Anhad Community Centre Hosts Celebratory Program for Community Contributions at Town Hall Kupwara 

Kupwara :  The Anhad Community Centre held a vibrant program titled “Celebrating Community Work” at the Town Hall, Kupwara. The event saw an enthusiastic participation of over 200 girls, boys, and women who have been associated with the Centre since its inception one and a half years ago.

The program was graced by several dignitaries, including  Shobhit Saxena, SSP Kupwara, who served as the Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included Amina Majid, DDC Member Drugmulla, social activist Azad Naqshbandi, former ZEO Sogam Abdul Jabbar, and retired CSIR Chief Scientist and renowned Urdu poet Gauhar Raza. Students welcomed the guests by presenting them with plants in beautifully crafted clay pots.

Shobhit Saxena inaugurated the Exhibition “Women Who Inspire: A Tribute to Indian Women,” displayed on the lawns. The exhibition featured 40 panels honoring women who have made significant contributions to various fields, including culture, education, and India’s struggle for independence. This unique exhibition highlights the untold stories of courage, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Indian women.

The event featured cultural performances by students of the Anhad Community Centre, including songs and dances. Certificates were awarded to over 103 students who completed six-month diplomas in Computer Applications, Tailoring & Cutting, and Machine Knitting.

Handmade crewel-embroidered table covers were presented to the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour. Additionally, Shri Shobhit Saxena received a framed Preamble of the Constitution with a sozni-embroidered border, presented by Arun Kumar, Coordinator of Anhad Community Centre, and Shabnam Hashmi, founder of Anhad.

In his address, Saxena emphasized the importance of dreaming of a bright future and praised the Centre’s role in helping individuals achieve their dreams. He lauded the students’ performances as meaningful and inspiring. Azad Naqshbandi offered assistance in student placements and setting up their own units, while Amina Majid highlighted Anhad’s significant contributions since 2005. Abdul Jabbar acknowledged the Centre’s impactful work, and Gauhar Raza encouraged speaking out against social evils, reciting one of his poems to the audience.

The program was conducted by Shahid Farooq and Kausar Nazir, with Asiya Gul presenting the Activity Report. Performances included a Kashmiri dance Rouf by students, songs for women’s empowerment, and a children’s performance from Khumriyal village.

Kupwara’s well-known dancer Bilal was felicitated for his contributions in teaching village children. Shabir Ahmad Ganai announced the launch of Anhad Football Club at Sogam Ground, with training starting on August 1, 2024, for children aged 5 to 14 years.

Since November 2022, Anhad Community Centre has been actively engaging with the youth, women, and children of Khumriyal and surrounding villages. The Centre operates a 24×7 library with over 800 books, including resources for competitive exams and a diverse collection for various age groups.

To date, 77 students have completed six-month diplomas, and 30 have received basic computer literacy training. The Centre has also facilitated skill development in cutting and tailoring for 67 girls and women, and in machine knitting for eight girls, despite limited interest.

The Centre supports women in several villages by facilitating work in crewel embroidery and knitting, and organizing workshops on health, hygiene, gender, and menstrual health.

Anhad Community Centre runs solely on personal donations and voluntary work, driven by a dedicated team comprising Arun Kumar, Ruhi Rashid, Shahid Farooq, Ishfaq Mir, Sameera Bano, and Sheikh Raouf.