Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 22: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) organised a seminar in collaboration with J&K Police to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The event was held at SMVDU with great enthusiasm and witnessed participation from students, faculty, NCC cadets, and NSS volunteers.
Prof Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Maj Gen Anupinder Bevli, Additional Director General, JK&L NCC Directorate, was the guest of honour.
The programme featured a vibrant blend of activities, beginning with a declamation competition in which students articulated Patel’s contributions to national integration and his historic role in shaping modern India. Cultural performances, particularly energetic and thematic dance presentations, added colour and enthusiasm to the celebration. Cultural performances included a remarkable Kathak performance by Hotrika, a Class 10 student from DPS Katra, and group performances by students of Government High School, Sirah, Kakryal.
The event was also attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Brig D N Pandey, Commander, NCC Group Jammu; Paramvir Singh, SSP Reasi; Col Sumit Bana, Commanding Officer, 6 J&K BN NCC; Manoj Verma, Commandant, CRPF 126 BN and Vipan Chandran, SP Katra.
The event was coordinated by Dr Varun Dutta, NCC Coordinator, and Dr Rajiv Kumar, NSS Coordinator, along with NCC cadets and NSS volunteers, ensuring smooth execution of all activities. More than 400 students attended the said event. An oath-taking ceremony on National Unity was administered to all attendees, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the ideals of unity and integrity championed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Towards the conclusion of the event, a felicitation ceremony was conducted in which all dignitaries, along with the leading members of the NSS and NCC units and the anchors of the programme, were honoured with tokens of appreciation.
