Srinagar : To celebrate India’s independence, the University of Kashmir (KU), organised a series of events from August 6 that culminated with a marathon cleanliness drive under the ‘Swachta Pakhwada’ campaign here on Wednesday.
The initiatives, aimed at promoting cleanliness, encouraging drug deaddiction, environmental stewardship and enhancing community well-being, were organised and coordinated by the offices of the Department of Student’s Welfare (DSW); Coordinator, NSS (National Service Scheme); Provost (Boys/Girls), various KU schools, centres, departments, satellite campuses, and the Proctorial organisation.
The ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’ campaign commenced on August 6 with a ‘Clean Campus Drive’ at Naseem Bagh, led by Coordinator NSS, Dr Musavir Ahmad, focussing on eliminating plastic and polythene waste. The drive engaged numerous student volunteers, actively cleaning the litter within and outside the campus, reinforcing a sense of community spirit and environmental responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA) hosted a painting competition on the theme ‘Clean Environment,’ coordinated by Principal IMFA, Prof Rubi Zutshi. Scores of artists from the university participated, showcasing their talent through thought-provoking artworks and highlighting pressing environmental concerns.
From August 7 to 9, the varsity’s hostels (Boys and Girls), organised cleanliness drives in various hostels, including Sheikh-ul-Alam and Syeed Meerak Shah Boys Hostels, Zakura Campus. This ‘Cleanliness and Sanitation Drive’ was aimed at improving hygiene standards within the hostel premises aligning with the ‘Green India Mission’ promoting a culture of cleanliness among hostel-residents. A debate on ‘Hygiene and Cleanliness’ was also held by the offices of Provost (Boys and Girls).
On August 12, the University Health Centre in collaboration with the KU’s NSS Wing, organised a day-long health camp in Shanpora, Foreshore Road, Hazratbal. The camp, focussed on female hygiene and cleanliness and featured talks by Medical Officers, Dr Suraya Jan and Dr Iqra Mehraj on menstrual health, personal hygiene, and disease prevention.
Free medicines and hygiene packs were distributed to local females, including schoolgirls, as part of the outreach effort.
Meanwhile, the Division of Youth Affairs, Department of Student’s Welfare, organised a painting and poster competition. Students from varsity’s teaching departments and affiliated colleges participated in the event centred around the themes of ‘Unity in Diversity’, ‘Cultural Heritage of India’, and ‘Vision of Developed India’. Cultural Officer, Shahid Ali Khan, coordinated the event.
Speaking on the occasion, KU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, expressed her admiration for the students’ creative output, stating: “It is inspiring to witness our youth articulate their visions of a united, culturally rich and developed India through art. The depth and diversity of their work reflect the strength of our nation’s heritage and the promise of its future.”
KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, commended the students for their participation and enthusiasm, stating: “Your artistic expressions not only celebrate our independence but also underline the rich cultural fabric that binds us all as a nation.”
On August 13, Office of the Coordinator, NSS conduced a clean-up drive with more than 60 participants taking active part. The day started with a visit to Duck Park, Foreshore Road, followed by a more extensive clean-up at famed Nishat Garden.
Meanwhile, the Department of Student’s Welfare organised an event to sensitise masses about drug abuse. Participants raised slogans and displayed placards under the banner ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ and pledging to fight against drug abuse and the stigma attached to it.
