12th VEERANNA AIVALLI MEMORIAL DEBATE “IN THE OPINION OF THE HOUSE, ONLY STRINGENT LEGAL PROVISIONS CAN ENSURE SAFETY OF WOMEN IN THE COUNTRY”

Indian Institute of Public Administration J&K Regional Branch in collaboration with Department of Dean Students Welfare, University of Jammu organised a 12th Veeranna Aivalli Memorial Debate on November 12, 2013 at Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu. The topic of the debate was “In the opinion of the House, only stringent legal provisions can ensure safety of women in the country”.

The team of Government College of Engineering and Technology, Jammu, comprising Mr. Abhinandan Singh and Ms. Dhruvika lifted the 12th Veeranna Aivalli Memorial Running Trophy in the Debating Contest.

Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, who was the Chief Guest at the Prize Distribution Function, presented Veeranna Aivalli Memorial Rolling Trophy to the winning team. He also gave away individual cash prizes of Rs. 2500 to Mr. Abhinanadan Singh of the Government College of Engineering and Technology, Jammu, for securing the first position in the debate, Rs. 2000 to Ms. Akanksha Rajput of the Government College of Education, Jammu, for being adjudged second and Rs. 1500 to Ms. Apoorva Jamwal of Department of Economics, University of Jammu, for bagging the third position in the debate. He gave consolation prizes of Rs. 1000 each to Ms. Zeenat Khan of M. C. Khalsa College of Education, Jammu and Ms. Bharati Manhas of Government College for Women, Parade, Jammu, and Rs. 750 to Ms. Huma Khan, who anchored the debating contest. The Governor interacted with the awardees and wished them bright careers ahead.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor referred to the topic of the debate and emphasized the need for the development of a societal code of conduct which is founded in ethical and moral values, along side effective policing, prompt investigations and speedily bringing the guilty to justice, for ensuring the safety of women, children, elders and the people at large. He observed that, today, we are living in a real time world, adding that this itself creates a situation which requires modern approaches to effectively curbing criminal activities.

The Governor observed that there is crucial need for imbibing and re-invigorating ethical and moral values among the students right from junior school upwards, to the university levels, so that they can contribute towards establishing a more harmonious and peaceful society. He stressed that the society at large must do everything possible for ensuring the safety of women, children and all citizens.

The Governor referred to his meetings with late Mr. Veeranna Aivalli in early 1990s and observed that he was an upright professional officer of high integrity.

Referring to the activities of the IIPA, J&K Regional Branch, the Governor congratulated Dr. Ashok Bhan, Chairman, for the activities being arranged by him being highly relevant and such as contribute towards better governance.

The Governor released November 2013 issue of the IIPA Newsletter on this occasion.

Prof. M. P. S. Ishar, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, said that the debating contests provide the students useful opportunity to put forth their views in an effective manner. He hoped that in future also the University and the IIPA will join hands in organizing debates on varied themes. He spoke on the issue of crime against women and suggested ways and means to curb it.

Mr. Ashok Prasad, Director General of Police, dwelt extensively on various strategies to ensure safety of women and children. He said that one and all must work together to achieve this objective. He paid rich tribute to late Mr. Veeranna Aivalli on this occasion.

In his welcome address, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Chairman, IIPA, J&K Regional Branch, while paying tribute to late Mr. Veeranna Aivalli recalled his qualities of head and heart and his professional acumen. He thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the activities of the IIPA, J&K Regional Branch. He also threw light on the activities undertaken by the IIPA, J&K Regional Branch, in the recent past and those planned for the coming months.

Mr. J. B. S. Johar, Hony Secretary, IIPA, J&K Regional Branch, presented a Vote of Thanks. Ms. Shelleka Gupta of The Business School, University of Jammu, in her Rapporteur’s report reflected on the proceedings of the debate. She said that 27 teams from various colleges and teaching departments of the Jammu University participated in the debate.

Mrs. Swarna Aivalli wife of late Mr. Veeranna Aivalli, functionaries and Members of IIPA, J&K Regional Branch, senior serving and former Civil and Police officers, prominent citizens, academia and students were present on the occasion.