Sports important component of holistic development of students: Director
Srinagar |:The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, in collaboration with MY Bharat (MeraYuva Bharat), organised a sports and youth empowerment event aimed at promoting physical fitness, discipline, sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle among students.
The programme brought together students, faculty members, institutional officials and sports personalities, with a focus on the role of sports and youth participation in nation-building.
The event was attended by NIT Srinagar Director Prof. Anurag Misra, Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, Deputy Registrar Faisal Irshad Ganai, Deputy Registrar Accounts Ms. Naziya Nazir, NSS Coordinator Dr.Parmod Kumar Yadav, ANO NCC Dr.Nitika Kundan and MY Bharat State Coordinator for Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Gopal Namde.
Faculty members, including Dr. H.S. Pali, Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. Mukund Sharma, Dr. Manoj Kumar and Dr. Ashok Kumar, were also present.
A major highlight of the programme was a live virtual interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed youth across the country and highlighted the importance of sports in developing discipline, focus and a balanced lifestyle.
The Prime Minister emphasised that participation in sports can help young people remain focused on their goals and navigate distractions in the modern environment.
In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra said sports are an important component of the holistic development of students, helping them develop discipline, teamwork, confidence and resilience. He encouraged students to actively participate in sports and youth-oriented programmes and make healthy and responsible choices.
Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman said such programmes provide students an opportunity to engage beyond academics while developing discipline, responsibility and teamwork.
He appreciated the collaboration with MY Bharat and the participation of students, faculty members and sports personalities.
Celebrated martial artist Aqsa Gulzar attended the event as the Chief Guest. Hailing from Nowshera, Srinagar, Gulzar began her Pencak Silat training at the age of 12 and has represented India at national and international platforms.
Her achievements include winning Gold at the 8th Asian Senior Pencak Silat Championship in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in October 2024, a Gold Medal at the 37th National Games in Goa, and a Bronze Medal at the 19th World Pencak Silat Championship in Malaysia in 2022.
During an interactive question-and-answer session, Aqsa Gulzar shared her sporting journey with students and spoke about perseverance, dedication, sportsmanship and mental resilience.
As part of the MY Bharat initiative, an online quiz competition was conducted through the official portal, testing students’ awareness and encouraging technology-enabled youth engagement.
This was followed by a unified oath against drug abuse and in support of a healthy sports culture. Students and participants pledged to stay away from drugs and promote healthy and active lifestyles.
The programme concluded with a felicitation ceremony, during which dignitaries and speakers were presented with mementos in recognition of their participation and contribution. Student participants and volunteers were also awarded certificates for their active involvement in the programme.
