SRINAGAR: In an effort to help students learn through real-life experiences and build practical skills from a young age, International Islamic School Srinagar held a special session in collaboration with the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). The event aimed at enhancing the quality of physics education and was honored by the presence of well-known Indian physicist and Padma Shri awardee, Prof. H.C. Verma, as the chief guest.
This remarkable event witnessed the participation of several distinguished guests, including Dr. G.N. Var, State President of the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK), Dr. Tariq Ahmad Bhat, Chairman of International Islamic School, Syed Ishtiyaq, Secretary of the JK Science Communicator Network & Principal of Govt. Higher Secondary School, Haal Pulwama, Nisar Ahmad, Principal of Govt. Higher Secondary School Arwani Anantnag, Khursheed Ahmad, Senior Lecturer at Govt. Higher Secondary School Rainawari Srinagar and Umer Malik, Principal of International Islamic School.
The event was part of IAPT's year long initiative aimed to promoting Experiential Learning and Practical Work, with one of the key highlights being the Physics Mashal Yatra an innovative outreach program conceptualized by Prof. Verma. The initiative includes hands-on physics demonstrations, teacher training and interactive sessions, with a special focus on educational development in Jammu & Kashmir.
The program began with opening remarks by Senior Lecturer Khursheed Ahmad, who emphasized the need to integrate practical learning into science education. "This event aims to ignite curiosity among students and allow them to explore the world of physics in a tangible and meaningful way," he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. H.C. Verma shared his personal story, highlighting the importance of resilience in education "I celebrate the success of those who have scored well, but my greater affection is for those who didn’t. I’ve been through it myself. When I was admitted directly to Class 6th without ever having attended school before, I failed in every subject. But that failure didn’t dishearten me. I never let exam results create tension in my life and that’s my message to students today."
Prof. Verma urged students to focus on learning rather than worrying about top ranks. "True learning happens when you’re not afraid of failing," he continued. "What truly matters is whether you’ve learned something. High marks without understanding mean little, learning without marks still holds immense value. Believe in yourself. Dive deep into subjects, question things, read beyond the classroom because true growth happens not through memorization, but through thinking, questioning and understanding. Exams are just a moment, real learning is for life."
PSAJK President Dr. G.N. Var acknowledged the transformative power of such educational events, saying, “Prof. H.C Verma’s presence here highlights the importance of experiential learning. Events like these inspire not only students but also teachers to rethink how we approach science education. They offer a unique opportunity to learn from the brightest minds in education and science. Prof. Verma’s presence today is a testament to the value of experiential learning and we hope it inspires both students and educators to strive for excellence in their pursuits."
Chairman of International Islamic School, Dr. Tariq Ahmad Bhat, expressed his gratitude to Prof. Verma and the IAPT, JK Science Communicator Network for their collaboration. "This event aligns with our vision of empowering our students with knowledge and skills that go beyond traditional learning. Our students today are the leaders of tomorrow and initiatives like this will provide them with the tools to succeed in an increasingly complex world."
Syed Ishtiyaq, Secretary of the JK Science Communicator Network, emphasized hands-on engagement in science "We must move beyond textbook learning and provide students with opportunities to apply science practically. Initiatives like this are steps toward building a scientifically literate society."
IIS Principal Umer Malik shared the school’s vision and highlighted the importance of the day. "Our institution’s mission is not just to educate, but to cultivate global citizens equipped with scientific knowledge, strong moral values and leadership qualities. We aim to prepare our students not just for today's challenges, but for those of tomorrow. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prof. H.C. Verma Sir for inspiring our students and teachers with his wisdom. His words today have left a lasting impression. We are committed to creating a learning environment where students focus on thinking and truly understanding, rather than just memorizing information."
The event concluded with a prestigious award ceremony, where top-performing Class 10th students were recognized for their academic achievements. The celebration was attended by parents, teachers and distinguished guests.
Among the JKBOSE toppers honored were Qareeha Wani (495), Anam Bilal (495), Zohra Shah (494), Ariya Bhat (493), Namiya Sajad (492), Tooba Nabi (492), and Asmar Parviz (492), All of these girls were recognized for topping the Class 10th JKBOSE Examination. The atmosphere was filled with pride as students received award certificates and special accolades, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. The atmosphere was filled with pride as students received special awards, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
Zoha Mir delivered the vote of thanks, while the International Islamic School administration praised the students for their remarkable accomplishments: "Today, we celebrate more than just results. We celebrate this event as a symbol of dedication, resilience and a true love for learning. These students have set a great example for their classmates and we are proud of their achievements.
This exceptional event highlighted a significant milestone in the journey of International Islamic School Srinagar, reinforcing its commitment to providing a well-rounded education. The collaboration with IAPT and the presence of icons like Prof. H.C. Verma signal a bright future for science education in Jammu & Kashmir, fostering the next generation of scientists, innovators and responsible global citizens.
