CAMPUS ROUNDUP: Autumn festivities, national honours, academic innovation mark a vibrant week in education

GDC Women’s Baramulla hosts Annual Day-cum-Harud Festival 2025

Government Degree College (Women) Baramulla celebrated its Annual Day-cum-Harud Festival 2025 with cultural vibrancy and active student participation. Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa was the chief guest, while Nodal Principal for Kashmir division colleges, Prof Seema Naaz, also attended.

The Harud Festival featured thematic stalls put up by students, local artisans and community groups, showcasing local crafts, educational models, skill products and promotional exhibits. Cultural performances, presentations and student felicitation ceremonies added colour to the event.

GBHSS Zainakote secures 2nd rank in National Water Award

Government Boys Higher Secondary School (GBHSS) Zainakote earned the 2nd rank in the 6th National Water Award announced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The award ceremony, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on November 18, was presided over by President Droupadi Murmu.

The award—comprising a trophy, citation and a cash prize of Rs 1.05 lakh—was received by former Principal Ali Mohamad Rather and Senior Lecturer Nyla Ali. The school was also recognised last year in the Special Mention category.

Rather said the honour belonged to the entire school community, crediting years of collective effort and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Nyla Ali, who heads the school’s Eco Club, said receiving the award on a national platform was a proud and emotional moment, calling water conservation “a necessity for the future” and reaffirming the school’s resolve to strengthen its initiatives.

GVEI student wins Commonwealth essay honour

Ayaat Azeem, a student of Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI) Srinagar, secured the Bronze award in the prestigious Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC), the world’s oldest international writing competition for school students.

This year’s theme, “Our Commonwealth Journey,” drew 53,434 entries from 54 Commonwealth nations. Ayaat’s achievement earned praise from the school chairman, management and faculty, who said her success would inspire others to explore creative writing and global platforms.

CEO Srinagar conducts inspections, launches inclusive education training

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Srinagar, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, conducted comprehensive academic inspections at Boys Higher Secondary School Hyderpora and Girls Higher Secondary School Hyderpora to evaluate teaching practices and student learning outcomes.

He interacted with teachers and students, emphasised structured lesson planning, effective use of Teaching-Learning Materials (TLMs) and encouraged exposure visits to PM SHRI schools equipped with Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Aghaz Labs.

CEO Bhat directed schools to prepare competency-based winter assignments aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

“This is a crucial period for our students. Winter assignments must focus on building core competencies rather than rote learning,” he said.