79th Independence Day : Every citizen must work towards making India developed country: Dr Darakhshan

Srinagar, Aug 15: Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson and Minister of State, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, on Friday led the celebrations of Independence Day with a flag unfurling ceremony at Sultan-ul-Arifeen Higher Secondary Institute here. The event marked the occasion with patriotic fervour, honouring contributors from various fields and highlighting the Board’s recent reforms.During her address, Dr Andrabi said it is the collective responsibility of the nation’s citizens to work toward making India a developed country, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. She expressed pride in the Kashmiri people’s enthusiastic celebration of the national flag, asserting it as a response to earlier doubts about the region’s allegiance. “After 2019, J&K witnessed a great transformation under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor,” she said.Observers and community members note that under Dr Andrabi’s leadership, the Waqf Board has undergone a significant overhaul. Once on the verge of decline, the institution has been revitalised through reforms that increased accountability, reclaimed encroached properties, streamlined finances, and improved infrastructure, they said. According to the observers, the Board’s educational institutions have seen marked progress, with transparency and efficiency now central to its operations.In recent years, the Waqf Board has moved from obscurity to prominence as a vital public institution in Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Andrabi’s focus on transparency has helped plug revenue leakages and channel funds into community welfare projects. Her reforms in property management, digital record-keeping, and rent collection have ensured that resources are used effectively to support education, healthcare, and religious infrastructure.A key aspect of her tenure has been restoring the sanctity of shrines and facilitating pilgrim-friendly facilities. These initiatives have enhanced spiritual environments and contributed to local economic growth tied to religious tourism.The event featured felicitations for prominent social activists, intellectuals, and employees of the Waqf Board, recognising their exemplary service. A documentary showcasing the Board’s achievements was released, and children from Waqf-managed educational institutions presented patriotic performances that drew widespread appreciation.One of the highlights was the presentation of the “Alamdar-e-Kashmir Awards,” given to distinguished media professionals such as Qazi Salman (Director PIB & DD News), Tariq Ahmad Rather (Joint Director, Akashwani News), Hafiz Ayaz Gani (Editor-in-Chief, Rising Kashmir), Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo (Editor-in-Chief, Greater Kashmir), among others. The awards also honoured poet, critic, and Sufi-Rishi ideology expert Dr Satish Vimal, as well as poet and social activist Inayat Gul, recognising their contributions to cultural and social discourse.Dr Andrabi said the Waqf Board’s educational institutions are rapidly advancing, and development momentum will continue. The event was hosted by Asrar Nazki, with Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin delivering the vote of thanks.The gathering was attended by Waqf Board members Dr G. N. Haleem and Syed Mohammad Hussain, Special Officer Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Tehsildar Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, and prominent citizens from various backgrounds, underscoring the event’s significance in promoting community unity and progress.