BHOPAL: Rekha Devi from affiliated colleges of University of Jammu topped in the well spirited finals of Charkha Completion, held onboard College on Wheels today, while Sauliha of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipura and Sapna from JU clinched respectively the second and third slots.

Dr Shardha, Dr Kounsar Jan, Dr. Saleem and Dr. Pankaj Sharma were the Judges while Dr. Daud, Supervisor and Ms Supriya, Observer were the overall incharges of the Charkha competition.

Vice Chancellor JU Prof Umesh Rai hailed the onboard competition and appreciated the competitive spirit of the participating students.

The students selected from various universities showcased their skills after rigorous preliminary rounds, adding a vibrant and competitive end to this transformative journey.

Day 13 witnessed onboard the critical evaluation of student projects focused on diverse themes.

The selection process, based on major themes such as Women's Safety and Health, Multicultural experiences and Cinema, and others, resulted in the short listing of 700 girls for a transformative two-week train journey.

Throughout the journey, students diligently worked on their projects, collecting data, conducting interviews, and submitting daily reports to mentors. Today marked the thorough analysis of the project presentations by supervisors, with reports set for submission to relevant officials for further evaluation. Projects showing potential will be considered for incubation and startup opportunities.

The project assignments aimed to foster independent exploration, hands-on research, and problem-solving skills. The objectives included encouraging innovative thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing real-life challenges. This initiative sought to equip students with the skills to identify market opportunities and navigate the complexities of innovation.

The initiative aimed at empowering women by promoting personal growth, self-confidence, and leadership development. Cultural exchange, unity, and mutual respect were emphasized to create a rich environment for educational enrichment, exposing students to India's historical, geographical, and cultural diversity.

The College on Wheels initiative united students from various universities and colleges of J&K for an educational journey that transcended traditional boundaries. By fostering experiential learning, the program aims to shape well-rounded individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society.

Envisioned by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the College on Wheels, a special train exclusively earmarked for the two-week trip of girl students from Jammu and Kashmir to premiere institutions and places of the country, was flagged off from Mata Vaishno Devi University Railway Station Katra on November 19.

The Lieutenant Governor said the College on Wheels is inspired by the life of Mahatma Gandhi, where he undertook an epic tour of the country by train, interacted with people from all walks of life, and awakened the society with universal and eternal values Satya and Ahimsa, Truth and Non-Violence. He exuded confidence that the journey will be a lifetime opportunity to discover diverse regions, culture of the country, and to explore new aspects of life and wisdom.

The contingent comprises 780 students along with their mentors and the administrative staff from the University of Jammu, University of Kashmir, Cluster University of Jammu, Cluster University of Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Rajouri, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir, affiliated colleges of JU and KU and Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), New Delhi.