Ganderbal: Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah Monday underscored the need to establish social linkages through various community outreach and extension programmes to mitigate the sufferings of the people and their holistic development.
“Through these linkages we will be successful in reaching out to the community, especially the underprivileged section of the society,” Prof. Farooq Shah said during an interaction session with community engagement volunteers under Higher Education Leadership Development Programme (HELDP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Bharat Scouts and Guides (BS&G). He appreciated the efforts of HELDP and BS&G for organising various such programmes and assured all possible support from the university in their future endeavours.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance Officer and HELDP Master Trainer, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka gave details about the activities organised by CUK under HELDP. “HELDP is a flagship project granted by United Kingdom-India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI) for reaching to the downtrodden strata of the society,” he said, adding the university has already adopted a backward village Baba Sualeh in which various activities have been organised including imparting of computer skill training to boys and tailoring and stitching skills to girls.
Academic Administrator and HELDP Master Trainer, Prof. Parveen Pandit while speaking on the topic “Community Outreach and Engagement-A Way Forward,” said, the university under the HELDP is channelising the talent of the youth and is trying hard to uplift the downtrodden and weaker sections of the society by empowering them socially and economically.
State Secretary cum administrative officer, BS&G, Ms Nasreen Khan in her speech said, the BS&G is an international movement, which is growing leaps and bounds in Jammu and Kashmir.
She said the objective of BS&G is to inculcate moral and ethical values among the children and the youth. State Commissioner cum administrative officer, BS&G, Ms Gulshan Ara in her address said the volunteers of BS&G will always remain ready to help the university in conducting the community outreach programmes.
In his address, social activist, Mr. Farooq Ganderbali said Kashmiri youth have immense talent and the need of the hour is to provide them the platform to showcase the same. Earlier, the members of BS&G felicitated the Vice Chancellor, Finance Officer and other dignitaries with the traditional scout’s scarf.
Asst. Prof. Deptt of Education, Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal conducted the programme proceedings while as Joint State Secretary, BS&G, Mr Sheikh Muhammad Shafi proposed the vote of thanks.

KR Desk