Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) is an ethnic university in Kakrial near the town of Katra, Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Spread over an area of 470 acres, the campus is located near the Shrine of the Goddess, after which it is named. The university is providing science and management based engineering education in subjects of contemporary importance. Located at a distance of 45 km from Jammu Airport and 14 km short of the holy town of Katra, the university campus is a self-contained township with most facilities available in-house. Focus on higher learning & research in the field of Science , Technology and Management, firmly installs SMVDU in the league of eminent institutions of learning in the country. Back in 1998, the people of Jammu region supported the establishment of Shri Mata vaishno Devi University. This turned into movement which lasted for around two months. Various students, traders, lawyers and various communities joined this movement. Even a 17 day long strike was observed for the cause.