Jammu, October 24, 2025:
Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Shri Ajay Sharma, JKPS, has been conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Socio-Political Philosophy by the School of Philosophy and Culture, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra. The university officially notified the award of his degree on October 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone for both the officer and the police department. The officer is presently serving as SP City South and had commenced his Doctoral journey in 2018.
Ajay Sharma’s doctoral research, titled “On the Alleged Role of Religion in Fostering Fundamentalism,” is a one of its kind study that delves into the intricate connections between religion, ideology, and social identity. His work critically examines how certain interpretations of religious beliefs can contribute to radicalization, extremism, and communal polarization and the same time how the right interpretation and understanding of religion and religious beliefs can bring the society together. By exploring these complex dynamics, the research provides a deeper understanding of the philosophical, psychological, sociological and historical roots of radical behavior, offering fresh perspectives on some of the most pressing challenges in modern society.
This achievement holds profound importance, for the officer and for JKP as an important tool establishing peace tranquility, harmony in a multicultural society. His work can also be useful for law enforcement agencies/academia/ religious scholars and government with a stronger foundation to develop effective counter-radicalization strategies, enhance community policing efforts, and foster trust within diverse communities. By addressing these issues through a socio-philosophical lens, the study emphasizes the critical role of knowledge-driven approaches in tackling security and societal challenges with greater empathy, precision, and understanding.
Understanding and promoting the usefulness of the research, Police Headquarter has encouraged the efforts of the officer by granting him required permission and strongly forwarding it to the administrative department i.e Home Department. This was subsequently endorsed by Home Department and necessary departmental permission was granted in his favour.
What makes this accomplishment even more inspiring is Ajay Sharma’s ability to balance the rigorous demands of his academic research with his challenging responsibilities as a police officer. Serving in a region with complex security dynamics, he managed to fulfill his professional duties, handle administrative commitments, and dedicate himself to scholarly work.
The SSP Jammu and all ranks congratulates Dr. Ajay Sharma for this prestigious accomplishment and recognizes the significance of his work in strengthening the department’s mission to serve and protect the society with wisdom and integrity
