Sakeena Itoo inaugurates, addresses Kashmir University’s Annual Youth Festival-‘Sonzal

‘Lauds Kashmir University for preservation of cultural heritage, contribution to society’
‘Terms it beacon of knowledge, social progress of Kashmir’
SRINAGAR : Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today stressed on the need for preserving Kashmiri culture and language, adding that we need to promote our mother tongue for our bright future.
The Minister made these remarks after inaugurating the Kashmir University’s Annual Youth Festival-‘Sonzal’ at Convocation Complex of Varsity here today.
The seven day festival is being organised by Division of Youth Affairs, Department of Students Welfare, University of Kashmir.
Addressing the massive gathering of Professors, Deans, HoDs, Research scholars and students, Sakeena Itoo advocated for safeguarding Kashmiri language and traditions, in the face of modern influences. “Our Kashmiri culture and language is very unique, we all need to be very proud of our culture and heritage and celebrate it to its maximum extent”, Sakeena said.
“Language is the foundation of our culture. Without it, we lose touch with the narratives, stories and customs that have defined us for centuries. I urge the professors and students here to not only cherish the beauty of our Kashmiri language and culture but also ensure that it thrives beyond academic spaces,” she added.
She called upon the student community that it is your responsibility to protect and promote our culture, while also using the power of knowledge to address the issues that affect us today. “Kashmir University has provided you the knowledge and wisdom, now it’s up to you to create a future where both our heritage and our progress walk hand in hand”, Sakeena Itoo said.
Highlighting on the contribution of Kashmir University, the Minister remarked that the Varsity is the ‘beacon of knowledge and social progress’ of Kashmir, highlighting that the University has produced professors, scholars, researchers who are significantly impacting various sectors like education, governance, technology as well as for preservation of our cultural heritage.
“Kashmir University is not only a place of academic learning but a hub of social change and intellectual growth. It has produced individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of our society and preservation of our cultural heritage across the globe”, Sakeena Itoo maintained.
Commending the University for organising this Youth Festival, the Minister said that the ‘Sonzal’ is a very unique platform to promote and preserve the Kashmiri language which is an integral part of our cultural heritage. “Cultural outreach initiatives, like ‘Sonzal’, demonstrate University’s commitment to nurturing creativity, preserving traditions and empowering the youth,” Sakeena Itoo remarked.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan highlighted the significance of the festival in fostering creativity, unity and curiosity among young minds.
“Our university is committed to providing platforms like Sonzal to nurture the talent and potential of our students in various ways ,” she said.
Prof. Khan also outlined the University’s breakthroughs and achievements, including the implementation of the NEP 2020 framework at UG level.
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, emphasised the University’s holistic approach to education while as Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, described the event as a celebration of cultural talent.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dean Students Welfare KU, Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah, stated that the festival is aimed at promoting social cohesion, cultural understanding, and artistic exchange.
The inaugural ceremony featured the live performance of the University Tarana by the DSW cultural group, release of the annual student magazine ‘Gulala’, and mesmerizing live cultural performances by student cultural groups.
The festival, running from December 12-20, brings together students from various colleges and universities across Kashmir to showcase their talents in wide range of competitions like quiz, debate, elocution, collage making, poster-making, painting, cartoon-making, clay-modelling and other categories during next seven days.