Srinagar: Amar Singh College organized a Divisional-level declamation contest on the theme of ‘Truth and Non-Violence’ two key ingredients of Gandhian thought and the strongholds of his spiritual journey that led India to its path to freedom.
The Declamation contest was organized as part of the Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations commemorating the 154th birth anniversary of the father of the nation, Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
The contest was the final phase of the three-tier competition held in Valley colleges and the nine contestants were the winners from their respective districts appearing for the final face-off at the divisional level.
The declamation contest commenced with the Welcome address by Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Principal of the host college and Nodal Principal of Kashmir Division Colleges. He emphasized the need to organise such declamation contests to stir the spirit of Ahimsa and patriotism among the youth.
Presidential lecture was delivered by Prof. (Dr) Yasmeen Ashai, Director of Colleges UT of Kashmir. Prof. Ashai asserted that it is important to pass on the Gandhian Message to the next generation as we cannot conceive a peaceful society without imbibing the ideals of Gandhian philosophy.
Padmashree S P Verma, President Gandhi Global Family, and guest of honour for the event also delivered a speech on the occasion. He highlighted the good work that the Gandhi Global Family is doing by spreading the light of Gandhian thought internationally. He lauded the efforts of the Higher Education Department for organizing the Declamation contest among college students.
Kumar Kalanad National Delegate of GGF was also present at the occasion and spoke on Gandhian Values.
The declamation contest began immediately after the inaugural proceedings. The contestants explored and deliberated upon the different dimensions of the theme of Truth and Non-violence aspiring to put their best arguments forward and were successful in enthralling the audience. The First prize for the declamation contest was won by Zainab, student of GDC Kulgam, the Second prize was awarded to Yarzuq Bilal of Amar Singh College and the third prize was won by Ulfat, student of GDC Women Sopore.
The winners of the divisional contest will be awarded cash prizes by Honourable LG on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti at SKICC.
Prof. Masood Malik, Principal GDC Bandipora, Kumar Kalanad (GGF), Prof. Rabia Ahmad (SP College), Prof. Asmat Wahid (AAA College), Prof. Abdul Majid (ICSC College) and Prof. Abdul Waheed (A S) were the judges for the contest and were also presented with the memento.
The contest was moderated by Prof. Heena, Convenor Cultural Committee and Fahad Fayaz Student of IG English 8th Semester, Amar Singh College Srinagar.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks Delivered by Prof. Tafazul Hussain, Assistant Prof. Department of Political Science, A S College.

KR Desk