Central University of Kashmir organises special lecture on need for cleanliness

Srinagar, Sep 30: Under the initiative of Swabhav Swachhta and Sanskaar Swachhata, the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Shyambir, delivered a lecture on cleanliness and engaged with the faculty, students, and NSS volunteers of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK). Following the advice of the Vice Chancellor, the event commenced with a condolence session for the late Ramjee Thakur, son of the late Durga Thakur, a laborer who passed away while working on the University’s under-construction building. The Dean of Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, presented the condolence message, and participants observed two minutes of silence to honour the deceased and prayed for his soul.

While addressing the gathering, Shyambir expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the Swabhav Swachhta and Sanskaar Swachhata Mission. He emphasized the importance of cleanliness at both individual and societal levels. Shyambir discussed the establishment of waste collection and segregation centers throughout the district, which will enhance waste management efficiency. He also shared plans to create vermicompost from organic waste and establish five plastic waste units to shred plastic for further processing.

Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner outlined a strategy that divides the district into three clusters for waste management, currently in its second phase, and encouraged students to support these efforts.

Shyambir thanked the University for regularly organising activities that contribute to the growth of students and society. He concluded his speech with a powerful message, stating, “To change our destiny (Niyati), we must work on our policies (Neeti) and intentions (Niyat),” urging students to take responsibility for cleanliness both at the University and in their homes. He assured that he would collaborate with CUKashmir to make Ganderbal a true model of cleanliness and congratulated the Vice Chancellor for making a significant difference to the Tulmulla campus over the past year.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, announced that the University would soon develop a truly green campus at Tulmulla, with a meeting already scheduled with the Ministry to secure funding for the project. He also discussed plans to improve bus transport services to the University, facilitating easier transitions for students and stakeholders. Prof. A. Ravinder Nath sought the interest and support of the students for sustainable development and the inculcation of humane values. He also requested the District Administration’s assistance in managing solid waste on campus.

On this occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath also released the poster for Panch Pran—a set of five resolutions that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon all Indians to embrace. The five resolutions are: Goal of Developed India, Remove Colonial Mindset, Take Pride in Our Roots, Unity, and Sense of Duty in Citizens.

Earlier, the Dean of the School of Education, Prof. Syed Zahoor Geelani, formally welcomed the attendees. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the University’s 15-day Cleanliness Mission, under which various events were organized, and expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for actively supporting the initiative and integrating such events into the University Academic Calendar.

A parallel event, a Plantation Drive, was organized by the NSS Unit of the University under the theme ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ at the University’s Tulmulla Campus. A plant was planted by Shyambir and Prof. A. Ravinder Nath. Apart from the dignitaries, NSS Programme Officer Dr. Shabir Ahmed Ahangar, along with NSS members, faculty, Dr. Lateef, the Landscape Officer, and students from various departments, participated in the plantation drive.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Kaukab Azam, Head of the Department of Physical Education. He thanked the Deputy Commissioner, Vice Chancellor, and Deans for their support and expressed gratitude to all participants for making the event a success. Dr. Mohammad Muzamil Shah from the Department of Physical Education conducted the event.