CLUJ honours Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect awardees, launches anti-ragging week

Jammu, Aug 11: The Department of Dean Students’ Welfare, Cluster University of Jammu (CLUJ), Monday hosted a grand award ceremony at Government M.A.M. College, Jammu, to felicitate winners of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP), celebrate outstanding sports achievers, and formally inaugurate Anti-Ragging Week 2025.A statement issued here said that the event also featured the collective administration of the Viksit Bharat Pledge and the Anti-Ragging Pledge, reaffirming CLUJ’s commitment to building a developed, safe, and inclusive academic environment. Organised under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, and coordinated by the Office of the Dean Students’ Welfare in collaboration with the Directorate of Extension and Outreach, the VBYCP engaged over 1,800 students through more than 25 activities conducted across constituent colleges and schools between July and August 2025. Initiatives included the MY Bharat Registration Drive for digital onboarding, pledge campaigns for Viksit Bharat and Nasha Mukt Bharat, anti-drug awareness workshops—where over 600 students pledged to lead a drug-free life—as well as creative competitions such as poster-making, slogan-writing, debates, skits, and a Youth Parliament. Cultural performances added vibrancy to the programme, including a skit on Nasha Mukt Bharat and a patriotic song by the Department of Music.In his address, Prof. Chandrasekar lauded the students’ spirited participation and reiterated the transformative vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Chief Guest  Shantmanu, Financial Commissioner (ACS), stressed the importance of sustainable growth, community development, and collective efforts to combat drug abuse. Guest of Honour Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Aijaz Bashir, Director Colleges, HED J&K, spoke on the four pillars of Viksit Bharat and the role of NEP 2020 in shaping the future of Indian education. Earlier, Prof. D.S. Manhas, Dean Students’ Welfare, welcomed dignitaries, while Dr. Shafia Saleem presented a detailed report of pre-event activities.