival launches with powerful reflections on education, law, nation-building, and youth potential

Jammu, July 31: The University of Jammu kick-started the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP) with an inspiring inaugural ceremony held this afternoon at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium,  University of Jammu, drawing participation from across the academic and civil society. Chief Guest of the occasion, Justice (Retd.) Tashi Rabstan, Former Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, inaugurated the event, in the presence of Prof. Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, who graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.

Addressing the students, faculty, and civil society members,  Justice Tashi Rabstan, Former Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladkh and an alumnus of the University of Jammu, acknowledged his connection with JU. "As someone who belongs to this very institution, it’s always a privilege to return and interact with the youth," he remarked, emphasizing that meaningful engagement with young minds is critical if the vision of a developed India is to be truly realized. He warmly acknowledged the presence of dignitaries, university faculty, students, civil society members, and all contributors to the event.

Drawing from his legal background, Justice Rabstan spoke in detail about the critical role of legal reforms in achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat@2047. He outlined key areas like modernizing governance, promoting alternative dispute resolution, citizen-centric legislation, and the importance of digital legal systems such as litigation monitoring and faceless assessments to enhance transparency. He also highlighted the recent repeal of colonial-era criminal laws and the introduction of new legislation such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam as major steps toward a modern, efficient justice system. In conclusion, he urged the youth to take full ownership of this national mission and contribute actively as responsible stakeholders, adding, “India’s path to development lies in the hands of its young citizens—this is your time, and your opportunity to shape history.”

In his deeply reflective remarks, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, spoke of the “psyche of the nation” as central to the Viksit Bharat mission. He challenged narrow definitions of youth, asserting that anyone with a sense of purpose and national spirit—regardless of age—must be seen as part of India’s transformative force. He pointed to a growing disconnect between students and society, not out of disinterest, but due to mounting survival pressures and career anxieties. Prof. Kumar urged educators to bridge this gap by reorienting learning toward meaningful contribution. He highlighted the government’s commitment in pursuing its 2047 goals. He added that even those unsure of their individual role can trust that the nation is firmly on the path to becoming developed.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, stated that India’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest economy in 2025 aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Vice Chancellor called for a transformative ecosystem within educational institutions to promote idea generation, innovation, and startups, urging a shift from rote learning to solution-centric thinking rooted in real-world social challenges. 

He advocated for a paradigm shift in the education framework, moving beyond the confines of traditional classrooms to embrace experiential learning and the integration of Information Technology. 

“The path to a developed India begins in its schools, colleges, and universities, where education must be reoriented from job-seeking to job-creation, embedding skilling, creativity, and curiosity into the curriculum,” he said.

Highlighting five pillars essential for Viksit Bharat—infrastructure, digital economy, health, agriculture, and education—he urged institutions to reimagine their role as incubators of innovation and critical thinking. “The dream of a developed India begins in educational institutions,” Prof. Rai noted. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he concluded with a stirring message: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is achieved.”

Earlier, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, extended warm greetings to all dignitaries, including former district judges, deans, heads, faculty, students, officials, and media. She acknowledged the vision and encouragement of Prof. Umesh Rai, under whose leadership the university continues to shape meaningful national engagements. Prof. Rohmetra highlighted the tight timeline under which the event was organized and praised the coordinated teamwork of all departments. “This is more than a programme,” she said, “It’s our University’s voice in the national conversation on India’s future.” She further acknowledged the efforts of Convenor, Co-convener and members of various committees in organizing this event.

Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, Dean Students Welfare and Co-Convenor of VBYCP, shared a detailed overview of the four-day festival, which includes sessions on drug-free living (Nasha Mukt Bharat), emotional wellness, youth leadership, and interactive exhibitions on youth-centric schemes. He emphasized that the programme is designed to inspire action, introspection, and long-term civic engagement among students.

A cultural performance titled “Bharat Ki Baat”, briliantally written and directed by Mr. Sumeet Sharma, Drama Instructor at the university,  wonderfully glorified the Indian heritage & ethos. The play was performed by the participants of Certificate Course in Theatre offered by Skill Incubation Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC), University of Jammu in collaboration with the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu.

A multi-department exhibition was also inaugurated, showcasing contributions from eight government departments and various university departments. The displays focused on start-ups, innovation, digital governance, youth welfare schemes, and opportunities for civic participation and entrepreneurship.

The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, Convenor of VBYCP, who commended the dedication of every faculty member, staff, and students involved in curating the event. The proceedings of the event were conducted  by Dr. Bhagwati Devi.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, a tug-of-war was organized by the Department of Sports and Physical Education in which the various stakeholders of the University participated.

Among others present on the occasion included, Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, Padam Shree Prof. Lalit Magotra, Deans, Rectors, Directors, faculty members, officers, staff, scholars, students and prominent members from the civil society.