IDPS Srinagar organises shopping fair

Srinagar, Oct 19: The International Delhi Public School (IDPS) Srinagar organized a vibrant and colorful two-day fun fair titled “Ikhwat Samkhow-3” at its Zakura campus.

The event was attended among others by chief guest MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq, and Guest of Honour Retired Justice Muzaffar Jan. The fair saw enthusiastic participation from students, parents, and the wider community, who visited stalls, shopped, and enjoyed the festivities.

A total of 46 stalls were set up, showcasing a wide range of products, including food, jewelry, ready-made clothing for both men and women, vehicles, local handmade items, beverages, paintings, games, and more. The carnival attracted thousands of visitors, with over 1,500 students participating in performances such as traditional Kashmiri songs, Ladakhi and Punjabi dances, Ladishah, and skits, which entertained both the audience and the dignitaries.

MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq, deeply impressed by the event, stated, “I am very impressed with this fun fair. It is essential that we teach and inspire students to explore entrepreneurial ventures.”

“I personally purchased several items for my family. We are committed to supporting private schools and addressing their challenges.”

Education remains our top priority because it directly shapes the future of our younger generation. We also plan to shift the academic session from March to November, a practice introduced during Sheikh Abdullah’s tenure, to better safeguard the interests of our students.”

MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagar echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I am honored to have been invited to inaugurate this carnival. I would like to thank the staff of IDPS, especially Chairman Showkat Chowdhary, for this opportunity. Events like this provide invaluable exposure to students, and I hope such initiatives continue. We are committed to supporting the education sector and resolving long-standing issues. Like my colleague, I support the shift from a March session to a November session to better serve the students’ interests.”

Showkat Chowdhary, Chairman of IDPS Srinagar, shared his vision for student development, saying, “At IDPS, we are committed to providing holistic development opportunities for our students. This Fun Fair is an excellent platform for them to learn entrepreneurial skills and gain practical experience. We are thankful to all the dignitaries and the local community for their overwhelming support.”

Babar Chowdhary, Managing Director of the Chowdhary Group, further highlighted the significance of student entrepreneurship at the event, adding, “Our aim is to empower youth by giving them real-world business exposure. Events like this Fun Fair are essential for fostering a sense of independence and innovation among students. By managing stalls, handling transactions, and interacting with customers, they gain firsthand experience in entrepreneurship and marketing. This is not just an extracurricular activity; it is a stepping stone for students to explore future business opportunities and develop essential skills like leadership, problem-solving, and communication.”

He continued, “In today’s competitive world, it’s crucial that students learn how to market their ideas and manage resources effectively. At IDPS, we are committed to nurturing future leaders who are well-rounded and ready to face global challenges. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by the students here is a testament to their potential, and we will continue to support programmes that encourage such growth.”

The Principal of IDPS, Sheema Manzoor, emphasized the importance of such events for student growth, stating, “Our goal is to nurture the talents of our students by exposing them to real-world experiences. The enthusiasm shown by the students in organizing and participating in the stalls and performances is truly commendable. We will continue to host such events for the benefit of our student community.”

Shahwan Chowdhary, Director of the Chowdhary Group, highlighted the long-term benefits of such events, adding, “The exposure students gain through participating in activities like these is invaluable. It teaches them teamwork, responsibility, and business acumen—skills that will benefit them in their future endeavors.”

One of the students who performed at the event shared their excitement, saying, “It was so much fun to be part of this fair! We got the chance to showcase our talent on stage and also learned how to run a stall. It felt like a real-life business lesson.”

A parent who attended the fair added, “I am happy to see my child not just studying in classrooms but also gaining practical exposure. These activities build their confidence and prepare them for real-world challenges. The fair was well-organized and enjoyable for families.”

A stall owner showcasing handmade products expressed gratitude, saying, “This event gave us a great platform to connect with the local community and students. The response from visitors was overwhelming. It’s heartening to see schools supporting local businesses through events like this.”

The Ikhwat Samkhow-3 Fun Fair was a grand success.