Justice Tashi exhorts citizens to
perform their duties as enshrined in Indian Constitution
IIM Jammu hosts enlightening session
on constitutional duties
JAMMU, JULY 26:
Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority, in collaboration with District
Legal Services Authority, Jammu and Indian Institute of Management (IIM),
Jammu, today organized an awareness programme on "Duties of a Citizen
Under the Constitution of India" at IIM Jammu.
Acting Chief
Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Tashi Rabstan, was the chief
guest on the occassion who was accompanied by M. K. Sharma, Principal Secretary
and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority,
Professor B. S. Sahai, Director, IIM Jammu, Dean Academic, Cmdr Kesavan
Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu and Smriti Sharma,
Secretary, DLSA Jammu, as well as other faculty members of the Institute were
present.
The visit commenced
with a comprehensive tour of the IIM Jammu, inspecting the institute’s
state-of-art facilities and infrastructure that included a world-class library,
e-enabled lecture rooms and well maintained administrative block.
Following the
campus tour, Justice Tashi Rabstan participated in a sapling plantation
ceremony, symbolizing growth and a commitment towards environmental
sustainability.
On the occasion,
the NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) Theme Song was
presented/showcased.
Justice Tashi
Rabstan, expressed gratitude to IIM Jammu for organizing the program,
emphasizing its importance, particularly for the students. He highlighted the
significance of the constitution of India, noting that it is one of the best in
the world and addresses every aspect concerning Indian citizens. He urged upon
the students to spend five minutes reading the preamble, which can easily be
found on Google. He read the preamble, pointing out that it starts with
"We, the people," and beautifully frames the objectives of political
unity and integrity of the nation. He requested everyone to take two minutes to
go through it to understand their duties.
Justice Tashi
Rabstan also mentioned Article 51A, which details the duties of citizens and
was subsequently amended. He emphasized the relevance of the topic, stating
that people often forget their duties toward the nation. These duties are
shared in equality, and respecting and protecting India, safeguarding its
stability, and reading the Constitution are indispensable.
He mentioned that
understanding and performing these duties promote appreciation for adversity,
critical thinking, and meaningful contribution to society. He pointed out that
it is especially important for the younger generation to understand their duty
toward the nation, which includes protecting national property like gardens and
monuments. He reminded everyone that damaging national property results in a
loss for everyone.
Justice Tashi
Rabstan encouraged everyone to read Article 51A of the Constitution. He was
impressed by the state-of-the-art library, Nalanda, which is unique and first
of its kind, and the smart classrooms, which are equipped with the latest
technology. He urged the students to take advantage of these facilities and
congratulated Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and his team for
establishing such a state-of-the-art facility in the city of Jammu.
In his welcome
address, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu, remarked that IIM Jammu,
despite being a new campus, is quickly making its mark. Though considered one
of the newer IIMs, it has grown rapidly since its inception by the Ministry of
Education. From just 47 students, it has expanded to a community of 1,000
students, and its efforts have been recognized with a ranking of 15th among all
IIMs in India in NIRF Rankings, he added.
He emphasized the
importance of remembering both rights and duties as citizens of the largest
democracy in the world. Often, people tend to forget their responsibilities as
citizens, but contributing to nation-building is a duty shared by all. He
affirmed that IIM Jammu is committed towards upholding the Constitution, adhering
to the laws and policies of the country, and striving for excellence in all
endeavours. He called for respect for the national flag and awareness of rights
and duties as responsible citizens. He encouraged everyone to continue working
together for the betterment of the nation and to strive for excellence in every
pursuit.
Prof. Jabir Ali,
Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, in his address, briefed the audience about IIM
Jammu, its activities, and its mission of making responsible citizens of the
country. He spoke about IIM Jammu's academic activities, its fast-paced growth
in a short span of time, and the centers of excellence at the institute. He
highlighted IIM Jammu's commitment towards socio-economic development,
knowledge dissemination, entrepreneurship, and holistic development, thereby
contributing to the growth and development of the U.T. of Jammu and Kashmir and
to nation-building.
He elaborated on
the institute's focus on research publications, executive education and
consultancy, and outreach programs. He emphasized IIM Jammu's commitment to
quality publications in A class journals. He noted that today, IIM Jammu has
1034 students, reflecting the institute's rapid growth and increasing
popularity. He assured that the focus remains on maintaining high-quality
education and research, ensuring that IIM Jammu continues to thrive and
contribute to the nation's development.
This was followed
by an insightful presentation by Mandeep Reen, Advocate (Panel Lawyers), HCLSC,
Jammu, who addressed the audience on the duty of every human being to safeguard
public property and avoid resorting to violence under any circumstances. She
emphasized that when individuals and societies uphold these principles, both
the nation and the entire society rise towards excellence.
The visit concluded
with an engaging interaction session, where students and faculty had the
opportunity to interact with Justice Tashi Rabstan, fostering a deeper
understanding and appreciation of the judicial system.
Smriti Sharma,
Secretary, DLSA Jammu, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to
all the dignitaries and participants.
The proceedings of
the programme were conducted by Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Assistant Professor, IIM
Jammu.
The event
underscores IIM Jammu's commitment towards creating a dynamic and engaging
learning environment, bridging the gap between academia and the judiciary, and
nurturing future leaders who are well-versed in legal and ethical standards.