India’s recently established Forensic University Campus at Jinja, celebrated its first Indian Independence Day with great fervour.
The world’s first and only forensics university, the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), which is based in India, has established its first overseas campus in collaboration with Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja.
On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, the Director of the NFSU (India) Campus, Air Commodore Kedar Thaakar, hoisted India’s tricolour flag with the UPDF soldiers presenting arms and the attendees singing the Indian national anthem in unison.
On this auspicious occasion, a special audio message from the founder Vice-Chancellor of NFSU and India’s foremost forensic scientist with more than five decades of service, Dr J M Vyas, was played, conveying his blessings to the campus.
In his Independence Day address, the Director, Air Commodore Thaakar, highlighted the age-old relationship between India and Uganda in terms of people-to-people relationship, shared colonial legacy, independence movement, and now the aspirational outlook for the emerging opportunities. Speaking about the independence, the Director brought out that while today both our countries are enjoying the fruits of freedom, there is a need to be vigilant as now different forces and newer methods are at work to subjugate nations such as terrorism, cyber attacks and radicalisation. He added that it is in guarding against these forces that the NFSU (India) Campus would be making its humble contribution to Uganda as well as other African countries.
In the end, Air Commodore Thaakar conveyed his warm greetings and best wishes to everyone and their families. Thereafter, the faculty and staff of the campus put up a colourful cultural programme comprising songs and group dances. All the items were based on Indian patriotic numbers but were performed predominantly by the Ugandan staff, attired in the Indian tri-colour dresses, which was well appreciated. The entire choreography and performances were organised by the Coordination Officer of the campus, Ms Kunjal Dave of Jinja, and the show was anchored by the Indian Lecturer, Mr Jayadev Dash. All the participants were presented gifts by Major General George Igumba, Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College at Kimaka.
Speaking on the occasion, Gen Igumba conveyed his Independence Day greetings and complimented the NFSU (I) Campus for an excellent cultural show.
Other dignitaries who attended the function were Mr Ranmal Keshwala, Chairman of the Keshwala Group; Brig Gen Peter Omola, Commandant of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre (URDCC); Mr Babubhai Patel of Bavima Enterprises; Mr S K Iyengar, Company Secretary of the Madhvani Group; Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, Chief of Staff at URDCC; and Mr Rahul Reddy, Manager of the Bank of Baroda (U) branch at Jinja.
Prof (Dr) Arun Sharma, Deputy Director (Academics) of the campus, presented the vote of thanks to all the guests, participants and organisers, especially the Administration Officer, Maj Peter Atugonzo, and the Controller of Examinations, Mr Safal Phadke. The function came to an end with delicious refreshments comprising Indian snacks and sweets.
