Valley Observer Weekly Newspaper of Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar: The Department of Kashmiri University of Kashmir on Tuesday organised a special function to mark the International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually across the world to promote multilingual education based on mother-tongue.

In his presidential address, eminent Kashmiri writer and scholar, Prof Shafi Shauq highlighted the history and significance of International Mother Language Day. He said multilingual education based on mother-tongue could facilitate access to inclusion in learning for people speaking “non-dominant and indigenous languages.”

Prof Adil Amin Kak, Dean, School of Arts, Languages and Literatures highlighted the need to promote Kashmiri language saying “a threat of extinction is looming over it in this globalised world”.

In her welcome address, Head, Department of Kashmiri Prof Mehfooza Jan emphasised the need to promote Kashmiri language and literature by making it available to a global audience through the medium of translation.

Prof. Majrooh Rashid, former Head, Department of Kashmiri, presented an optimistic vision about the survival of Kashmiri language, remarking that “it survived even the turbulent times”.

Dr Shafqat Altaf, senior faculty at the department of Kashmiri underscored the need to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism across the nations.

Two research scholars Oawais Gulzar and Imtiyaz Ahmad presented thought-provoking articles on the significance of mother-tongue.

Dr Ashraf Ziya conducted proceedings of the function and presented a vote of thanks.

JAMMU: An induction cum orientation program for B.Ed Fresh Batch of students was organized by Dean Student Welfare, Prof Anju Bala.

In this program, the new students were apprised of complete information about two year B.Ed.  program, curriculum and all the aspects of training like Internships, Teaching Practice and Field Visits.

Faculty members of the college informed the students about various departments, committees and cells meant for the welfare and overall development of the students.

Principal, Prof Aekta Gupta conducted an interactive session of students in which the students were given suggestions for developing communication skills. During the interaction she encouraged the students to develop global competence through actively participating in academic and co-curricular activities. The induction cum Orientation program was followed by a Symposium on the theme “Cultural Practices for Sustainable Environment”.

The programme was organized by IQAC, WDC, Nature Club, Literary Club and G-20 Club of GCOE Jammu in collaboration with the Department of Information and Public Relations.

As many as 10 students participated in the symposium competition. The competition was adjudged by Dr. Maansi Sharma, Prof. Sunita Devi and Dr. Shalini Sharma. The program was coordinated by Prof. Rubina Yasmeen and Prof. Shalini Rana.

Certificates and prizes were given to the students. First prize was bagged by Richa Sharma, 2nd by Mansi Bandral and 3rd by Ritu Choudhary.

The symposium was followed by Cultural performances by Suresh, Mohinder, Kamal Kishore, Rajid and Balbir from the Department of Information and Public Relations.

The Faculty members who attended the program included Prof. Anju Bala, Prof. Satish Sharma, Prof. Anuradha Choudhary, Prof Anuradha Seth, Prof Shamboo Nath, Dr. Shubhra Jamwal, Prof. Neeraj Verma, Prof. Seema Kumari and Dr Deep K Bangotra.

The program was also attended by Pradeep Bali, along with non- teaching staff. The program was organized and coordinated by student volunteers, Shallu Khajuria, Komal Sharma, Richa Sharma, Pooja and Arushi.

The cultural programme was organised under the overall supervision of Cultural Officer, Parul Khajuria. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Shalini Sharma, Convenor (Nature Club).

SRINAGAR: An awareness programme on Drug Abuse was today organized by Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College (AAAMDC) Bemina, Srinagar in collaboration with Srinagar Police, West Zone Srinagar within the college campus, here.

In his address, the Principal of the host College, Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Simnani said that drug addiction is a menace and we have to fight against it from every corner.

Sharing the vision of the programme “Nasha Mukt Bharat”, the Principal stressed the need of collaboration on part of various government, non-government, academic and executive organizations to fight this menace. He also stressed the student community to say “Yes to Life and No to Drugs”.

SP West Zone Srinagar, Arif Amin Shah also shared his observations regarding drug abuse. He mentioned that drug addiction is a reality and we need to show concern at all levels against this problem in society.

Besides this, he also mentioned the figures of drug peddlers arrested under PSA in the recent past.

Dr. Muzaffar, Director, Youth Development and Rehabilitation Centre, focused on the pattern of drug addiction, and youth as the main target of those who earn profit out of it.

Ashraf Sultan, Mental Health Counsellor shared his views regarding various stages in the life of drug addict with some preventive measures relevant to the different stages.

A debate was also facilitated in which students from various colleges participated and discussed various dimensions of drug abuse and addiction.

Meanwhile, the host college also presented cultural activities at regular intervals to spread awareness about and against drug abuse. Three positions with cash prizes and certificates to all other participants were also distributed amongst the students.

