Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan Cell

Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan Cell of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) organized a Tree Plantation Drive on Martyrs’ Day to honor the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The event aimed to promote environmental sustainability while paying tribute to the martyrs Saheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev for their extreme sacrifices for the motherland. The event included various activities, including a speech on Martyr’s Day, a video clip on the life of Saheed-e-azam Bhagat Singh, a Quiz Competition, and a photography contest. The drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, students, and staff, who planted various indigenous tree species within the university campus. The initiative aligns with the objectives of Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan, which focuses on rural development and community engagement through sustainable practices. The plantation drive also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the martyrs and the responsibility of citizens to uphold their legacy through constructive actions. Faculty members, Dr. Bharat Bhushan Jindal, Dr. Anil Kumar Bhardwaj, and Dr. Sunny Kumar Sharma participated actively in the event, along with student volunteers Anurag, Ravish, Utkarsh, Kamaljeet, Anshika, Mrinal, Krishav, Rathik, and Sourav. SMVDU remains committed to fostering environmental consciousness among students and the local community. The university will continue to organize similar initiatives to encourage sustainable development and active participation in nation- building efforts.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, April 22, 2025 — The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) Cell of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University successfully organized an impactful event titled “Prithvi Vandana” on the occasion of World Earth Day. The event aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues, inspire sustainable action, and promote ecological responsibility among students and faculty.

The program was hosted by Sachin Tripathi and Bhavika Dubey, who kept the audience engaged with insightful anchoring. The event was coordinated by Sachin Tripathi and co-coordinated by Nikhil Bansal, both of whom led the initiative with dedication and planning. They were supported by a diligent student management team, including Aryan, Lokesh Dhuriya (camera and media), and first-year coordinators Aryan Sadotra and Tahoor Muqeem, who contributed significantly to execution and logistics.

The event opened with a presentation by Sachin Tripathi, detailing the origin and importance of Earth Day and stressing the importance of youth-led initiatives for environmental conservation.

Highlights of the Event:

• A vibrant segment of speeches and poetry featured students from different groups. Yash Srivastava, Saurabh Kushwaha, Tavleen Kaur, and Sehar Parveez presented thought-provoking pieces on nature, sustainability, and community responsibility.
• A powerful documentary titled “Our Power, Our Planet” by NASA was screened, focusing on global climate challenges and the urgency of unified action.
• A fun and educational Eco Quiz, designed and presented by Nikhil Bansal, tested the students’ awareness and knowledge of environmental issues.
• During the Open Mic session, Dr. Anil Bhardwaj encouraged students to adopt eco-friendly practices, recycle waste, and use waste materials to create eco-friendly bricks.
• Dr. Bharat Bhushan Jindal, Coordinator, Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan, SMVDU, appreciated the sincere efforts of the coordinators and participants of the event throughout the session with a reflective speech, emphasizing environmental consciousness and student responsibility.
• Faculty members Dr. Amit Sinha and Dr. Sunny Sharma also appreciated the efforts of the event coordinators in making the event successful.
• The event concluded with an Earth Day Pledge, followed by the National Anthem.

Contributing Team & Participants

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Cell of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) organized an expert session under the Student Induction Program to sensitize newly admitted undergraduate students and those enrolled in the Community Engagement and Social Responsibility, a value-added course about rural development and social responsibility initiatives.

Mrs. Jeyoti Kaul, Outreach Assistant, IIT Jammu, delivered an expert talk on the Scope of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), highlighting its objectives, activities, and the process of village adoption under the initiative. She emphasized that UBA, an important program of the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD), aims to involve higher educational institutions in the process of holistic rural development, thereby strengthening the social responsibility of academia towards the community.

SMVDU has adopted five villages in the vicinity of the University under the umbrella of UBA to address local challenges and contribute to their sustainable development.

Dr. Bharat Bhushan Jindal, Coordinator, UBA-SMVDU, appreciated the insightful talk delivered by Mrs. Kaul and assured the Regional Coordinating Institute (RCI), IIT Jammu, that SMVDU would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of UBA by contributing effectively towards the upliftment of rural residents and addressing their pressing concerns. In her concluding remarks, Mrs. Kaul also assured full support from RCI, IIT Jammu, to SMVDU whenever and wherever required.

UBA Cell members Dr. Sunny Kumar Sharma and Dr. Amit Kumar Sinha also actively participated in organizing the event. Student members Ms. Rydhm Rajput, Mr. Akarshan Sanmotra, Ms. Saloni Singh, Ms. Bhaavna, and Ms. Anooshi Wangoo also attended the event.

The event was well-organized and smoothly coordinated by the UBA Cell, SMVDU. Nearly 450 students actively engaged in the discussion, showing strong interest in rural transformation and social responsibility. The session offered valuable guidance to students, inspiring them to link classroom learning with real-world issues and to contribute positively to nation-building.

On Gandhi Jayanti, students from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, J&K, organized a Village Outreach Program at Kotla village as part of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) initiative, a key program of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The event focused on raising awareness about cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainable waste management practices in rural communities, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean India.

During the outreach, students organized an awareness campaign focused on the significance of cleanliness, personal hygiene, and proper waste management. They conducted educational sessions with villagers to highlight the benefits of waste segregation, frequent handwashing, and good sanitation habits. These engaging discussions encouraged villagers to incorporate straightforward yet effective hygiene practices into their daily lives.

The team also held demonstrations to give practical tips on household waste management and ways to keep the surroundings clean. The villagers responded eagerly, actively taking part in the discussions and promising to keep working toward maintaining cleanliness in their community. School children and local youth showed special interest in learning about the goals of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the effort.

The villagers committed to maintaining cleanliness in their daily routines, ensuring that the impact of the drive would last beyond the event. During the event, the student team highlighted that “cleanliness is not just a one-day activity but a habit that ensures better health and a sustainable environment.”

UBA Coordinator Dr. Bharat Bhushan Jindal and Dr. Sunny Kumar Sharma praised the strong interest shown by SMVDU students in making the drive successful. The initiative effectively reinforced the spirit of “Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat,” encouraging a shared sense of responsibility and community-led action toward cleaner and healthier villages.

Dr. Bharat Bhushan Jindal, Coordinator, UBA Cell, and Dr. Sunny Kumar Sharma, Member, UBA Cell, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), participated in a one-day Review Workshop on Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) organized by IIT Jammu, the Regional Coordinating Institute (RCI). The workshop aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing, provide updates on UBA activities, and review the progress of Participating Institutions (PIs).

During the session on Achievements and Experiences of Participating Institutes, Dr. Bharat Bhushan Jindal presented a detailed report on the initiatives undertaken by the SMVDU UBA Cell in its adopted villages. The presentation emphasized community outreach, capacity-building programs, and developmental activities aligned with UBA objectives.

Dr. Jindal highlighted the introduction of a Value-Added Subject on Community Engagement and Social Responsibility, through which undergraduate students gain exposure to village life and understand the challenges faced by rural residents. This initiative is in line with the ethos of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He also showcased both in-house and off-campus activities, with special mention of the University’s efforts to highlight UBA initiatives under its extension activities on the institutional website.

The presentation was widely appreciated by participants from other institutions, who described it as an eye-opener.

The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, and the participation of SMVDU faculty members reflected the University’s strong commitment to contributing meaningfully to rural development and nation-building through UBA.