SRINAGAR: The Annual Day function at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School Zadibal turned into a grand celebration of Kashmiri heritage, culture, identity and artistic brilliance as students and staff of the school came together and displayed rich traditions of the Valley under the theme “Kashmir”.
The themed event witnessed an overwhelming response from the students, guests and the other participants, making it a memorable day in the school’s academic calendar. The entire school campus came alive with colours, art and vibrancy as the sideways were decorated with Kashmiri motifs, vibrant market scenes, the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people and artwork reflecting the cultural ethos of the Kashmir Valley.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Zadibal Constituency and prominent Kashmiri Poet and Historian, Zareef Ahmad Zareef as the Chief Guests, whose words lent depth and cultural resonance to the proceedings. Both dignitaries appreciated the efforts of the school in promoting and preserving the essence of Kashmiri culture through education and creativity.
In his address, Mr. Tanviq Sadiq, praised the students for their spirited performances. “Today’s programme is not just entertainment, it is education of the highest order – education of values, identity and history,” he noted.
“I was highly impressed with the school choosing to display our traditional Kashmiri culture at its Annual Day. The Kashmiri society needs such initiatives to bring our old culture to life,” Mr. Sadiq said.
Captivating the gathering with his reflections on Kashmir’s glorious past and its literary wealth, Mr. Zareef Ahmad Zareef urged the youth to carry forward this cultural torch in Kashmir.
“We should always strive to inculcate cultural values among the students. Today, we witness the ever-widening gap between our student generation and the Kashmiri Culture. The initiates like this helps us to remove or narrow down that gap in our society,” Mr. Zareef said.
Principal GHSS Zadibal, Mr. Mohammad Shafi Lone in his address emphasized the importance of nurturing students’ roots and traditions while preparing them for a globalized world.
“Our theme this year – Kashmir – is an effort to remind the younger generation of the timeless beauty of our land, its people and the contributions to art, literature and humanity. We should not restrict our Kashmiri culture to traditional songs and music only rather, preserve our entire culture,” he remarked.
He said that our identity connects us to our roots and gives us a strong sense of who we are as a people. “Our traditions, language, art, and customs make us unique. Our heritage keeps the bond between the old and young alive,” he said.
The cultural programme that followed was a feast to the eyes and ears. The students presented the traditional Rouf Dance, their graceful steps in tune with Kashmiri folk music winning rounds of applause from the audience. Skit performances vividly depicted slices of Kashmiri life which infused the stage with authenticity and charm.
Among the most impactful presentations of the day was a skit on extravaganza in Kashmiri marriages, where students humorously yet thoughtfully portrayed the growing culture of lavish spending in wedding ceremonies.
The performance, filled with satire and wit, depicted families competing in grandeur, elaborate feasts and unnecessary showmanship, drawing laughter from the audience while also highlighting the underlying social concerns.
The skit’s message was clear and powerful: “true joy in weddings lies in togetherness, simplicity and the preservation of traditions, not in wasteful display”.
One of the important highlights of the function was the ‘art exhibition’, where students displayed their creative interpretations of Kashmiri handicrafts and traditional lifestyles. Models and artworks showcasing papier-mâché craft, embroidery work, willow work, sozni work and crewel work left visitors deeply impressed. Portraits and sketches of Kashmir’s famous personalities adorned the exhibition podiums, celebrating the Valley’s intellectual and artistic legacy.
The audience was particularly moved by a thematic play that explored the everyday life of Kashmiris, depicting resilience, harmony and cultural pride. Market scenes were recreated with remarkable detail, featuring vendors, artisans, and customers in traditional attire, reflecting the Valley’s centuries-old trading spirit.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the tireless efforts of teachers, students and other members of the school.
The Annual Day of GHSS Zadibal this year was not just a celebration but also a reaffirmation of Kashmir’s rich heritage. The theme ‘Kashmir’ resonated in every performance and display, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended.