Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Majid, Vice-Chancellor of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), has stated, “We aspire to build a nation free from discrimination, bound by harmony. The primary objective of the ’24 movement’ was to establish a non-discriminatory and secular Bangladesh. Together, we must transform this small country into a Golden Bengal.”
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a brief discussion session held on Monday at 10:00 AM in celebration of Saraswati Puja at JUST. The university observed the occasion with various events, including alpana (street art), bani archana (prayer offerings), pushpanjali (floral tributes), and the distribution of prasad (sacred offerings). The event was attended by Hindu faculty members, students, officers, and staff of the university.
Speaking at the discussion, Professor Majid further emphasized, “We must move forward as a nation, united in harmony. A stronger bond of unity will fortify the foundation of the state, ensuring the success of our struggles and movements. Despite being one of the smaller universities in Bangladesh in terms of area, JUST ranks among the best in the country. We are committed to advancing this university through knowledge and research.”
The Vice-Chancellor also urged citizens to be mindful and rational, stating, “We must become conscious citizens. Instead of reacting to provocations, we should rely on our intellect and wisdom. This will prevent unrest in the country and further strengthen our communal harmony. Only then can we build a nation free from discrimination.”
The discussion session was presided over by Professor Dr. Mrityunjoy Bishwas, Convener of the JUST Puja Celebration Committee. Other speakers included Dr. Md. Amzad Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Professor Dr. Mir Mosharraf Hossain, Director of the Student Counseling and Guidance Office; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deepak Kumar Mondal; and Jibon Roy Akash, a student from the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Among the attendees were Dr. Md. Maznuzzaman, Provost of Shaheed Moshiur Rahman Hall; Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf Sarker, and other faculty members, students, officers, and staff. The event was moderated by JUST student Sabuj Bishwas.
As part of the celebration, an altar was set up in the university’s temporary temple for worship. The puja rituals, including pushpanjali and hom yajna (sacred fire ceremony), began at 9:30 AM. Following the religious observances, prasad was distributed among devotees. Later in the day, a cultural program featuring participation from Hindu faculty members and students was scheduled. Meanwhile, Saraswati Puja was also celebrated at JUST’s Jhenaidah campus, where the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine organized prayer offerings and floral tributes to the Goddess of Knowledge.