PULWAMA: On the Directions of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Baseer-Ul-Haq Choudhary, the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of GDC Pampore today organized an awareness programme and rally against Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction in Pampore Block of the district.

The campaign was organised with an aim to enlighten the youth about the devastating impact of drug abuse which remains a pressing issue in the Kashmir valley.

Around 100 NSS volunteers participated enthusiastically in the rally. The rally started from the college campus and culminated near Chungi, Tulbagh Pampore. Thereafter, volunteers returned back following the same route.

The aim of the rally was to spread awareness among the common people about the harmful effects of drugs and most importantly to bring awareness among the parents to have a close vigil on their children so that they do not fall prey to any untoward situation with regard to drug addiction.

Holding placards and banners, NSS volunteers of the college marched towards main market from the college and raised awareness among people about ill effects of drugs.They also sensitized the common citizens and shopkeepers about ill effects of tobacco, drug, alcohol and smoking.

 In the said drive and rally, many informative pamphlets regarding the ill effects of Drugs were distributed among the locality members, particularly the teenagers of Tulbagh Pampore.

The programme was coordinated by Prof Alam Ara Shah and Aaliya Bashir, who appreciated the efforts of volunteers in organizing the rally successfully.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Alam Ara Shah said that by conducting the rally, they want people, especially youngsters, to realise the potential threats of drug abuse and the subsequent damage it causes to one’s health.

“Eradicating the practice of drug abuse through a single rally or campaign is not possible. But all we can do is initiate this cause. The youth must spot the difference between good and bad. Through this rally, one is trying to tell you the difference. Ultimately, it is the choice of an individual but this is the least we can do as responsible citizens who care about the next generation,” Prof Alam Ara added.

The campaign got a huge response from the crowd and people participated further in spreading the message about the disadvantages of drug use and abuse.

“It’s a great idea to organise a car rally to raise awareness regarding drug abuse. I have participated in it as a responsible citizen and I would like to thank the organisers for highlighting such an important issue today,” one voluenteer participant said.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama congratulated the GDC Pampore, Coordinators and volunteers for organizing the much-needed campaign. He said, the District Administration has always taken initiatives to assist families, health professionals, schools and other community workers to identify victims of drug abuse and aid in reducing or eliminating risk factors through various prevention and treatment programmes.

JAMMU: To create awareness among Students and Faculty, an Awareness Workshop on the theme- Gender based Violence and it’s Preventive Measures, was organised by NSS Unit-1 and  Department of Social Work in collaboration with Special Cell for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu and supported by National Commission for Women, Govt. of India.

 Around 45 students and 5 faculty members participated in the workshop. The resource persons for the workshop were trained Social Workers-  Diksha  Kumari and Kajal Dalpathia. They talked about the different challenges faced by the Women in their daily  lives and emphasized about the various preventive measures for the issues related with Gender based violence.

Prof. Minu Mahajan, Principal, PSPS Govt. College for Women Gandhi Nagar was the Chief Guest. In her address, she advised the students and volunteers to perform their duties while having the proper knowledge of their rights.

Prof. Mala Bhasin, NSS Programme Officer Unit-1 welcomed the august gathering and apprised about the aim of the workshop.  The vote of thanks was presented by Prof. Sunita, Head of Department of Social Work. The programme was well coordinated by Prof. Sugandha Mahajan.

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 28: SP College, Srinagar gave a warm send-off to two senior faulty members of the college Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, Head Department of Statistics and Professor Mohammad Ashraf Wani Department of Chemistry and Coordinator Examination Committee, who attained their superannuation today on 28th February 2023.

The Principal of the college Professor (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan, Dr. Wilayat Rizvi Principal GDC Bandipora, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Mir Head Department of Chemistry, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Wani Head Department of Botany, Prof. Shuja Hussain Hakim Head Department of Electronics, Prof. Shahid Ahmad Wani Head Department of Environmental Science and Secretary Staff Council, SP College, Srinagar were present at the farewell event.

College Non-Teaching President, Syeed Imran, Mr. Rafiq Ahmad Charagi and other senior Officials as well as the non-teaching staff of the college also attended the farewell meeting held at College Auditorium.

On this occasion, The Principal of the College, Professor (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan congratulated them on the successful completion of their active services. He also highlighted their zeal and dedication towards their work.

He added that their punctuality and commitment towards the institution will continue to inspire them and wished retirees a very happy and fulfilling post-retirement life.

At the end of the function, Prof. Shahid Ahmad Wani Secretary Staff Council SP. College, Srinagar extended the vote of thanks on behalf of Staff Council to all the staff members and guests who attended the function.