JU organizes short play competition on ‘Life & Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi’

Winners as well as participant students along with the staff during a short play competition organised at JU on Wednesday.
Winners as well as participant students along with the staff during a short play competition organised at JU on Wednesday.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 4: In a bid to impart the invaluable teachings of Mahatma Gandhi to students through experiential learning, the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, collaborated with the Gandhian Centre for Peace & Conflict Studies, to organize a short play competition centered on the life and teachings of the revered Mahatma.
Under the patronage of Prof Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of the University, the event aimed to acquaint students with the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi while immersing them in the experience of role-playing.
A statement said that 200 students from 18 different institutions enthusiastically participated, presenting various scripts that highlighted diverse facets of Gandhian principles.
The valedictory function saw the presence of Prof Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, who commended the students’ dedication and innovative performances.
Prof Monika Chadha, Chairperson of the Campus Cultural Committee, shared insights about the cultural initiatives.
Dr Seema Rohmetra, in-charge Director of the Gandhian Centre for Peace & Conflict Studies, presented a comprehensive report on the event, and Prof Sarika Manhas, co-chairperson of the Campus Cultural Committee, extended the vote of thanks.
The adjudicators for the competition included Prof Mahendra Kumar, a senior dramatist from Chandigarh and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, along with Anil Tickoo, also a Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, and veteran artist Sunita Pandit. Dr Neelam Chowdhary served as the Teacher Incharge of the event.
The scripts not only delved into Gandhian ideals but also addressed contemporary challenges such as communalism, corruption, and the erosion of human values.
Participants skilfully conveyed messages of communal harmony, brotherhood, social service, truth, non-violence, sustainability, peace, and determination through their performances.
The competition also showcased various episodes from Mahatma Gandhi’s life, illustrating his journey from childhood anecdotes of honesty to significant moments like the Dandi march and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
While the Cluster University of Jammu secured first position, second position was shared by teams from the Law School, JU, and UIET Kathua. The third position was also jointly shared by teams from MIET and DD&OE, JU. Teams of GDC Vijaypur and IIT Jammu got certificates of merit.