National Youth Exchange- 2025 Inaugurated at University of Jammu

Jammu, August 18: The National Youth Exchange Programme 2025 was inaugurated today at the University of Jammu, jointly organized by the Department of Home Science, University of Jammu and Live For Others – Being Helpful Foundation. The three-day programme, being held at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium, is themed “Role of Youth in Viksit Bharat @2047 by Fighting Against Drug Menace.”

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Sh. Garib Dass (IPS), ADGP & Director, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy, who in his address emphasized the cultural richness of India and motivated youth to take pride in the nation’s diverse heritage. He underlined that it is through the acknowledgment and celebration of this diversity that the youth can find the strength to lead India towards becoming a developed nation.

On the occasion, Ms. Devyani Rana, Vice President, BJYM, highlighted the urgent need to curb the drug menace and called upon the youth to play an active role in spreading awareness and building healthier communities.

On the occasion, a special video address by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai was also shared with the gathering. Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies and Officiating Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, stressed the importance of instilling the spirit of “Nation First” among young people. She also spoke about the significance of goal-setting in enabling the youth to achieve their aspirations and contribute to nation-building.

Prof. Rajni Dhingra, former Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, appreciated the collaborative effort of the University and the NGO in mobilizing youth for a greater cause.

Earlier in her welcome address, Prof. Sarika Manhas, HOD, Department of Home Science, said, “The active participation of youth in such platforms reflects their commitment towards shaping a healthier and more responsible society. Collaborations like these create awareness, build confidence, and strengthen the collective resolve against social evils like drug abuse.”

Adding to this, Mr. Vivek Parihar, Director of Live For Others – Being Helpful Foundation, remarked, “This programme is not just an event but a movement to unite youth against the rising menace of drugs. Our vision is to empower young minds so that they can contribute meaningfully to the mission of Viksit Bharat @2047 and become torchbearers of a progressive, drug-free nation.”

Eminent dignitaries Prof. Prakash Anthal, Dean Students Welfare, JU, Padamshree Sh. Mohan Singh, Prof. Shashi Manhas, Prof. Samridhi Arora, and Dr. Hema Gnadotra also graced the inaugural.

The academic events of the day included a Symposium Competition on the theme “Role of Youth in Viksit Bharat @2047 by Fighting Against Drug Menace” and a Poster-Making Competition on “Role of Youth Against Drug Menace.” Students from across institutions showcased their creativity and critical thinking. Aseesabjot Kour (GCW Parade) bagged the first prize in the symposium, followed by Aarti (Chandigarh) and Madhavi Gupta (Shiksha Niketan School). In the poster-making contest, Piyush Kushwah (Uttar Pradesh) secured the first position, Zaahran Ali (Shiksha Niketan School) stood second, while Tanisha Sharma (GCW Parade) bagged the third prize, and Diksha Kumari received the consolation award. Adjudicators for the symposium were Prof. Komal Nagar, TBS, and Dr. Hema Gandotra, NSS Coordinator, while the poster making competition was judged by Prof. Samridhi Arora, Deptt. of Home Science and Prof. Deepika Salathia, Head Department of Environment Science.

In the evening, a vibrant cultural showcase was organized, featuring folk dances and performances representing the cultural diversity of India. The event was presided over by Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson CCC, JU as Chief Guest. She stressed on the importance of supporting individuals already affected by drug abuse and the need for compassion and community solidarity.

Guest of Honour Sh. Gaurav Gupta, BJP Spokesperson J&K and Secretary, Jammu Club, emphasized on acknowledging the immense potential of Indian youth. He said, “It is time that the youth of the country cherishes the rich heritage of our nation and contributes meaningfully to the process of nation building.”

The programme also featured the presence of Ms. Ranjeet Kour (JKAS) as Guest of Honour, Ms. Amitpal, NSS Coordinator, Cluster University of Jammu, as Special Guest, along with Mrs. Parul Bhateja, Director Bhavishya Academy & Principal Sanfort School, and Mrs. Tarvinder Kaur, Regional Director, Sanfort Group of Schools.

The day concluded with a message of unity, cultural pride, and a strengthened resolve against drug abuse, setting the tone for the upcoming sessions of the three-day youth exchange.