JU organise induction programme for 1st semester students

The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu, organised an induction programme for newly enrolled students of BA and BCom first semester at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium.

The programme aimed to familiarise learners with the ethos, structure and functioning of the centre and to motivate them as they embark on their academic journey through the distance mode.

Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean, Research Studies, University of Jammu, and former Director of CDOE, delivered the keynote address as the chief guest. She spoke about the purpose and power of education, emphasising that universities are not only centres of knowledge but also spaces that shape character, competence and contribution. She underlined the need to strengthen the teacher–student bond and encouraged learners to embrace flexibility, creativity and innovation—values that distance education naturally fosters.

Prof Rohmetra urged students to make wise choices, remain dedicated and disciplined, and maintain a positive outlook throughout their studies. Sharing her own journey as an alumna of the University, she inspired learners to work with commitment and institutional pride, reminding them to ‘think institutional, work institutional’. She also commended the CDOE faculty and staff for their continued efforts toward academic innovation and learner welfare.

Prof Pankaj K Srivastava, Director, CDOE, assured the student of the centre’s full academic and administrative support. He shared that CDOE is celebrating its golden jubilee year, marking fifty years of excellence in distance education. “As part of this milestone, a series of academic, cultural and developmental events are being organised to foster holistic growth among learners” he said.

He also introduced the Centre’s revamped website and Learning Management System (LMS) developed under the ‘Digital India’ initiative to make learning more accessible. Speaking about ongoing community collaborations, workshops, and capacity-building sessions, he reaffirmed CDOE’s dedication to academic excellence and digital inclusion. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” inspiring students to view learning as a lifelong transformative process.