KS News Desk
Srinagar March 8: Government College for Women, M A Road, Srinagar Saturday organised an event to celebrate International Womens Day.
The event was organised by the Womens Study Centre of the college and was attended by students and faculty members at the Lala Arifa auditorium of the campus.
Sahitya Akademi Award awardee Kashmiri poet and noted scholar, Prof. Naseem Shafaie was the Chief Guest on the occasion while former Professor University of Kashmir and Ex-Dean Outreach, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Prof. Lily Want was the Guest of Honour.
Other guests who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Fatima Jalid from the Department of Chemical Engineering at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar and Madeeha Majid, a human rights lawyer and motivational speaker.
In her welcome address, Principal of the host college, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq Khan highlighted the relevance of the day and underlined the importance of achieving gender equality in education.
Referring to the pivotal role played by Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road in women emancipation during the last over seven decades, Prof. Yasmeen said the institution has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.
"As this college is completing 75 years, we humbly remember the remarkable contribution of women like Mehmooda Ali Shah whose legacy stands as a testament to what women can achieve, even in the face of adversity. She was not only a trailblazer for women's rights, but a voice for those who were silenced, a champion for education and social justice. Her tireless efforts for promoting equality and justice continue to inspire and ignite action in all of us," she said.
Prof. Yasmeen said we still have a long way to go in ensuring true gender equality.
"But I believe with the spirit of women like Mehmooda Ali Shah and her ilk along with the collective action of our society, we can be closer to the world where all women, regardless of their background or circumstance, have the opportunity to reach their full potential, Prof. Yasmeen said.
The Principal also emphasised on the need to recognize the efforts, sacrifices and the potential of women to make gender equality a reality.
In her address, Prof. Naseem Shafaie shared her unique insights on empowering women and fostering inclusivity.
She recited her own poems to reflect on the important status accorded to women by Almighty and her contrasting plight in contemporary society.
Prof. Naseem referred to the challenges faced by women in different stages of her life, quoting from the works of mystic poet Lala Ded and Habba Khatoun.
Written in simple and moving language, Prof. Naseem poems appeal to their readers to let women be, arguing about the need to allow women and girl children to realise their potential.
She asserted that women are individuals in their own right who cannot be treated as inferior to men.
"What makes a woman worthy of being celebrated is that she does not seek revenge and has the strength to walk out of a bad situation to create a more wholesome society where people are more kind and accommodating, she added.
In her address, Prof. Lily Want referred to the critical role of parents in women emancipation.
Charity begins at home. Parents have to walk the talk. From breaking down gender stereotypes to sharing the care and work, and educating children about women's rights and women's rights and equity, all has to be driven home. Parents have to set the example by equally dividing all housework and childcare at home. Boys have to be involved in care work and household chores from an early age along with girls, she added.
Calling for a desperate need to change the male mindset, Prof. Lily said it is an established fact that there is no better role model than that man who appreciates, respects and loves the woman in his life, be it his mother, his wife or his daughter.
"It is not women alone, but men who need to fight against all sorts of stereotypes," she said.
Guest speaker, Madeeha Majid shared her professional experiences as a lawyer. She exhorted the women to speak and be seen, and be part of the decision making systems concerning them.
Guest speaker, Dr. Fatima Jalid shared her impressive research work besides suggesting tips for young women researchers. Pertinently, she was included in the recently published book She Is 75 Women in Chemistry which highlights the contributions of 75 distinguished Indian women who have made significant impacts in chemistry and related fields.
In her address, Dr. Faitma advocated for day-care facilities at all workplaces for working women.
Earlier, while highlighting the important role played by women, Coordinator of Women's Study Center of the college, Dr. Abina Habib spelt out the work done by the centre, M. A. Road.
Since its inception in 2007, the study centre has been working on issues related to women, including gender disparity and legal rights. The centre aims to promote women's studies through four domains of teaching, training, documentation and extension work. The centre is also committed to institutionalise women's studies as an academic programme, said Dr. Abina.
