JAMMU, Jul 29: Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College, Jammu, organised the Prof. Jia Lal Kotwal Legacy Scholarship and Student Excellence Awards 2026 under the patronage and guidance of the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Romesh Kumar Gupta, whose constant support and encouragement played a pivotal role in the successful organisation of the event.
Organised by the Financial Aid and Social Activity Committee, the programme aimed to honour student excellence while carrying forward the inspiring legacy of Prof. Jia Lal Kotwal, Retd Principal.
The Prof. Jia Lal Kotwal Legacy Scholarship, instituted by the Kotwal family, seeks to recognise meritorious students while perpetuating Prof. Kotwal’s lifelong commitment to education, discipline and academic excellence.
The programme was graced by Prof. Jia Lal Kotwal, Retd. Principal, as the Guest of Honour, and Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Gupta, Principal, SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu, as the Chief Guest. Faculty members, students and members of the Kotwal family were also present on the occasion.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Yasmeen Mughal, Convener of the Financial Aid and Social Activity Committee.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vandana Khajuria highlighted the significant academic and infrastructural progress made by the college in recent years under the dynamic leadership of the worthy Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Romesh Kumar Gupta.
She also paid rich tributes to Prof. Jia Lal Kotwal, Retd. Principal, acknowledging his invaluable contribution to the institution and his enduring legacy in the field of education.
On the occasion, Rhydham Sabharwal was presented the Academic Excellence Award for securing the highest marks in Physics during the academic session 2025–26, while Mohd Zaigam Salaria received the Co-curricular Excellence Award for his outstanding achievements. Both awardees were felicitated with a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a Certificate of Excellence.
Addressing the gathering, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Jia Lal Kotwal, Retd. Principal, congratulated and blessed the awardees. Sharing his words of wisdom, he emphasised the importance of discipline, honesty and integrity as the cornerstones of a successful and meaningful life and encouraged the students to uphold these values in all their endeavours.
The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Gupta, lauded the college for its initiative in recognising merit and nurturing excellence among students. He appreciated the institution’s efforts in preserving the legacy of Prof. Jia Lal Kotwal and observed that such initiatives inspire young minds to strive for academic excellence while contributing meaningfully to society.
Prof. Kotwal’s children—his son, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Narinder Kotwal, and daughters, Dr. Monika Kotwal and Dr. Meenakshi Kotwal—also addressed the gathering.
They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the college for instituting the Legacy Scholarship in honour of their father and shared fond memories of his lifelong dedication to education, discipline and student welfare.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Prof. Akanksha Parihar, while the formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Asha Sharmhal. The event reaffirmed GGM Science College’s commitment to recognising merit, nurturing talent and carrying forward the enduring educational legacy of Prof. Jia Lal Kotwal.