O P Sharma, Manoj Kumar
Jammu’s pride, among others, is general Zorawar Singh Auditorum complex in the University of Jammu Campus. It is unique combination of tradition and high-tech modernity for holding most important conferences with seating capacity of nearly 1400 (950 main auditorium and 450 balcony).
Another distinguishing feature of this four-storey state-of- the-art auditorium complex is location of Museum of Heritage of Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir along with art and Photo Gallery, exhibition halls, Conference Halls, Children Art Studio , Lab and one cafeteria also.
The foundation stone of the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in the Jammu University complex was laid on June 21, 2004 by the then Governor Gen. S.K. Sinha (Retd) in presence of the then Chief Minister, Mufti Mohd Sayeed and then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo and a galaxy of high officials and prominent citizen as also faculty and students. It was named after one of the most illustrious son of J&K state. Gen Zorawar Singh a world famous Dogra warrior. Zorawar , born on April 13, 1786 served in the Army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and also later worked with erstwhile Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of Jammu and Kashmir State.
Centre’s Memorable Gift
The blue print was prepared and executed in the record period and completed at a cost of nearly Rs. 30 crore earmarked by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government during his visit to J&K State in the year 2003. It was completed during the tenure of the Jammu University Vice Chancellor, Amitabh Mattoo. The first high level meeting held at this latest high technology modern auditorium was most eventful. Subsequently, numerous other prestigious conferences like : 101th Indian Science Congress ( February 3 -7,2014 ), were organized with memorable deliberations. Also the proud 5th convocation functions of SKUAST-Jammu (April 17,2018 ); University of Jammu three convocations (April ,2014, April 2, 2016 and March 4, 2018 ) and also first convocation of Central University of Jammu (March 18, 2018 ) Army Function Headquarters Weapon Display (2016) and 100th Birth anniversary of late G. L. Dogra memorial function attended by PM, Narendra Modi ; Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and then CM Mufti Mohd Sayeed on July 17, 2015.
Ideal Venue
From the then President of India Pratibha Patil , ex-PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley ; J&K State Governors and the Chief Ministers have visited this Auditorium and express good opinion about it. Many of the most reputed art and other fields have given their super performances and addition to few functions by the Army were also organised at this venue. Numerous function of leading educational institutions are regular feature s at this place and magnificent auditorium , Some of the VVIPs have made laudatory remarks about the Gen Zorawar Singh Auditorium.
Though, Jammu – The City of Temples, has other auditoriums but the Gen Zorawar Singh auditorium is a class apart with its unique complex , most modern amenities and congenial and security environ with adequate parking space and other basic facilities. To name some of the notable auditoriums in Jammu city, there is Abhinav Theatre in the Cultural Academy complex , Jammu Convention Complex Auditorium, IIIM Auditorium Gurjardesh Trust Auditorium, Hari Palace Auditorium, IIPA Auditorium. Teachers Bhawan, Gandhi Nagar and few other meeting halls. Admittedly, a new legislature building complex having modern facilities too are coming up fast in Jammu but it will be exclusively for both Houses of J&K State Legislature.
A Class Apart
Gen Zorawar Singh Auditorium complex is being looked after by an “Administrator” who manages all its affairs but its maintenance is the responsibility of the Engineering wing of the University of Jammu. During the past 11 years those who remained Administrators of this prestigious institution are Dr. D. L. Chowdhary, Dr. Jai Kumar Sharma, Prof. Sanjay Sharma, Prof Parmeshwari Sharma and present Dr. Neeraj Sharma
Jammu city is easily approachable by road, rail, and air links and also having good number of reasonably decent hotel accommodations and suitable transport facilities. It is an ideal for holding high level All India conferences/ meets by the officials as well as private and multi- national business houses. It is noteworthy that the University and also the Management Committee of Zoravar singh Auditorium have kept the charges at moderate rate for hosting conferences /meets of national and international level academic , cultural, social or business but not political activities in this institution The functionary of the Gen Zorawar Singh Auditorum must make concerted and sustained endeavours to promote this institution and attract many more conventions to this institution. It is must to raise money to fund its proper up-keep as also further its technological features and services in future.
Bright Vision for Future
It is really a challenge to maintain it grandeur, high-tech quality service and still upgrade it with changing times and evolve a strategy to earn while serving the society. This is an extra-ordinary platform for exchange of ideas, information and spread of knowledge in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir State. It can emerge as hub of all sorts of activities and academic excellence at this seat of high learning, Jammu University.
Starline Syndicate Service
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