Srinagar, Dec 12: Kashmir University (KU) Thursday kick-started the 17th edition of its annual youth festival, Sonzal 2024 with a grand inaugural ceremony at the University’s Convocation Complex on Thursday.
Organized by the Division of Youth Affairs, Department of Students Welfare (DSW), the festival runs from December 12 to 20 and brings together students from colleges and universities across Kashmir to showcase their creativity and talent.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including deans of schools, heads of departments, key administrative officials, faculty members, scholars, and students of the campus.
The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, was the chief guest at the event. In her address, Itoo lauded the university for its role in fostering youth development and promoting cultural engagement. “Kashmir University continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our youth. Sonzal provides a great opportunity for our youth to express their creativity, showcase their talent and grow,” she said.
Itoo emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Kashmiri language and culture, urging students to use such events to deepen their cultural roots. “The Kashmiri language is an integral part of our heritage, and platforms like Sonzal provide an opportunity to celebrate and protect it,” she added.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the festival in nurturing creativity, unity, and intellectual curiosity among students. “Our university is dedicated to providing platforms like Sonzal, enabling students to explore their potential and contribute to Kashmir’s rich cultural landscape,” she said.
Prof. Khan also highlighted the university’s accomplishments, including the implementation of the NEP 2020 framework, the launch of new programs, and its ongoing commitment to research and community engagement. “We are continuously evolving to achieve academic excellence and provide opportunities for our students’ holistic growth,” she added.
Dean of Academic Affairs, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted the university’s holistic educational approach, while Registrar, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, described Sonzal as a celebration of students’ creative spirit. “Sonzal reflects the university’s commitment to fostering artistic and intellectual development,” Prof. Iqbal said.
Dean of Students Welfare, Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah, in his welcome address, emphasized the festival’s role in promoting social cohesion, cultural understanding, and artistic exchange.
The inaugural ceremony featured a lively performance of the University Tarana by the DSW cultural group, the release of the annual student magazine ‘Gulala’, and mesmerizing cultural performances by various student groups. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer at DSW and organizing secretary of Sonzal 2024, coordinated the event.
Over the next week, Sonzal 2024 will host a range of competitions, including quizzes, debates, elocution, painting, photography, and musical events, offering students a platform to showcase their talents across various disciplines.
With its focus on cultural exchange and artistic expression, Sonzal 2024 promises to be a vibrant celebration of youth talent, reflecting the dynamic and creative spirit of Kashmir’s student community.
