Srinagar, July 16: The University of Kashmir today felicitated its winning team that emerged as the National Champion in the 17th National Youth Parliament Competition, organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India. The felicitation ceremony was organised by the Department of Students’ Welfare (DSW) at Gandhi Bhawan to honour the outstanding achievement of the students and their mentor.
The ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in the presence of Registrar, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Dean Students’ Welfare, Prof. Seema Singh, senior officers, deans, heads of departments, faculty members, students and other distinguished guests.
The programme commenced with the traditional Izband Ceremony, symbolising peace, prosperity and auspicious beginnings in accordance with the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.
In her Presidential Address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan congratulated the winning team, their mentor Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Coordinator, National Youth Parliament Competition and Cultural Officer, and the Department of Students’ Welfare for the remarkable achievement. She said that winning the prestigious National Youth Parliament Competition had brought national recognition to the University and reflected the intellectual calibre, communication skills and democratic values of its students.
The Vice Chancellor also announced that students who represented the University in national-level competitions and youth leadership programmes would be given due academic credit in accordance with the University’s academic framework, ensuring that their participation in such prestigious activities is duly recognised and encouraged. She reiterated the University’s commitment to promoting leadership, innovation, and holistic development among students.
Addressing the gathering, Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal described the achievement as a matter of immense pride for the University. He said the success reflected the academic excellence, confidence and commitment of the students and appreciated the efforts of the Department of Students’ Welfare in providing opportunities for students to excel beyond the classroom.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Dean Students’ Welfare, Prof. Seema Singh, congratulated the winning students and their mentor for bringing laurels to the University and making Jammu & Kashmir proud at the national level. She appreciated the dedication, discipline and teamwork displayed by the team and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to nurturing leadership, debate, public speaking and democratic values among students through such initiatives.
On the occasion, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Running Parliamentary Shield and the Champions Parliamentary Shield were ceremonially presented to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor in recognition of the University’s national championship. The Vice Chancellor also felicitated the members of the winning team and their mentor by presenting awards and certificates amid applause from the audience. The felicitation ceremony was also attended by Dean, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Pervez Ahmed; Dean, School of Law, Prof. Shahnaz; Dean, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Malik; Prof. Gawhar Bashir Vakil, Head, Department of Physics; and Prof. A r Rather the Head, Department of Geography & Disaster Management and the former Dean Student Welfare Prof. S M A Afzal Qadri.
The University of Kashmir secured First Position in the 17th National Youth Parliament Competition, organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, thereby bringing the prestigious national championship to the University.
The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Coordinator, National Youth Parliament Competition and Cultural Officer, who expressed gratitude to the University administration, distinguished guests, faculty members, officers, students and the organising team for their support in making the event a memorable success. The ceremony concluded with tea and refreshments.
