Brainstorming session on "Higher Education at Crossroads"

Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch in collaboration with Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu organized the 14th Veeranna Aivalli Memorial Debate Competition on the topic “In the opinion of the house, Social Networking is a boon and promotes freedom of thought and expression. A total of 25 teams from various affiliated colleges and University teaching departments participated in the competition. The team from Government MAM College represented by Wahed Anjum and Sourabh lifted the Veeranna Aivalli Running team trophy. The first prize was won by Meenakshi Sharma from Department of Geography, University of Jammu; Wahed Anjum from Government MAM College bagged the second prize followed by Sanam Khan from Department of Sociology, University of Jammu. The consolation prizes were won by Kritika Sethi, Law School, University of Jammu and Harmeet Singh, DDE, University of Jammu. The prorgramme was attended by members of J&K Police, University and College teachers, members of IIPA and civil society. Mrs. Swarna Aivalli and Sh, Girish Aivalli with his family were the special guests on the occasion.

Prof. Poonam Dhawan, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu and the Chief Guest of the Prize Distribution function paid rich tributes to Late Sh. Veeranna Aivalli. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasized that although social media has come to rule our lives, yet excess of everything is bad and social media is no exception to it. She said that imparting values among the youth is of utmost important for the judicious use of social media.

Sh. Danesh Rana, IPS, IGP Jammu Zone and the Guest of Honor of the function in his address said that social media is here to stay but it is in our hands to use it for the betterment of the society. He said that civil society should responsibly use this wonderful medium that not only facilitates timely communication but also promotes freedom of expression and speech.

Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd.), Patron of the IIPA J&K Regional Branch in his presidential remarks said that this debate competition has grown in its stature as a celebration of healthy bonds between students, academia, IIPA, J&K Police and civil society at large. He urged the youth to question themselves regarding being socially responsible on the social media. He said that social media shall also effect the future of governance and the way this technology is utilized to connect with the communities and society at large.

Earlier Prof Alka Sharma, Director, Seminars, IIPA J&K Regional Branch formally welcomed all the guests to the prize distribution function. In the morning session Sh. T P Singh welcomed the guests while Prof. Pankaj Srivastava, DSW, University of Jammu declared the debate competition open. The adjudicators for the debate competition were Prof. Nandita Bhattacharya, HoD, Department of English, Central University of Jammu; Mr. Pradeep Dutta, Bureau Chief, TIMES NOW and Er. Madan Dogra, Former Superintendent Engineer, Government of J&K. Dr. Komal Nagar, Joint Director, Seminars, IIPA and Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA conducted the proceedings during the day. Er. J B S Johar, Hony Secretary, IIPA J&K Regional Branch presented the formal vote of thanks. The rapporteurs of the event were Shivani Rana and Rameshwari Slathia. The debate was anchored by Anshul Gupta and Sunidhi Sharma.