Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 8: The University of Jammu today inaugurated the Shri Aurobindo Gyan Kendra at the Dhanvantri Library, providing students, scholars, and members of civil society a dedicated space to engage with the life, writings, and teachings of Maharishi Aurobindo.
Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Educations, formally inaugurated the Gyan Kendra in the presence of Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor JU; Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Prof Lalit Magotra; Mohan Singh and Amrinder Singh Amn.
Addressing the gathering, Sakina Itoo appreciated the University’s initiative in creating an academic space that preserves intellectual heritage while advancing reflective and value-based learning. She noted that knowledge institutions play a vital role in nurturing unity, mutual respect, and shared human values, encouraging learners to look beyond divisions and engage constructively with ideas that promote understanding and cooperation.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai underscored the significance of Shri Aurobindo Gyan Kendra as an academic space for students, researchers, and members of civil society. He observed that the Gyan Kendra supports personal development in alignment with Sri Aurobindo’s emphasis on inner growth, self-awareness, and balanced living, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of learning. He recalled Sri Aurobindo’s role as a philosopher, educationist, poet, and freedom thinker whose ideas on education, social responsibility, and human evolution continue to resonate in contemporary society. The Centre, he added, would encourage students to link academic inquiry with ethical reflection and constructive social engagement.
On the occasion, a documentary on the life and teachings of Sri Aurobindo was also screened. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Vikram Singh Sahi, Incharge Librarian, Dhanvantri Library.
The Shri Aurobindo Gyan Kendra houses curated books, reference works, archival material, and digital resources, supporting research, seminars, reading programmes, and outreach initiatives for the university community and the wider public.
Among others present on the occasion included Deans, Directors, Rectors, Heads of Departments, faculty members, officers, staff, and students. Proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr Kusam Sharma.
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