The Kashmir Pulse

SHOPIAN — Government Degree College Shopian, in association with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Red Ribbon Club and Physical Education Department organized a highly successful Blood Donation Drive today to commemorate World Blood Donors Day.

The event witnessed an overwhelming response from NCC Cadets, NSS volunteers, students and faculty members, all eager to contribute to the noble cause of saving lives through voluntary blood donation.

Under the guidance of Principal, Prof. Shafiq Ahmad, the Blood Donation Drive was inaugurated with a focus on the significance of blood donation in the context of life-saving initiatives. Prof. Shafiq urged everyone to actively participate and emphasize the importance of their contributions.

The collaborative effort among IQAC, NCC, NSS, Red Ribbon Club, and the Physical Education Department exemplified the collective dedication of Government Degree College Shopian towards fostering a culture of social responsibility and community engagement.

The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness about the critical need for regular blood donations and to acknowledge the selfless contributions of blood donors in improving the health and well-being of others.

Throughout the blood donation process, the technical staff from the Chief Medical Officer's office in Shopian played a vital role by providing essential technical support, ensuring a safe and efficient experience for all donors. Their presence and assistance were instrumental in the smooth execution of the event.

The successful coordination of the program was led by Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, the NCC Officer, along with Prof. Muhammad Ishaq and Dr. Shugufta Majeed, the NSS Officers. Prof. Shahnawaz Ahmad Khanday, the Coordinator of the Red Ribbon Club, and Dr. Umer Farooq, the Convenor of Sports, also played integral roles in ensuring the event's overall success.

The Blood Donation Drive organized by Government Degree College Shopian stands as a testament to the college's commitment to promoting social responsibility and engaging the community. By providing a platform for blood donation and emphasizing its importance, the event has effectively contributed to the well-being and betterment of society.

SHOPIAN — The Literary Activities Committee of Government Degree College Shopian successfully organized a District Level Painting Competition on Tuesday under the auspices of The Vitasta Festival, as a significant component of the ongoing 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from numerous students representing various colleges across the district.

The competition revolved around three suggestive themes, namely, "River Vitasta, currently known as Jhelum, and its impact on the social, political, and cultural heritage of Kashmir", "The ever-flowing legacy of Kashmir" and "The life-giving nature of the river." These thought-provoking topics aimed to inspire the participants to showcase their artistic skills and creativity.

Commencing at 11:30 am, the program kicked off with a brief introduction to the themes and guidelines by the Convener of the committee, Prof. Muhammad Nayeemur Rehman.

Prof. Mahmood Ahmad Tak extended a warm welcome to the participants, sharing expert advice and insights with the aspiring artists. Each participant was granted one and a half hours to translate their ideas onto the canvas. To ensure impartial evaluation, three officials from the School Education Department served as the esteemed jury members.

The painting titled "Insha Shafi Khan" from GDC Shopian emerged as the best piece of artwork, capturing the attention of the judges. Following closely were the impressive paintings of Nargis Salam and Ishtiyaq Gulzar, also from GDC Shopian, both students of BG 2nd Semester. These top three winners were awarded certificates of appreciation and recommended to participate in the upcoming UT Level Competition, recognizing their talent and dedication.

Principal Mohd Shafiq expressed admiration for the hard work exhibited by the participants during his brief address. He emphasized the importance of balancing academic pursuits with co-curricular activities, encouraging the students to strive for excellence in both domains. The event concluded on a high note, with participants expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their skills and artistic abilities.

Dr. Sheikh Idris Ahmad, from the Department of Islamic Studies, delivered a formal vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders who played an active role in ensuring the success of the program. Their collective efforts contributed to the seamless execution of the District Level Painting Competition, fostering creativity and artistic expression among the talented students.

SHOPIAN — The Government Degree College (GDC) Shopian, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Science, the Debates and Seminars Committee, and the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of the college, came together on Monday to commemorate the 50th World Environment Day with great enthusiasm and passion.

