Budgam, July 2 (JKNS): The Syed Ali Memorial Institute of Education (SAMIE), Beerwah, organised a vibrant and colourful Food Exhibition, providing students with an outstanding platform to showcase their culinary talents, creativity, teamwork, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The exhibition featured a wide range of food stalls where students prepared and presented delicious dishes through their own planning, hard work, and supervision, earning appreciation from visitors and guests.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Aaliya Tabasum, Tehsildar Beerwah, who was accompanied by the Naib Tehsildar, Beerwah. The dignitaries were warmly received by Syed Abdul Rauf Bukhari, Principal of SAMIE, along with members of the teaching faculty and the school administration. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, parents, and members of the local community, creating an atmosphere of learning, creativity, and celebration.
During her visit, Tehsildar Beerwah Aaliya Tabasum toured the various food stalls, interacted with the students, and highly appreciated their dedication, confidence, creativity, presentation, and organisational skills. She praised the quality, taste, and presentation of the food prepared by the students and remarked that such activities play a significant role in developing practical thinking, self-confidence, creativity, and a sense of responsibility among young learners.
Addressing the gathering, the Tehsildar congratulated the school administration for organising such an innovative and meaningful programme. She said that practical activities should be given equal importance alongside academic education, as they help students develop leadership qualities, teamwork, communication, coordination, and problem-solving abilities while preparing them for future challenges.
The exhibition reflected SAMIE’s commitment to holistic and skill-based education. Students displayed a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes, including Kashmiri Makki Ki Roti, Kashmiri rice, momos, golgappas, raita, and several other delicacies, all of which received appreciation from guests, parents, and visitors.
Apart from the food stalls, students also set up Mehndi Art, Kashmiri Culture, and Traditional Handicrafts stalls. They exhibited traditional Kashmiri artefacts, cultural items, attire, and handcrafted pieces, highlighting the region’s rich heritage. Tehsildar Aaliya Tabasum visited these stalls as well and commended the students for their artistic talent, creativity, and efforts. She observed that such initiatives not only help students discover their hidden talents but also strengthen their connection with their cultural heritage and traditions.
Sharing their experiences, the students described the exhibition as an enjoyable and educational learning experience. They said the event helped them acquire valuable life skills, including cooking, teamwork, leadership, cooperation, time management, event management, customer interaction, and responsibility. They noted that practical activities complement classroom education by building confidence and preparing students for real-life situations.
Speaking on the occasion, Syeda Sonubar, a Class 9 student, said the exhibition was a memorable experience that improved students’ cooking skills, strengthened teamwork, and boosted their confidence. She added that it provided an excellent opportunity to interact with visitors, manage responsibilities, and explore talents beyond textbooks.
The students also appreciated the active participation of both boys and girls, emphasizing that cooking, management, and life skills are equally important for everyone and should not be associated with any particular gender.
On the occasion, noted educationist Dr. Murtaza Bukhari also appreciated the students’ food displays, Mehndi Art, and cultural exhibition. He said that such programmes play an important role in personality development, self-confidence, leadership, and experiential learning. He praised the school administration for providing students with an ideal platform to express their creativity and practical abilities.
The students expressed heartfelt gratitude to Principal Syed Abdul Rauf Bukhari, the teaching faculty, organisers, and the entire school management for providing them with such a valuable learning opportunity. They also thanked Tehsildar Aaliya Tabasum for visiting the exhibition, encouraging the students, and appreciating their hard work.
The programme concluded with an appeal from the students to educational institutions across the region to organise similar exhibitions regularly, stating that such initiatives promote creativity, practical knowledge, entrepreneurship, leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence while complementing academic excellence and preparing students for the future.