Over 6.70 lakh pilgrims visit Mata Vaishno Devi, SMVD University observes National Science Day

  Katra, March, 03 – Over 6.70 lakh pilgrims from various parts of the country have visited the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi during the last two months of this calendar year. During the corresponding period of last year 5.41 lakh pilgrims had darshan of the holy cave shrine. The increase of 1.29 lakh pilgrims have been registered so far.

            Alone in the month of February over 2.74 lakh devotees paid their obeisance in the holy cave shrine which is 63,000 pilgrims excess from the corresponding month last year.

            Presently 10,000 to 12,000 pilgrims are daily reaching at the base camp Katra town for their onward journey to the holy cave shrine.

            The Adhkunwari which is located at an 4800 feet 6 km from Katra, which is the most important stop on enroute to Bhawan. Besides, its religious significance it marks the halfway mark on way to the holy cave. The pilgrims who like to lake a short break here have some food or drink and rest for a while keeping with those needs of the yatris. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board provides all necessary facilities and amenities to the pilgrims. These include free restroom, drinking water, blankets, clock-room, announcements, telephone, refreshment etc. Besides, free accommodation well furnished rooms are also available on rent. Booking for the some is done at the enquiry and reservation counter near bus stand Katra.

            The shrine board runs a Bhojanalye which provides whole some vegetarian food on no profit basis.

            A medical unit equipped with all necessary medicines and emergency provision including oxygen cylinder is also available here. Bank STD/PCOs shops for general items of use etc are available there. There are some other shops offering both traditional and modern food including ice-cream burgers etc.

SMVD University observes National Science Day : –

– To mark the discovery of Raman Effect by Sir C. V. Raman on 28th February 1928, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University staged a series of events to celebrate National Science Day here in Katra. A number of impressive and interesting competitions were held to increase the appeal and understanding of science within the University and in the community as well. NSD celebrations aim at spreading and celebrating science and its importance in our lives by giving local and other school children an opportunity to participate in science oriented activities.

            The event was inaugurated by Prof. N. K. Bansal, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, who in his inaugural address laid stress on the importance of understanding of science for its application to solve day to day problems. In this speech he spoke on vivid areas of science including energy, building science and material science. He encouraged and motivated the students to learn to apply the classroom concepts in real life.  

            Highlight of the day was the Sir C. V. Raman Memorial Public Lecture titled “Nanotechnology and new carbon based nanomaterials” which was delivered by Prof. V. K. Jindal from Panjab University. His lecture was organized under a collaborative effort between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and United States India Educational Foundation (USIEF), New Delhi. During his lecture he laid emphasis on including nanotechnology in school curriculum considering its potential for the future in almost all the spheres of science.

            District Development Commissioner Reasi, Mr. Sanjeev Verma was also present as Guest of Honor on this occasion. He appreciated the role of University in reaching out to the vast student community of Jammu, Udhampur and Reasi districts particularly the children form the nearby villages of the University.

            The day witnessed a number of competitions which included Sir C V Raman Memorial Debate competition, Quiz competition, Poster Competition, Science Based Working Model Competition, Physics is Fun; a stage show on physics, Orientation Programme and Science Talent search programme. The stage show was conducted by Mr. Munish Gulati.

            The theme of the programme is and has been Children in the Neighborhood. Under this programme over 250 children from various schools in the vicinity of the University took part under the talent search programme. Mohd Asif (6th class) was adjudged as the best boy and Ms. Anisha Bajaj (5th class) was adjudged as the best girl student.        

            Various institutions that participated in the events included Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, MBS College of Engineering; Model Institute of Engineering & Technology, Government College for Women, Parade and Gandhi Nagar, Govt. Medical College, and various schools from all the three districts.(visit www.scoopnews.in)