JAMMU, Oct 2: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu commemorated the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on October 2, bringing together the Institute fraternity for a meaningful celebration of their enduring values of truth, non-violence, simplicity, discipline, humility and service.
The programme, held at the Mandapam Auditorium, IIM Jammu, featured floral tributes, the lighting of diyas and a cultural programme reflecting the ideals associated with the two national leaders.
The initiatives were undertaken under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, with a focus on responsible citizenship, community engagement, sustainability and the spirit of service. The Institute observed Swachhata Hi Sewa 2026 from September 17 to October 2, with students playing an active role in cleanliness drives, environmental conservation, community outreach, social responsibility and cultural activities.
The cultural programme was presided over by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, and was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Brigadier Neeraj K. Soni, Chairperson, Student Affairs, Prof. Pranab Das, Prof. Ravij Seth, officers, staff and students.
Students participated enthusiastically in poetry, dance, musical performances and vocal singing. A special moment of the programme was the collective singing of “Raghupati Raghav Rajaram”, with faculty members, officers, staff and students joining together in a display of unity and togetherness.
The culmination of the Swachhata Hi Sewa campaign included a cleanliness drive in the Vipnan and roadside areas of the IIM Jammu campus. Faculty members, officers, staff and students participated in the drive, reinforcing the spirit of Jan Bhagidari and collective responsibility for maintaining a clean and sustainable campus.
Taking the campaign beyond the campus, IIM Jammu students conducted community outreach activities at Jantiyal Temple and adjoining areas of Jagti village. A Gram Sabha provided an opportunity for students to interact with the Sarpanch and local residents and understand community-level approaches to cleanliness and civic participation. Students also undertook cleanliness and plantation drives in the area, while engaging with local traditions and community life.
At the Jagti Campus, students participated in a plantation drive near the Boys’ Hostel and engaged with the “Kabad Se Jugad” initiative, exploring creative approaches to reusing discarded materials. Under the Cleanliness Target Unit (CTU) initiative, students also conducted cleanliness drives at Koli Kandoli Temple and Panjgrain, Nagrota, while spreading awareness among members of the public about cleanliness and civic responsibility.
The campaign also included health camps for Safai Karmacharis, security personnel and Malis/Gardeners, recognising their contribution to maintaining the Institute’s facilities and environment.
As part of its social responsibility initiatives, the Kartavya Social Responsibility Club organised a blood donation camp in collaboration with the J&K Thalassemia Welfare Society, Jammu, and Government Medical College Jammu. Students and members of the IIM Jammu fraternity participated in the camp and contributed to the voluntary blood donation effort.
The campaign also provided opportunities for interaction between IIM Jammu students and school students. During the visit of students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gharota, to the Jagti Campus, IIM Jammu students shared their academic experiences, campus life and learning journeys. The visitors were also introduced to the Institute’s academic environment and sustainable practices, including its wastewater recycling system and food-waste management initiatives.
The Swachhata Hi Sewa 2026 campaign brought together activities ranging from cleanliness and community mobilisation to blood donation, health awareness, plantation, sustainable resource management, creative reuse and youth engagement. Through these initiatives, students were encouraged to translate the values of service, sustainability and responsible citizenship into practical action.
The Gandhi Jayanti observance concluded with the National Song and National Anthem, bringing the IIM Jammu fraternity together in a collective expression of respect, unity and national spirit.