Female Scholars shine with 400 of 600 Honours
Jammu, Nov 12: The University of Jammu is all set to host its 19th Special Convocation, where Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chancellor of the University, will confer 425 Ph.D. degrees and 178 gold medals on scholars from the 2020–2024 batches. In a striking highlight, women scholars will bag nearly 400 of the 600 medals, marking a resounding academic triumph for female achievers this year.
Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference, Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai said the convocation stands out as a celebration of academic excellence and women’s growing leadership in higher education. “Female scholars have outperformed their male counterparts by nearly three to one in securing Ph.D. degrees and gold medals,” he noted.
Giving details, Prof. Rai said Ph.D. degrees will be awarded to 71 scholars from the 2020 batch, 62 from 2021, 83 from 2022, 105 from 2023, and 104 from 2024, while gold medals will go to 43 students from 2020, 85 from 2021, 41 from 2022, and 39 from 2023. He added that the University plans to restore its annual convocation calendar from next year.
Prof. Rai also announced that the University’s “Design Your Degree” (DYD) programme has received formal appreciation from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, which termed it a “unique initiative” and recommended its inclusion in the national curriculum through the Ministry of Education and UGC.
He highlighted the “College on Wheels” initiative that took 800 girl students and 100 mentors on a mobile learning journey, integrating academics with exposure to culture, industry, and innovation.
On the research front, Prof. Rai said the University has strengthened its base through internal R&D, SEED, and transdisciplinary research grants, alongside funding from UGC, DST, DBT, and CSIR.
Looking ahead, he announced the launch of an Integrated UG–PG Programme from the next session, modeled on DYD, focusing on skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The new curriculum will allow students to choose specializations after a foundation in data, IT, AI, and communication, encouraging self-employment and startup ventures.
The convocation will be graced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Pro-Chancellor of the University, as Guest of Honour, alongside dignitaries including Members of Parliament, Vice Chancellors, senior bureaucrats, Padma awardees, and academics.