On the occasion, the star students of the college were felicitated along with the female local fund employees in recognition of their services as support staff of the institution.
Dr. Asiya Nazir, Member Secretary of WSC, presented Vote of Thanks at the conclusion of the first session.
Earlier, Semester 1 student, Nur Sadiq, who anchored the proceedings, briefed the audience about the history and relevance of Womens Day.
The event started with the recitation of Naat-i-Sharif by Masroofa of 2nd semester followed by the traditional Izband ceremony and presentation of mementos.
In the second session of the programme, the Young Womens Conference was held. Midhat Zia Soharwardy, a 6th semester IG student, was the chairperson of the session.
In the concluding ceremony, the participants were felicitated by the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq. Prof. Sheikh Muhammad Irfan presented Vote of Thanks for the second session. Prof. As-Sami and Prof. Sadaf Bushra were the rapporteurs of the programme.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. âHundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,â said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the facultyâs demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. âWe are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,â he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. âThe irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,â he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for âequal work, equal payâ gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. âPromises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,â he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. âThis issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,â he said.
Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmirâs youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the governmentâs firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. âAs Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,â he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the governmentâs resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students â 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 studentsâ56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmirâs Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). âAbout a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,â he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.âIf we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,â he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeebâs research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. âIn this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,â he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. âIt is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,â he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,â he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. âMy parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,â he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. âJust as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.â âYoung people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,â he further added.
Calls for strong academic ecosystem Srinagar, March 6: President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam Friday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the 17 candidates from J&K and Ladakh who successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination. He termed the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the region and a powerful inspiration for the youth. He said that success of these candidates reflect the immense talent, determination, and intellectual potential present among the students of the region. Nazrul Islam Baba emphasised that educational institutions must work collectively to create a robust academic ecosystem that encourages students to aspire for and excel in national-level competitive examinations like the IAS. He stressed that schools should nurture curiosity, discipline, analytical thinking, and leadership qualities from the early stages of education. âSuch remarkable achievements demonstrate that our youth possess the capability to compete at the highest national platforms," he said. He said a supportive academic environment, mentorship, and access to quality resources need to be kept available so that more students from J&K and Ladakh can prepare for and succeed in prestigious examinations. PSAJK President further highlighted the need to develop benchmark institutions and academic support systems in the region that can guide and mentor students aspiring for civil services and other competitive examinations. "Creating a culture of excellence and competition within educational institutions will help channelize the talent of the youth towards nation-building roles," he said. He urged educators, parents, and policymakers to work in synergy to foster an environment where students feel motivated to pursue ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to society. âEvery success story from our region becomes a beacon of hope for thousands of young minds. These achievers have shown that with perseverance, dedication, and proper guidance, no dream is beyond reach. Their journey should inspire our students to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence,â he added. PSAJK expressed hope that this achievement will ignite a new wave of aspiration among students across schools in J&K and Ladakh, motivating them to prepare for the countryâs most competitive examinations and play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
