The University

Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University has come into existence by an Act of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 2002 and is promoted by Jammu and Kashmir Wakf Council. The motto of the university as engraved on its emblem Iqra Bisme Rabikalazi Khalaq, (Read in the name of God who has created (all that exists) speaks of the vision and idealism for which the University stands.

This Technical and residential University threw its portals open for higher education with the admission of the first batch of students in August 2005.

Growing global realization that technical education is the key for providing sufficient and better opportunities for the future generations, the initiative of setting up a University of this nature has been taken at the moment when the world peace is at crossroads and Indian economy is upbeat, looking up to take full advantage of latest developments in diverse scientific and technological fields such as agriculture, healthcare, bio-technology, information technology, computer sciences, biodiversity related issues, and environmental pollution etc and precipitated by world trade organization (WTO) and intellectual property rights (IPR'S). The training of the human resource in emerging technologies and the opportunities emanating from this, will not only help to expand the vast creative potential of educated youth for better placement opportunities but shall also accelerate the economic transformation of our country in near future.

While conceiving the objective of University in the Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Act 2002, it has been emphasized to impart post graduate training and undertake research in such job-oriented modern fields as management, environment, biodiversity, bio-technology, computer sciences, information technology, applied mathematics and Islamic studies. In consonance with the expectations, the University has diversified its postgraduate programmes under six schools of studies, thus making it one of the distinguished centers of industry related and need based job-oriented courses with restructured syllabi as per UGC guidelines. It is highly innovative in designing its teaching and research programmes. Admission to courses in all disciplines is made strictly on the basis of merit through national, state and university level entrance tests.

Spread over a stretch of around 750 acres, the university campus on the gentle hill slopes presents a picture of modern architecture blended with beautiful natural landscape. The traditional white and green geometrical blocks represent its regard for time honoured values and commitment to scientific advancement.

The University has built up an excellent academic infrastructure in the form of teaching faculty, computerized labs, 24 hours internet facility through V -SAT besides a rich library. The teaching and research is promoted through modern technological aids with all the departments being provided with independent computer and LCD facilities.

In addition to the congenial academic environment, the University has also created necessary facilities for recreation, sporting events and all round personality development of its students. The Campus with its lush green surroundings, swaying fields, blossom laden trees, provides a highly conducive environment for academic as well as recreational activities. The university takes pride in having developed cooperative and participative work culture.

Above all the university enjoys the blessings of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah- the Sufi Saint of the nineteenth century, whose life and precept provided inspiration to chisel the future of younger generations.

The Location: The campus has come up on the foot hills of the great Himalayan Pir Panjal range in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir state. The region has rich geographic, climatic and cultural diversity and proud heritage of its historical past. Endowed with a rich wealth of natural resources, charming landscape and inhabited by multi-ethnic and multi-religious local populace, the area has attracted naturalists and rulers from time to time. The mighty Himalayas with their snow-capped virginity, rich biodiversity with variety of plant and animal species besides tremendous agricultural diversity make the entire Rajouri-Poonch region, a nature lovers delight.

Besides natural beauty and proud historical past, the Rajouri, Poonch region is an embodiment of towering traditions of secularism, nationalism and universal brotherhood. Historically, Rajouri town is believed to have evolved from Rajpuri, literally meaning the land of kings. One finds its mention in the travelogues of Chinese Traveller Hiuen Tsang who visited the town in 632 A.D. and described it as part of Kashmir dominion. During Buddhist period, it formed a part of Gandhar territory (Afghanistan, Gandhar and Tashkent) and during that period Loharakote in Poonch district and Rajouri had emerged as powerful states. The earlier records reveal that during 4th century B.C., in the north-west India, a federal type of political set up by the name of Abhisar with its capital at Rajouri, existed. At the time of Alexander's invasion, Rajouri was at the height of its glory. In Mauryan period, the town of Rajouri was a great trade centre. Albaurni is recorded to have visited Rajouri with Sultan Masud (son of Sultan Mehmud) in 1036 AD. In Kalhans Rajtirangini, the town has been referred to as Rajpuri which slowly got changed to Rajouri.

The Mughal rulers constructed a number of forts, sarais and baradaries in this region who used this as a route to visit Kashmir. The successive rulers were also responsible for the upkeep of famous Mughal route from Gujrat to Kashmir. After 1846, Rajouri became a part of the kingdom of Maharaja Gulab Singh that consisted of undivided state of Jammu & Kashmir including Ladakh. The Rajouri Fort, at Dhannidar near Rajouri town, still stands as proud relic of its rich historical past.

Geography and Climate:

The Rajouri district is bounded by the districts of Udhampur and Jammu in the East, Line of Control in the South, Poonch district on the West and Pulwama district in the North. The climate varies from subtropical in the southern parts of tehsil Nowshehra, Sunderbani and Kalakote to temperate in mountainous northern parts of Thannamandi and Koteranka Tehsils. The average annual rainfall is 500 mm and average temperature varies from 70 C during winters to 370 C during summers.

The total population of the district as per 2001 census is 4.786 lacs. Although the literacy rate stands at 51.07 percent, the inhabitants are socio-economically backward and largely dependent on agriculture and rich natural forest resources.

Approach:

The Rajouri town is situated 154 km from Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu & Kashmir state. Regular bus service, video-coaches and shared taxies make three and a half hours journey between Jammu & Rajouri, a mesmerizing trip through the bounties of nature, criss-cross of gurgling springs, sparkling streamlets and thick Chir - pine forests.

The National Highway I-A connects the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu with the rest of the country. Daily passenger and superfast trains connect Jammu with most of the major cities of India besides air service between Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu.

A view of the Upcoming Campus