The Central University of Jammu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (‘MoU’) with the University of Melbourne, Australia, in a brief ceremony held in New Delhi. Prof. Ashok Aima, the Vice Chancellor of CUJ and Prof. Margaret Sheil, the Provost of the University of Melbourne signed the MoU in the presence of Her Excellency Harinder Sidhu, High Commissioner of Australia to India, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Honorary Director & CEO, Australia India Institute @ Delhi and Political Advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Smt. Priya Sethi, Hon’ble Minister of State, Education, J&K, and several other distinguished dignitaries.

 Both Universities recognize the value of international cooperation and have entered into this MoU to collaborate in academic and research activities on the basis of mutual benefit. While reiterating the commitment for joint research, space technology, business management, physical sciences, international relations, educational studies, environmental sciences, and engineering were identified as core areas.

 Prof. Sheil expressed strong commitment towards strengthening the academic partnership between Australia and India in the education sector.

Prof. Aima outlined the various initiatives taken by the Central University of Jammu in terms of global reach and international collaboration within a short span of time.

Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, stated that this was historic moment and the beginning of the process of internationalization of education in the state of J&K.

Smt. Priya Sethi said that this was a great moment for the Central University of Jammu and for the first time that such initiative has been taken. This would provide an excellent opportunity for the students from rural and small cities to benefit from such an international exposure. She also said that the children from the state would serve as ambassadors of India to Australia and when they return they would be ambassadors of Austalia in India; and she hoped for similar such MoUs with universities in India and abroad.

Prof Tyagi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi congratulated Prof Aima on the occasion and mentioned that Central University of Jammu displays huge potential to transform into a centre of excellence in the future.

Dr Amanda Day, from the Australian High Commission, congratulating both the universities on this historical occasion, expressed much hope at the bandwidth of mutually beneficial academic engagement that was possible through this MoU.

The following dignitaries were present and graced the occasion – Prof. C. Rajkumar, Vice Chancellor of Jindal Global University, Prof. Meenakshi Gopinath, renowned educationist and Dr Suman Sharma, Principal of Lady Sri Ram College.