Ganderbal, Nov 27: Department of Tourism Studies (DTS), Central University of Kashmir (CUK), organised a two day induction cum orientation programme for the fresher students of MTTM and B.Voc in Tourism and Hospitality Management respectively at Green Campus here.
Lauding the efforts of DTS for regularly conducting such events to acquaint the students about the functioning of the varsity and the department, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah said the department is one of the flagship department’s of the University and students have successfully proven their mettle in the tourism and hospitality sectors across Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. Farooq Shah said the University, all its offices, assets, faculty, staff and resources are and will be available to students, adding the CUK is a student-centric university and time for us is of great essence. “So we, at CUK, ensure that, despite hardships and other constraints, not a single day is lost and degrees are awarded on time, without compromising on the quality of education,” he added. Prof. Shah said, “You (students) are the ambassadors of our University and I hope that you will involve yourself in your programme to the best of your abilities and make this University proud.”
Speaking on the occasion, Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, asked the freshers to develop themselves as leaders while they are at CUK. “We may not have the best infrastructure and other amenities as of now, but we promise you the best on the academics and examination front.” He also highlighted the chief features of the varsity and deliberated on the operations of the University informing the students about teaching, evaluation and student support services available at different campuses. Prof. Zargar asked the students to make the best use of time and university resources and build not only their careers, but their personalities as well.
In his keynote address, former Director General Department of Tourism, Mr. Saleem Beg deliberated upon the huge potential of cultural and heritage tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and underscored the need to tap it. He said the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir could attract tourists from across the globe provided the Government takes serious steps for its promotion. Mr. Beg said the tourism sector has been adversely impacted due to the outbreak of Covid and hoped that it would recover soon.
In his welcome address, Coordinator DTS, Mr. Faizan Ashraf Mir said the objective of organising the programme is to apprise the students about the course curriculum, faculty and the facilities provided by the department. He said the faculty members and administrative staff would extend all possible help and support to the freshers in getting them fully acquainted with the department’s functioning. He also asked the students to maintain complete discipline during their stay in the varsity and participate in various competitions organised by departments from time to time in order to exhibit their hidden talent.
During the interaction with the fresh students of B.Voc, the department invited its student of first batch, Ms. Shanida Yousuf, presently working as senior coordinator sales, Radison hotel Srinagar. Ms. Shanida shared her experiences in both the department and the field and asked the students to remain determined and steadfast while pursuing their career in the hospitality and tourism sector.
The event was conducted by Asst Prof. Ms Shahnaz Akhtar while as Sr. Asst Prof. Dr. Ramjit proposed the vote of thanks.