15/08/2026
BGSBU Celebrates 80th Independence Day with Patriotic Fervour
Rajouri, August 15, 2026: Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, celebrated the 80th Independence Day of the nation with great patriotic fervour, enthusiasm and pride. The celebrations highlighted the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and reaffirmed the University's commitment towards nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The celebrations commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jawaid Iqbal, followed by the National Anthem. The Vice Chancellor extended warm greetings to the entire BGSBU fraternity and paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices made the country's independence possible.
In his address, Prof. Jawaid Iqbal particularly remembered the brave sons and daughters of Rajouri and Poonch, the land of martyrs, recalling the extraordinary courage and sacrifices of the heroes of the region, especially those who defended the nation during 1947–48. He observed that their sacrifices remind us that freedom is not merely a privilege but also a responsibility.
Emphasising India's remarkable journey during the 79 years since Independence, the Vice Chancellor said that the country now stands at the threshold of a new era, with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 calling upon every citizen, particularly the youth, to actively participate in nation-building.
Addressing the students, Prof. Iqbal said that “You are the architects of Viksit Bharat 2047”, and urged them to embrace discipline, innovation, integrity and the spirit of service. He emphasised that education should become an instrument of social transformation and encouraged students to use their knowledge to address challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, technology, digital empowerment, entrepreneurship and development of border areas.
Highlighting the University's special responsibility as an institution of higher learning located in the strategically important Pir Panjal region, the Vice Chancellor stressed that BGSBU must equip its students not merely with degrees, but with knowledge, character, competence and a spirit of service.
He expressed the vision of making BGSBU an institution known not merely for producing graduates, but for building character, nurturing values and creating responsible citizens and nation-builders.
The Vice Chancellor also placed on record his appreciation for the continuous efforts of Shri Ravi Kumar Sihag, IAS, Registrar, BGSBU, for his dedication towards the development, governance and progress of the University. He also expressed gratitude to the entire University fraternity, including faculty members, officers, staff, students and security personnel, for their hard work, commitment and unwavering support in the continued development of BGSBU.
A vibrant cultural programme was organised as part of the celebrations, featuring patriotic songs, cultural performances and other presentations by students. The performances showcased the country's rich cultural heritage and created an atmosphere of patriotism and national pride across the University campus.
Faculty members, officers, staff, students and security personnel participated enthusiastically in the celebrations.
Concluding his address, Prof. Jawaid Iqbal called upon the University community to honour the sacrifices of the freedom fighters by working with unity, integrity, excellence and patriotism. He said that the freedom inherited from previous generations must be transformed by the present generation into opportunities, prosperity, knowledge and dignity for every Indian.
He urged the students and the University community to remember that the future of India is not something that will simply happen to us; it is something that we must build.
