Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Oct 11(KNS): President Murmu is likely to visit the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple in the Jammu region tomorrow.
Official sources told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that during her possible visit, the President will inaugurate a remodeled Parvati Bhavan and a Skywalk, symbolizing a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity at this sacred shrine.
President Draupadi Murmu embarked on a significant two-day journey to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, characterized by heightened security measures, on Wednesday.
Upon her arrival in Srinagar, President Murmu was accorded the Guard of Honor at Srinagar Technical Airport. She was warmly received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who was accompanied by top-ranking police, military, and civilian officials.
President Murmu paid her respects to the fallen soldiers at the war memorial in the Army's 15 Corps headquarters in Srinagar, a poignant tribute to their sacrifice.
The President presided over the 20th Convocation of the University of Kashmir, which took place at the Hazratbal Campus on the outskirts of Srinagar.
During her address to the convocation attendees, President Murmu delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of youth following the path of "peace, prosperity, and discipline" as a means to lead the nation towards prosperity and progress.
She expressed her delight in being present and declared that, among the various convocations and institutions she had visited across the country, the campus of Kashmir University held a unique charm. She acknowledged the historical significance of Hazratbal and its continued blessings upon the university.
During the convocation, President Murmu distributed gold medals to 21 outstanding students out of a total of 462, taking note of the fact that 55 percent of the top awardees were female students. She celebrated the exceptional achievements of girls and women in various fields and referred to the awardees as "our tasveer and taqdeer."
The President expressed her delight at honoring a local hero, Kifayatullah, at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi for his participation in the 2023 Republic Day parade and for his outstanding contributions to society. She encouraged Kashmir University students to engage in social service alongside their pursuit of higher education, emphasizing the potential for positive societal change through such actions.
In her address, President Murmu placed a strong emphasis on the preservation of the environment and the natural gifts bestowed upon Kashmir. Quoting the Kashmiri proverb, "Ann poshe teli yele wan poshe," she underscored the collective responsibility of protecting nature and called upon the youth to play an active role in this endeavor.
The President extended her congratulations to Jammu and Kashmir for the comprehensive implementation of the National Education Policy, commending the region for leading the way among other states and union territories. She offered her best wishes to all the awardees for a promising future.
In a welcoming address, Lt. Gov. Manoj Sinha extended his congratulations to all present, including students and teachers, and proudly noted that 67 percent of the gold medalists were female students, heralding a golden era for women's empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir.
The convocation at Kashmir University was attended by officials from the police and administration, including DGP Dilbagh Singh, ADGP Vijay Kumar, Special DG (CID) RR Swain, SSP Srinagar Rakesh Bhalwal, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bhiduri, DC Srinagar Aijaz Asad, Mayor SMC Junaid Matoo, Waqf Board chairperson Darakshan Andrabi, and other dignitaries.
The President is scheduled to stay overnight in Srinagar and will engage with local tribal groups and women's Self Help Groups during the day. She will also be the guest of honor at a civic reception hosted at the Raj Bhavan Srinagar in recognition of her visit.(KNS)