The event, held in the college auditorium, witnessed a vibrant gathering of students from various semesters, NSS volunteers, and esteemed faculty members, all showcasing their unwavering commitment and concern for environmental issues.

Kicking off the program was a soul-stirring Tilawat-e-Quran by Shibli Ahsan, a student from the 2nd semester, setting a contemplative tone for the day's events. Following the recitation, Professor Sayar Yaseen, Head of the Department of Environmental Science, took the stage to deliver a warm Welcome Address. He graciously greeted the distinguished audience and emphasized the importance and objective of this year's theme, #BeatPlasticPollution.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Professor Mahmood Ahmad Tak, a senior faculty member of the college. Prof. Tak provided an insightful overview of the background and significance of World Environment Day, stressing the crucial role of individual responsibility and collective action in combatting the menace of plastic pollution.

Dr. Abdul Barey Shah, a Lecturer in Environmental Science, also delivered a compelling talk on the theme "Solutions to Plastic Pollution," shedding light on global plastic production and raising awareness about the urgent need to alter our lifestyles to eliminate plastic waste from our environment.

Further enriching the program, Prof. Sayar Yaseen delivered a lecture on "Mission LiFE," an initiative undertaken by the Government of India to address environmental issues. He showcased the college's activities carried out under this theme during the current academic session.

The event continued with a series of competitive activities among the college students, including Speech, Painting, and Essay Competitions. Participants displayed exceptional oratory skills and a deep understanding of the environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution. Faculty members acted as the jury, evaluating the students' individual capabilities and selecting three winners for each competition.

In his presidential address, the esteemed Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Mohd Shafiq, applauded the efforts of the Department of Environmental Science and the NSS wing for organizing such a remarkable event. He emphasized the college's commitment to combat plastic pollution and announced the college's ambitious plans to become a Plastic Waste-Free Campus by implementing more renewable energy sources.

The felicitation ceremony held at the end of the day honored the speakers with mementos as tokens of appreciation from the Department of Environmental Science. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Principal and senior faculty members. Additionally, certificates were distributed among the students to recognize their dedication and commitment to the environment.

The 50th World Environment Day celebration at Government Degree College Shopian served as a testament to the institution's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and the holistic development of its students. It stood as a reminder that collective efforts and individual actions are essential in safeguarding our planet and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

By instilling a sense of responsibility and empowering students to become environmentally conscious citizens, the college aims to make significant contributions to global efforts addressing environmental challenges.

Events like the World Environment Day celebration encourage students to become ambassadors of change, spreading awareness and implementing practical solutions within their communities. With such initiatives, GDC Shopian nurtures a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders who will shape a greener and brighter tomorrow.

SHOPIAN — The Career Counseling Cell of Government Degree College (GDC) Shopian, in collaboration with Chinar International, a subsidiary of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), on Tuesday successfully organized a workshop on Business Incubation.

The event, held at the conference hall of the science block, aimed to equip students with valuable insights into developing business ideas, building capacity, and accessing financial assistance.

The workshop witnessed a vibrant participation of students and faculty members who eagerly engaged in the session. Mr. Zafar Iqbal, the Program Coordinator of Youth Development at Chinar International, brought a wealth of experience and expertise in entrepreneurship, delivering a captivating and insightful presentation on the theme of business incubation.

During his address, Mr. Iqbal emphasized the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit among students. He discussed various strategies to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses, shedding light on the significance of business incubation in creating an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs. The session also explored the availability of capacity-building resources and financial assistance programs to support students throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

The workshop provided an interactive platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share their ideas, and seek guidance from Mr. Iqbal. Attendees gained valuable insights into practical aspects of business incubation, including market research, product development, marketing strategies, and funding opportunities.

The event exemplified the commitment of the Career Counseling Cell at GDC Shopian to foster an entrepreneurial culture among students and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen career paths. The collaboration with Chinar International, renowned for its dedication to youth development and entrepreneurship, added immense value to the workshop.

