It gives me great pride and immense pleasure to join Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) fraternity as its Vice-Chancellor, and I take this opportunity to welcome newly joined and ongoing students, enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in different faculties. I consider that students are fortunate to get a quality education under the mentorship of worthy teachers at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, where curriculum is regularly upgraded to meet the challenges of the 21st century, while enriching the students learning experience through student-centric teaching methods.

I am happy to know that the university is ranked under the top 100 Indian (Engineering) institutions by the NIRF, MHRD ranking and found mention in the Times Higher Education World University ranking, and this is not all. The university has also established itself proudly as a learning seat of academia across the nation, and now it stands firmly amidst the reputed NITs, IIITs and IITs. This is really a milestone, and many others are to be achieved in due course. Also, this is no wonder that many luminaries, such as Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Prime Ministers of India, and other academic figures and leaders of national and international importance frequently visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University-the credit goes to the efforts put up by the well-accomplished faculty members and dedicated support staff.

The university has been imparting quality education through outcome and value based education system, supported by competent and learned faculty members who regularly update their knowledge through participating in national and international conferences, seminars and workshops. The faculty members have also raised the standards of teaching and research through incorporating MOOC courses, chiefly NPTEL & SWAYAM in their routine classroom teaching. This is easier than done that the university has witnessed a huge number of SCI indexed publications in high H-index and impact journals.

The unique feature of the university is that students from all over Indian states write SMVDU Entrance Examination (SMVDUEE) to get admission in this prestigious university. The entrance examination provides equal opportunity for each student to shape his/her career in the chosen discipline. Also, the university organizes various festivals and events which provide a variety of experiences to the students, and inculcate in them the skills of leadership, while showing them the importance of collaboration and teamwork. The university also encourages peer-learning where senior students guide and mentor the younger ones-this practice immensely helps students in their professional and practical life.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University offers handsome fellowships to meritorious students. The university has more than 50 laboratories in different schools, and the entire campus is ICT enabled, along with all basic facilities and amenities come handy. The campus life is epitomized by the popular slogan ‘zero pollution, zero politics’, and also by its unique location, i.e. situated in a serene environment under the lotus of feet of Mata Bhagavati popularly known as Mata Vaishno Devi. No doubt that the campus is abode of cleanliness, meditative tranquility and natural harmony.

I am confident that the SMVDU fraternity will produce excellent scientists, technocrats, visionary leaders, competent researchers and teachers in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, management and social sciences, who will not only bring laurels to the university but also make the nation proud.

Prof. (Dr.) Ravindra Kumar Sinha