Srinagar, May 1: Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), a leading test preparatory services provider in India, has signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Army and key paramilitary forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), to enhance educational access and welfare support for personnel and their families. As per the official handout, the agreements aim to provide structured scholarships, academic mentoring, career guidance and nationwide coaching access to serving personnel, veterans, gallantry awardees, disabled members of the forces, and families of martyrs. Under the initiative, AESL will extend financial assistance to remove barriers in accessing quality education, particularly for students aspiring to pursue competitive careers such as engineering and medical entrance examinations. The programmes will offer academic resources at minimal or no cost, depending on eligibility. Managing Director and CEO of AESL, Chandra Sekhar Garisa Reddy said the initiative is aimed at supporting defence families in achieving educational success. âAnyone who has committed themselves to serving their country should have every available opportunity for their family to grow and succeed. Through these partnerships, we hope to expand access to quality academic resources,â he said. According to the details of the MoUs, extensive fee waivers and scholarships have been structured across all forces. For families of personnel who lost their lives in service, AESL will provide near-total fee waivers, with only registration or admission charges applicable in most cases. Full tuition fee waivers have also been extended to wards of personnel with significant disabilities and gallantry award recipients. For serving and retired personnel, partial tuition fee waivers ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent have been formulated, subject to conditions and after adjustment of other scholarships. Additional concessions have been tailored separately for BSF, CRPF and ITBP personnel, including higher waivers for disability cases and special provisions for orphans and boarded-out personnel. "The scholarship schemes will run alongside AESLâs existing merit-based programmes and will be applicable across its pan-India network of centres," the handout reads. In addition to financial support, AESL will provide academic mentoring, career counselling, and access to national-level scholarship and talent identification examinations, including the ANTHE programme. "The initiative also includes provision for both virtual and offline academic support, as well as access to AESL centres and defence school facilities for assessments," it reads. Officials said the programmes are designed as multi-year engagements, ranging from three to five years, to ensure sustained academic support and continuity for beneficiaries. AESL, which has been operating for over three decades, currently runs more than 415 centres across the country and caters to over four lakh students, offering preparation for medical, engineering and other competitive examinations.
Srinagar, April 27: Director Colleges, Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir Monday emphasized the importance of well-equipped laboratories in fostering scientific temper, research orientation, and experiential learning among students. He was speaking during the inauguration of the newly refurbished laboratories of the Department of Zoology, Department of Education, and Department of Water Management at Government College for Women (GCW) M A Road, Srinagar. During the visit, the Director Colleges interacted with faculty members and students, appreciating the efforts undertaken by the institution to strengthen academic infrastructure and enhance practical learning facilities. He emphasized the importance of well-equipped laboratories in fostering scientific temper, research orientation, and experiential learning among students. Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq highlighted the ongoing academic and administrative initiatives of the college. Director Colleges also held engaging interaction sessions, advising students and faculty members to make collective concerted efforts for overall betterment of higher education.
IDE bootcamp to shape next-gen entrepreneurs begins at KU Srinagar April 20: The University of Kashmir (KU) on Monday began Edition 3, Phase II of a five-day Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp at the Main Campus. The bootcamp is being hosted by the Centre for Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship (CIIE), Institute of Technology (IoT), Zakura Campus, in collaboration with the Ministry of Educationâs Innovation Cell, AICTE, Wadhwani Foundation, and SBI Foundation. The event is being conducted simultaneously with 13 institutions across the country. The bootcamp aims to develop problem-solving abilities among participants and guide them through the process of turning ideas into workable solutions, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world application. Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said platforms like these help students move beyond theory and engage with ideas that have practical relevance. "It is important to nurture innovation at the institutional level and support young minds in exploring entrepreneurial pathways,â she said. Commissioner Secretary for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Saurabh Bhagat in his address said that such initiatives are important for building a culture of innovation and encouraging youth to contribute to economic and social development through entrepreneurship. Director, Outreach & Extension, SKUAST-K, Prof. Raihana Habib, highlighted the importance of collaborative platforms that bring together academia, industry, and policy stakeholders to support innovation-driven growth. Earlier, in his welcome address, Dean & Director, IoT Zakura Campus, KU, Prof. Mohammad Tariq Banday, said that the bootcamp provides a structured space for participants to engage with design thinking, develop business models, and refine their startup ideas through guided mentorship. The five-day long bootcamp includes sessions on design thinking, business model development, startup pitching, industry interaction, and hands-on workshops led by experts from different domains. Around 250 students, startup teams, faculty mentors, experts, and officials from institutions across the country are participating in the camp. A startup exhibition was also held on the sidelines of the event, featuring participation from nearly 30 institutions across the country and showcasing innovative solutions and prototypes. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Malik Younis Ahmad, faculty at IoT Zakura Campus KU, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Qazi Junaid, faculty at IoT Zakura Campus KU.