SAMBA: To promote awareness about social justice and constitutional rights, Government Degree College (GDC) Ramgarh organized a "Quiz Competition on Ensuring the Rights of SCs, STs, OBCs, and Minorities" and a special lecture to mark World Press Freedom Day under the patronage of the College Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Meeru Abrol.
The quiz competition was held under the broader framework of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to enlighten students about policies related to inclusive development, access to education and employment, and anti-discrimination measures. Dr. Shivali Panjgotra coordinated the event and welcomed the participants.
Four teams participated in the quiz competition, each team comprising two students. Team A, consisting of Amandeep Kaur and Malika Choudhary, emerged as the winner, securing the first position. Team C, represented by Janvi and Sakshi, secured the second place, while Team B, with participants Neeraj Kumar and Lucky Bhagat, stood third.
Meanwhile, a thought-provoking lecture was organised on the campus to mark World Press Freedom Day, observed every year on May 3. The lecture centered on this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” The event featured an informative and engaging lecture by Ashok Kumar, the Resource Person for the day.
In his lecture, Kumar explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of journalism and press freedom. He spoke about the benefits of AI in the media sector, such as faster reporting, content generation, real-time fact-checking and multilingual content creation. At the same time, he cautioned against the emerging risks of AI misuse-particularly the spread of misinformation through deep fakes, algorithmic bias, and threats to journalistic revenue models.
Kumar also addressed the historical context of World Press Freedom Day, reminding the audience of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration and the role of UNESCO and the United Nations General Assembly in establishing this day in 1993. He reiterated that press freedom is not only essential for democracy but also for safeguarding human rights, promoting transparency, and ensuring informed public discourse.
The event witnessed participation from the entire faculty, including Dr. Snobar, Prof. Sandeep Kumari, Prof. Brham Dutt, Dr. Shivali Panjgotra, Priya Sharma, Anjali Devi, Dr. Susheel Kumar and Sayema. A large number of students actively participated in the session, expressing their deep interest in the topic and their appreciation for the role of media in shaping society. The session concluded with a renewed commitment to uphold press freedom, combat disinformation, and foster media literacy among the youth in an AI-driven world.
JAMMU: In a significant step towards supporting local livelihood, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today conducted a draw for the allocation of modern kiosks and rehries among registered vendors operating in the Bahu Fort area. As many as 23 spaces among registered vendors, comprising 13 Modern kiosks and 10 rehri holders, were allotted these facilities through a transparent draw of lots. All beneficiaries were previously registered with the Jammu Municipal Corporation and held valid licenses to operate in the area.
The event was held in the presence of Member of Legislative Assembly, Vikram Randhawa and Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Dr. Devansh Yadav. Addressing the gathering, the MLA congratulated the allottees and urged them to work with commitment, maintain discipline, and offer high-quality products and services to the public. He emphasized the importance of self-employment initiatives in strengthening the local economy and improving livelihoods.
The Commissioner highlighted that the infrastructure, modern kiosks, has been developed by the Jammu Smart City Limited with financial assistance from the Union Government to empower local vendors and promote organized vending and Jammu Municipal corporation handed over them to registered vendors. He advised allottees to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in and around their allotted spaces, contributing to the beautification and environmental health of the area.
The initiative is part of JMC’s broader vision to modernize urban vending and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities for the urban poor in the city. Among others, Joint Commissioner (R&E) Rakesh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner (N) Sanjay Badyal, Deputy Commissioner (S) Lal Chand, Tehsildar Bahu Raju Samyal, Chief Revenue Officer Sunil Gupta, SHO Bahu, were also present on the occasion.
JAMMU: An awareness van was flagged off today here from the Deputy Commissioner’s Officer as part of a campaign to promote the Common Service Centres. (CSCs). Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya, who launched the awareness vehicle, highlighted the importance of reaching every corner of the district to ensure that citizens are informed about the services available at CSCs. “The mission is to ensure that people are well-informed about these opportunities and can easily access them at their nearest CSC,” the DC said while addressing the gathering.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Sher Singh, Senior Director IT & District Informatics Officer NIC Jammu Sanjeev Kapoor, along with various district officers and members of the public. District Manager CSC, Bhawna Mahajan, elaborated on the range of services offered through CSCs. “Common Service Centres serve as digital access points for a multitude of services, including Aadhaar enrollment and updates, PAN card applications, banking and financial services, insurance, utility bill payments, and applications for government certificates such as birth, death and income certificates,” she stated. The awareness van will traverse various blocks and panchayats of the district over the coming weeks, disseminating information.
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah this evening called on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the national capital to discuss key issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, with particular emphasis on the recent developments in the region.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed the Prime Minister on the prevailing situation in the wake of the heinous terrorist attack that occurred on April 22 in Baisaran Valley of the Pahalgam tourist resort, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The Chief Minister reiterated the deep sense of grief and outrage felt by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
On April 28, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack in the strongest possible terms, reflecting the collective will of the people’s representatives to stand united against terrorism and safeguard the peace and harmony of the region. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed to the Prime Minister the deep sense of solidarity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir in rejecting violence.
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