Srinagar: In commemoration of Swachhata Pakhwada – Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS), 2023 and to celebrate the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation’, Kashmir University displayed its unwavering commitment to this national movement through a monumental cleanliness drive at main and satellite campuses.
On Sunday, October 1st, at 10:00 AM, students, NSS volunteers, hostel residents, faculty members from Kashmir University and locals from the vicinity, participated in a massive cleanliness drive as part of the Swachhata Pakhwada aimed to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy of non-violence and truth.
This event was a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring values and the collective dedication of Kashmir University to the Swachhata Hi Seva movement.
The participants began their cleanliness drive in and around the main campus, leading to the surrounding marketplace and Dargah Hazratbal Shrine, diligently picking up litter and garbage and disposing it of after proper segregation.
The drive culminated in the lawns of the university’s Gandhi Bhawan, where the Vice Chancellor addressed the participants.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof Nilofer Khan emphasised the importance of being part of this massive movement.
She said, “We have to be the ambassadors of change by continuing the campaign with the same spirit and energy.”
Prof Khan urged the participants not to limit their efforts to observing it on a singular day but to make it an ongoing movement.
“If you see your colleagues, friends or acquaintances littering, it is your duty to tell them this is wrong,” she added.
She thanked the provosts, wardens, NSS volunteers, the proctorial wing, university media, students and scholars for making the programme a success while reiterating the importance of following Gandhi Ji’s footsteps and ideals to educate everyone about the importance of cleanliness.
Pertinently, the Department of Students’ Welfare (DSW) in collaboration with Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA), Kashmir University (KU) had inaugurated a weeklong event series that will conclude on October 2 (today).
Speaking on the occasion, Registrar, KU, Dr Nisar A Mir said, “Today, as we gather to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we are reminded of the enduring principles that he lived by,” adding that his commitment to truth, non-violence and social reforms remains a beacon of light for us all.
Dean Students Welfare, KU, Prof Aneesa Shafi said, “Gandhi Jayanti is not just a day to remember a great leader, it’s a call to action. Let us remember that change begins with us,” adding that through activities like Cleanliness drives, poster making, painting and sculpture making, we can express our commitment to a cleaner and more artistic future, echoing the vision of Mahatma Gandhi.
Principal, IMFA, Prof Ruby Zutshi; Special Secretary to the Vice Chancellor, Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Zari; Media Advisor, Dr Salima Jan besides deans of schools, heads of departments, directors/coordinators of centres, university faculty, scholars and students were present at the inaugural function.
The vice chancellor along with the university officials offered homage and tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by garlanding the sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi. The sculpture is crafted by the students of IMFA, KU.
Meanwhile, the varsity’s South Campus also organised a series of events and activities to celebrate the Swacchta Pakhwada led by Director, Prof Rais Qadri.

KR Desk