Srinagar, June 22: The Department of Students’ Welfare, University of Kashmir (KU), organised a Social Service Camp at the revered Kheer Bhawani Shrine in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, as part of the University’s community outreach and social responsibility initiatives.
According to a statement, the camp was set up at the main entrance of the shrine to facilitate and assist devotees visiting the holy shrine from different parts of the country during the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela.
Officials, officers and student volunteers of the Department of Students’ Welfare actively participated in the camp and served refreshments, drinking water, sherbet and juice to devotees throughout the day.
The statement said the initiative received an overwhelming response from the devotees, many of whom appreciated the University’s gesture of service and outreach and expressed happiness over its efforts to connect with society beyond its academic responsibilities.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said the University has always upheld the values of social responsibility, inclusiveness and service to the community. She said the Social Service Camp at the Kheer Bhawani Shrine reflected these values and demonstrated the University’s commitment to promoting mutual respect, compassion and harmony among people from diverse backgrounds.
Registrar of the University, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said universities are not merely centres of learning but institutions that cultivate responsible citizenship and a commitment to public service. He said such outreach programmes provide students with opportunities to interact with society, appreciate its diversity and contribute positively to the common good.
Dean Students’ Welfare, Prof. Seema Singh, said the camp was conceived as an opportunity for students to participate in a meaningful act of service while interacting directly with members of the public. She said such initiatives help inculcate leadership qualities, teamwork, discipline and a sense of responsibility among students.
Cultural Officer, Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, said the Kheer Bhawani Mela is an important cultural and spiritual occasion and that the University’s participation through the service camp was aimed at extending support to devotees and contributing to the smooth conduct of the event.
The student volunteers described the experience as enriching, while the Department of Students’ Welfare thanked all volunteers, officials and devotees for their cooperation and support in making the event successful, the statement added.
