Srinagar, Aug 15 (JKNS): The J&K Waqf Board celebrated Independence Day with great fervour and patriotic spirit at Srinagar, with Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi hoisting the National Flag and addressing the gathering.
On the occasion, Dr Andrabi felicitated people from different walks of life as well as the best-performing employees of the J&K Waqf Board in recognition of their exemplary contribution and service.
A grand cultural programme was also presented by contingents from Waqf Board schools, showcasing the talent and patriotic spirit of students.
The programme was attended by Waqf Board Members Dr Ghulam Nabi Haleem and Syed Mohammad Haqqani; Special Officer Waqf Dr Bashir Ahmad Bhat; Executive Magistrate of the Board Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin; Administrative Officer, Jammu, Aabid Hussain; and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi said that it was immensely pleasing to see the people of Jammu & Kashmir joining the people across the country in celebrating Independence Day with such fervour, pride and enthusiasm. She said that the Tiranga now unfurls in every part of Kashmir and, more importantly, in every heart of Kashmir.
Dr Andrabi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the historic changes witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir, saying that these changes have ushered in an era of peace, prosperity and national pride after a prolonged period of violence and bloodshed.
She outlined the Board’s four-year-long journey of reforms and transformation, saying that the Waqf Board had worked relentlessly to streamline its functioning, free its resources from exploitation and mismanagement, and establish a transparent and accountable system of administration.
She said the Board had collectively worked to enhance its resources, strengthen its financial position, develop and upgrade infrastructure at shrines, streamline asset management, implement digitisation for greater transparency, enhance salaries and welfare of employees, and introduce various public welfare measures.
“Transformation was not easy, but even amid difficult circumstances, our resolve to bring about change worked wonders. Today, we are proud that the J&K Waqf Board has emerged as one of the most successful administrative institutions of Jammu & Kashmir and is being developed as a model for the entire country,” Dr Andrabi said.
She also thanked the judiciary for delivering justice in several long-pending and vital cases, which, she said, facilitated the Board’s reform journey and strengthened its efforts towards transparent and efficient Waqf administration.
Dr Andrabi congratulated the religious preachers and officials associated with the Waqf Board for their contribution towards making the Lieutenant Governor’s Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan a success. She appreciated the collective efforts of Imams, Khateebs, officers and departmental heads in spreading the message of a drug-free society.
The Chairperson also outlined the future projects and development priorities of the J&K Waqf Board, reiterating the Board’s commitment to further modernising Waqf administration, strengthening infrastructure and facilities at shrines and institutions, improving public services and welfare measures, and ensuring transparent and efficient management of Waqf properties and resources.Officers, Imams, Khateebs and departmental heads of the Waqf Board from various districts of the Kashmir Valley also participated in the celebrations. The Independence Day celebrations concluded on a patriotic note, reflecting the spirit of national unity, public service and the Board’s commitment to continued reform and development. (JKNS)
