Vice Chancellor JU felicitates newly elected team of  University of Jammu Alumni Association 

Jammu, January 21: A felicitation function was organised at the University of Jammu to honour the newly elected office bearers and members of Executive Committee of the University of Jammu Alumni Association (UJAA). 

The function was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, who is also the Patron of UJAA. 

The elected office bearers include Prof. Neelu Rohmetra as President, Sh. Sanjeev Rana as Vice President, Dr. Suvidha Khanna as Secretary, Dr. Satwant Singh Rissam as Joint Secretary, Sh. Pankaj Gupta as Treasurer, and Dr. Atul Hans as Publicity Secretary. The Executive Committee  includes Sh. Subash C. Gupta, Former Judge and member PSC, Smt. Indu Kanwal Chib, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Sh. Mubassir Latifi Ameer, DIG (Pers) PHQ, Prof. Kuldeep Singh Charak, Sh. Manish Pathania, and Dr. Ripu Daman Parihar.

The elections to UJAA were held in accordance with the Vice Chancellor’s vision that the Alumni Association should function through a fully elected and representative body from the Alumni, following the adoption of the new constitution and  Bye-Laws of the Association.

The recently concluded elections were the first to be held after the amendment and adoption of the revised Bye-Laws of the University of Jammu Alumni Association. The conduct of elections under the new Bye-Laws marked a significant step towards strengthening the democratic functioning, transparency, and representative character of UJAA.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Umesh Rai, while complimenting the newly elected Alumni Association, said that the basic purpose of an alumni body is to connect young minds through mentoring. He called upon alumni to take ownership of the Association and stressed the need for regular, activity-based engagement to bring students and alumni closer. The Vice Chancellor also suggested involving alumni from medical colleges and engineering institutions to broaden the Association’s professional reach and emphasised strengthening the visibility and role of UJAA . 

The Vice Chancellor also appreciated the efforts of the outgoing UJAA team, particularly for its role in getting the Alumni Association formally registered with the Registrar of Societies and for laying a strong administrative foundation for the Association.  He also commended the outgoing team for amending the Bye-Laws of the Association to make it more inclusive ans democratic in nature. Expressing confidence in the newly elected team, Prof. Rai said he hoped the Association would work consistently towards strengthening alumni participation and contributing to the University’s academic and social development.

Speaking on the occasion,   Prof.  Neelu Rohmetra, President, University of Jammu Alumni Association (UJAA), said that the Alumni Association should function with a clear focus on students, keeping in mind the evolving aspirations and challenges of the youth. She noted that alumni, drawn from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, have an important role to play in mentoring students and helping them better understand opportunities beyond the classroom.

She observed that while alumni associations may not directly create employment, they can significantly contribute to preparing students for future opportunities by sharing experience, perspective, and practical exposure. With the University offering programmes across multiple disciplines, she stressed the importance of connecting alumni expertise with the academic and developmental needs of students in a structured and meaningful manner.

Prof. Rohmetra further spoke about strengthening the visibility and outreach of UJAA through regular engagement, wider participation, and stronger national and international linkages. She underlined that sustained alumni involvement can support the University in areas such as student development, institutional growth, and long-term academic advancement.

Prof. J. P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, also spoke on the occasion and complimented the newly elected team. He emphasised the importance of a strong alumni association in enriching the academic environment of the University and expressed hope that UJAA would play a constructive role in supporting students and academic initiatives.

Other newly elected members also shared suggestions to enhance alumni participation through mentoring initiatives, regular alumni–student interactions, and structured engagement programmes.

Former President Prof. Prakash Chand Antahal, while speaking on the occasion welcomed the newly elected team and underlined the importance of continuity in alumni initiatives. He highlighted the efforts made during his tenure and expressed confidence that the new team would further strengthen UJAA.

Among others present on the occasion included Sh. Sanjeev Mahajan, Controller of Examination, Prof. Anil Gupta, Director SHTM, Dr. Ginny Dogra, Director, DIQA, Dr. Guneet Singh Sudan, Director,  Center for IT, Dr. Shallu Sharma, Dr. A.R. Manhas, Dr. Pritam Singh, Dr. Harleen Kour.