Floods Fail to Deter Spirits as SKUAST-Jammu Celebrates 27th Foundation
Day
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu
(SKUAST-J) celebrated its 27th Foundation Day with great zeal and commitment,
proving that even the recent devastating floods could not dampen the spirit of the
University community.
Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu was the Chief Guest
and Chairperson of the programme. In his address, Prof. Tripathi reflected on the
University’s journey of the past 26 years and emphasized the need to evaluate
achievements, acknowledge challenges and set ambitious milestones for the future.
Remembering the efforts of the predecessors who laid the foundation of SKUAST-
Jammu, he said that this day reminds us of the sacrifices made by our seniors who
struggled hard and faced difficulties to establish this University.
Prof. Tripathi underlined that the University caters to the needs of the entire Jammu
region and its graduates are serving in diverse capacities across departments and
institutions. While appreciating the hard work of faculty and staff, he emphasized that
the University is in a transition phase; adopting the National Education Policy (NEP)
2020, modernizing academic practices and striving to compete with the top
universities of the country.
He noted that the recent flash flood of August 26, 2025 caused damages worth
crores, affecting infrastructure, equipment, orchards and essential facilities.
However, he praised the University fraternity for their resilience, unity and tireless
efforts in restoring normalcy. He further stressed the need to create flood-resistant
infrastructure and to rebuild the University with renewed determination and collective
commitment.
Highlighting the roadmap ahead, the Vice Chancellor called for strengthening the
research portfolio, promoting technology commercialization and adopting problem-
based teaching methods to prepare students for real-world challenges. He said that
students must be ready for cutting-edge technologies and that innovation which
comes through experience, should be encouraged at every level. He also urged the
University to foster parallel thinking with leading universities across the world and to
prepare a Vision Document 2047 that aligns SKUAST-Jammu with the national
agenda of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
On the occasion, Dr. S.K. Gupta, Director Research; Dr. Anil Kumar, Registrar and
Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension and Dr. J.S.
Soodan, Dean, Faculty of Dairy Technology spoke about the achievements of the
University and the way forward. Dr. Sudhakar Dwivedi, Director Students’ Welfare
welcomed the Chief Guest and all dignitaries and also coordinated the event.
Dr. Rajesh Katoch, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry,
presented the formal vote of thanks. The celebration was attended by all statutory
officers, heads of divisions and KVKs, In-charge Research Stations, faculty
members, non-teaching staff and students.
On this occasion, awards were also conferred on Dr. M.K. Pandey, Professor, Plant
Breeding and Genetics and Mr. Imran Hussain, who were recognized for their brave-
hearted efforts during the recent flash flood, saving the lives of several people.
The Foundation Day celebration was marked not just by reflection on the University’s
glorious past but also by a renewed resolve to face future challenges unitedly with
innovation, resilience and determination.
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