Jammu University’s IMFA set for major expansion, five PG courses announced
In a landmark development set to redefine the landscape of higher arts education in Jammu and Kashmir, the University of Jammu has secured the transfer of 10 kanals of state land adjoining Poonch House, Talab Tillo, for the expansion and modernisation of its Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA). The significant achievement marks the culmination of sustained institutional efforts to overcome longstanding infrastructural limitations and provides a major impetus to the University’s vision of developing IMFA into a contemporary centre of excellence in music, performing arts and visual arts.
The Vice-Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof Umesh Rai described the acquisition as a historic institutional achievement that would have a far-reaching impact on the University’s academic profile and the cultural ecosystem of the region. “The acquisition of is a significant milestone in the University’s efforts to strengthen its academic infrastructure and expand opportunities in disciplines that are central to our cultural identity. IMFA has an illustrious legacy of nurturing exceptional artistic talent, but its growth and academic ambitions have remained constrained by the availability of adequate space. A G+5 complex is envisaged and an amount of 15cr has been sanctioned by the UT govt in addition to the amount for restoration and renovation of the original premises. With this long-awaited breakthrough, we can now translate our vision of transforming the institute into a modern centre of excellence into a concrete reality”.
“We envision IMFA emerging as a vibrant multidisciplinary institution that attracts talented students, encourages artistic innovation and contributes meaningfully to the cultural and intellectual life of Jammu and Kashmir and the country. The vacant positions of Assistant Professors would soon be filled and facilitate the introduction of postgraduate programmes in keeping with the spirit of NEP 2020 that views music and fine arts as integral part of holistic learning and not an isolated extra-curricular or co-curricular activity. ” the Vice-Chancellor said. He further announced the introduction of postgraduate programmes in Hindustani Classical Vocal Music, Classical Sitar Instrument, Classical Violin Instrument, Classical Tabla Instrument and Classical Dance Kathak. This would also lead to offering such courses as open electives for the students of other disciplines of the University. Further, once the enrolment picks up, the hostel facility shall also be developed to ensure that the penetration of enrolment in the remote areas of the region. The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha and the cooperation and support extended by the UT administration, particularly the Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, and Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, whose institutional support played an important role in facilitating the transfer of land for this significant educational initiative.
As the premier institution of its kind in Jammu province, IMFA currently offers undergraduate programmes in nine specialised disciplines: Kathak Dance, Violin, Sitar, Classical Vocal, Tabla, Painting, Sculpture, Applied Art and Art History. Over the years, its academic and artistic ecosystem has produced a distinguished body of artists and performers, including a Padma Shri awardee and several recipients of national and international recognition. However, the institute’s academic aspirations and expanding cultural engagements have long outgrown the physical infrastructure available at its existing premises. The proposed expansion will address this critical gap and enable the institute to progress from an undergraduate-focused institution towards a more comprehensive centre for advanced learning, artistic research and professional development.