‘Students have to be future leaders in community service’

Srinagar, : Academics and experts said on Monday that students have to be the future leaders in delivering the community service.
They were speaking at the inaugural session of a 7-day training programme for officers of National Service Scheme (NSS) from higher secondary schools across Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme—second in a series of seven to be organised this year—has been organised by Kashmir University’s office of NSS.
“Students have to take upon themselves the ardent task of delivering the community service and address the new and emerging social challenges by dint of their dedication and commitment,” said Prof Farooq A Masoodi, Dean Academic Affairs, who was the chief guest on the occasion.
He said such training programmes offer an opportunity for young teachers to learn about the mandate and objectives of NSS and pass on the learning to their students.
KU Registrar Dr Nisar A Mir, who was a guest of honour, said the scope of NSS has widened significantly over the years and has brought into its fold several pressing social issues, including drug addiction and mental health, for redressal.
“We need to impart value-based education to the students at 10-plus 1 and 10-plus 2 levels for them to understand the true meaning of community service. These students can make a big difference at grassroots with their early learning and understanding,” he said.
KU’s NSS Programme Coordinator Dr Mussavir Ahmad said 36 participants from higher secondary schools across J&K are joining the current programme.
He thanked Director Colleges, the Nodal Officer for J&K NSS, and Directors of School Education (Jammu/Srinagar) for their proactive role in facilitating participation of teachers in the varsity’s NSS programmes.
The main themes for the programme include drug de-addiction, disaster response, gender violence and first-aid.
Pertinently, the training programmes are being held under the aegis of Empanelled Training Institute (ETI) of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, established at the University of Kashmir.
Dean School of Arts Languages and Literature Prof Adil Amin Kak was also present on the occasion. Dr Hinna Basharat conducted proceedings of the inaugural session and Dr Yasir Hamid delivered a vote of thanks.