Honoring the Legacy of Peace and Service…
Srinagar, October 2, 2024: The Department of Students Welfare (DSW) KU, commemorated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with a series of events promoting Gandhiji’s timeless ideals of truth, non-violence, and selfless service. The celebrations were inaugurated by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nilofer Khan, at the Gandhi Bhawan.
In her inaugural address, Prof. Nilofer Khan emphasized the continued relevance of Gandhian principles in today’s world. “Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of Satyagraha, truth, and non-violence remain as powerful now as they were in his time. It is crucial for the younger generation to understand and embrace these values in shaping a just and peaceful society,” she said. The Vice Chancellor further urged students to live by Gandhiji’s famous principle, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’ She remarked that educators must inspire students not only to seek knowledge but to cultivate the courage and compassion necessary to drive meaningful change. “When students embrace truth and non-violence in their actions and lead by example, they can transform not only their own lives but also the society around them,” she added.
Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, University of Kashmir, also addressed the gathering, stating, “The principles of Satyagraha are not merely historical lessons; they are tools for confronting the challenges of our time. As a university, it is our responsibility to instill these values in our students.” He added, “Gandhi’s approach to social change—focused on compassion, patience, and community involvement—should inspire students not only in their academic pursuits but in how they engage with society’s problems.”
Welcoming the guests, Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah, Dean of Students Welfare, expressed his thoughts, saying, “This event is a humble tribute to the Father of the Nation. Through such activities, we keep his legacy alive and inspire our students to contribute positively to society.” He also emphasized the significance of student participation, noting, “The active involvement of students in today’s activities demonstrates their commitment to Gandhiji’s message of unity and selflessness.”
The inaugural ceremony at Gandhi Bhawan was followed by various activities held at the Youth Club, Naseem Bagh. The program saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and staff, reflecting the strong community spirit at the University.
Key events of the day included a conference on “Satyagraha: The Power of Truth and Non-Violence,” which involved participants from different Departments of KU . The conference featured discussions on the relevance of Satyagraha in today’s world and its impact on contemporary social justice movements. In addition to the conference, students from various departments, including Social Work, IMFA,, KU Youth Club and the Women’s Studies Centre, showcased their artistic talents through sketches and posters depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non-violence.
A plantation drive, organized in collaboration with the University Landscape Division, witnessed the active participation of students and faculty. Saplings were planted within the premises of Gandhi Bhawan by the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Dean of Students Welfare, and other faculty members, contributing to a greener campus environment.
In keeping with Gandhiji’s focus on cleanliness, a campus-wide cleanliness drive was also conducted. Hostel boarders, university staff, and the Health and Hygiene Division collectively worked to maintain the cleanliness of the campus.
The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer of the University, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Dean of Students Welfare, faculty members, and students for their active participation. “It is heartening to see such a large and vibrant turnout, reflecting the deep respect we all hold for Gandhiji’s ideals. Each of you has contributed to making this event a grand success,” he remarked. Dr. Shahid extended special thanks to the University Landscape Division for their support in the plantation drive, the Chief Proctor Wing for their assistance, the DSW Office for coordination, the EMMRC Media Team for their coverage, and the Estates Section for facilitating the venue. “Together, we have not only celebrated Gandhiji’s legacy but reaffirmed our collective commitment to his vision of truth, non-violence, and community service,” he concluded in his vote of thanks.
The day’s events concluded with a pledge, reaffirming the University community’s commitment to Gandhiji’s enduring ideals of truth, non-violence, and peace.