The program was moderated by Prof Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, Co-Convenor of Career Counseling, and concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Dr. Showkat Ahmad Ganie, a member of the Career Counseling Cell.

The workshop on Business Incubation served as a stepping stone for students at GDC Shopian, empowering them with the tools and guidance needed to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute to the economic growth of the region.

SHOPIAN — A grand and befitting welcome function was hosted on Friday in the Conference Hall of Government Degree College Shopian in honour of Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Shafiq who joined the college as the new Principal of the college on May 19, 2023.

The incoming Principal was warmly received by the whole teaching, non-teaching staff and students of the college. On this occasion, a guard of honour was presented to the Principal by the NCC cadets of the college. Later, an impressive function was organized wherein the Principal was formally welcomed.

Dr. Aashiq Hussian, Head of the Department of Commerce gave an overview of the college and conducted the proceedings of the event. Prof. Tariq Hussian, Vice Principal and senior most faculty member while formally welcoming Dr. Shafiq as the new Principal on behalf of the entire GDC Shopian fraternity assured him of full cooperation from the staff of the college in taking the college to newer heights.

Prof. Tariq praised the staff for their continued support in making the college as one of the finest in the UT of J&K. Others who spoke on the occasion and welcomed the Principal were Prof. Mehmood Ahmad Talk, Head of Department of Botany; Prof. Shhanawaz Ahmad Khanday, Head of Department of Sociology; Dr. Umar Farooq, Assistant Prof. Botany and Prof. Mohammad Ishaq from the Department of English.

The Principal Prof. Mohammad Shafiq in his brief but thoughtful speech thanked the staff for a resounding welcome. Prof. Shafiq, who has served the Department of Higher Education for more than two decades, stressed on the need to work for the upcoming NAAC cycle in the right earnest and hoped that all concerned would put in their best efforts in this regard.

He said that an institution is not built by any single person but it is the culmination of joint and cooperative work of many individuals. As such, he said, that he looked forward to all doing their bit in order to further improve the standing and stature of the college in the days to come.

The function ended with a formal Vote of Thanks presented by Prof. Nayeem Ur Rahman, Head of the Department of Arabic.

SHOPIAN — An awareness programme on anti-corruption laws in observance of Vigilance Awareness Week under the banner of 'My College My Pride' was organized on Wednesday in the auditorium of Government Degree College Shopian by the College Debates and Seminars Committee. The programme was organized in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Bureau Anantnag.

Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Mr. Sachin Kumar (IAS) was the chief guest on the occasion. Prof. Tariq Hussain, Vice Principal attended the event as the guest of honour. The guest speakers included Mr. Mohammad Shafiq, DySp ACB Anantnag and Mr. Khurshid Ahmad, Public Prosecutor Pulwama.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Mr. Sachin Kumar emphasized the role of educated youth in making the nation stronger by way of making the system and the society free of any form of corruption.

Mr. Mohammad Shafiq discussed the anti-corruption measures taken by ACB in detecting, investigating and prosecuting corrupt officials. He sought the help of people in coming forward with complaints of bribery/corruption from any government official.

Public Prosecutor Pulwama, Mr. Khurshid threw light on various facets and forms of corrupt practices and opined that corruption can be rooted out completely only when people take upon themselves the duty of building a morally and ethically upright nation.

Prof. Tariq Hussain, Vice Principal of the college stressed the need for students to spread the message of a corruption-free system and society among their family members and wider society. He said that time has come when we need to practice more and preach less.

Prof. Mehmood Tak, senior faculty member and Head Department of Botany asked the students to do their bit by way of honest and upright actions. He asked the students not to resort to malpractices with respect to their studies and examinations.

Three students of the college delivered impressive speeches on the theme of rooting out corruption and were awarded cash prizes by the ACB officials.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Shahnawaz Ahmad Khanday, Head Department of Sociology, sought to highlight the importance of understanding the menace of corruption in a holistic manner and taking adequate measures at individual and societal levels to root it out.

The programme ended with a Vote of Thanks to all in attendance. The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr. Umar Farooq from the Department of Botany.