Intra-University Youth Festival in Kashmir

  Srinagar, October 17 (Scoop News) –   Describing the youth as the future leaders, . N. N. Vohra, Governor, today said that extra-curricular activities are an essential component of the education process, for preparing the students to effectively face future challenges.          

The Governor, as Chief Guest, was addressing after inaugurating a 6-day Intra-University Youth Festival, “Sonzal-2011”, organized by the Department of Students Welfare at the Kashmir University here today. The students from about 40 Degree Colleges and 45 University teaching departments are participating in this Festival.   

      The Governor, who is the Chancellor of the University, observed that the aim of education is not merely passing examinations but to also produce balanced personalities. He said that alongside academic pursuit Youth Festivals and similar other activities provide an excellent opportunity for the youth to exhibit and develop their creative talents and, besides, acquire meaningful understandings which would help them to lead harmonious lives.

      Referring to “Sonzal-2011”, the Governor said that, to begin with, some of the events of this Youth Festival could, in future, perhaps be organized in identified affiliated Colleges, for expanding the coverage and impact of the Festival. He suggested to Prof. Nilofer Khan, Dean, Students Welfare of the University that besides the debating competitions she may explore the possibility of organizing an Essay Competition on a topic which enables the students to offer their views on how Jammu and Kashmir can be made the first rank developed State in the country. He observed that the views expressed by the students would be most useful in critically evaluating the approaches towards the all round growth of J&K. He said that he would provide two cash prizes of Rs. 10,000 each, to be awarded to the boy and the girl whose Essays are adjudged the best.

      The Governor congratulated the Department of Students Welfare and the Vice Chancellor, for organizing the Intra-University Youth Festival and wished all the participants high success in this joyful event.

      The Governor released “Sonzal-11”, the Souvenir brought out on this occasion.

      The Governor was honoured on this occasion by presenting to him a memento by Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University.

      Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, speaking on the occasion, said that the Department of Students Welfare has worked very hard to organize this event. He said that the Festival has provided to the students a very useful opportunity to express and develop their creative talents. He thanked the Governor for his support and keen interest in the development of the University.    

      Prof. A. M. Shah, Dean Academic Affairs of the University, said that the Youth Festivals provide a platform to the students to foster greater sense of togetherness and camaraderie.       

      Prof. S. Fayaz Ahmad, Registrar, University of Kashmir, complimented the Department of Students Welfare for organizing this Festival.

      Earlier, in her welcome address, Prof. Nilofer Khan, Dean, Students Welfare, Kashmir University, gave details of the activities planned during “Sonzal-2011”. She added that competitions will be held in quiz, debate, elocution, poster making, painting, cartoon making, rangoli, clay modeling, on-spot photography, one act play, mimicry, classical, folk and instrumental music arenas.          

      . Showkat Ahmed Shafi, Assistant Dean, Department of Students Welfare, Kashmir University, presented a Vote of Thanks.

      Among those present on the occasion were Deans, Heads of Departments, Faculty members, Principals of various colleges, participants of “Sonzal-2011” and a large number of students of the University.