Ganderbal, Nov 15: Central University of Kashmir’s Department of Politics and Governance in collaboration with the Department of Students Welfare (DSW) celebrated the Janajatiya Gourav Diwas by organising a panel discussion on “Contribution of Janajati Heroes in Freedom Struggle,” at varsity’s Green Campus here on Tuesday.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, Dean DSW, and Finance Officer, Dr. Mehraj ud Din Shah, Coordinator Deptt of Politics, Dr. Himabindu, faculty members, research scholars, and students were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah said the day is celebrated to honour the tribal freedom fighter, Birsa Munda. He said Birsa Munda led a movement against British rule, adding that Munda also helped in the preservation of traditional tribal culture and identity. Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah asked the department to highlight the contribution of other unsung heroes in the country’s freedom struggle.
Speaking on the occasion, Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, described Munda as a social reformer who fought bravely against the Britishers for the liberation of the country. “This day is a tribute to all such people who, despite belonging to a marginalized section of the society, played a significant role in the freedom struggle,” he added. The CUK Registrar asked the research scholars and students to gain more knowledge about leaders from different tribes and communities who played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle.
Dean DSW and Finance Officer, Dr. Mehraj ud Din Shah in his speech said that people belonging to all the sects, communities and religions, and participated in the country’s freedom struggle and ensured that the Britishers are driven out. Dr Mehraj ud Din said, the tribal leader’s contribution has been acknowledged by the Government of India, by commemorating the Janajatiya Gourav Diwas.
In her speech, Coordinator Deptt of Politics, Dr. Himabindu, said the objective of celebrating the day was to sensitize and aware the students about Birsa Munda who spearheaded a movement that arose in the Bengal Presidency in the late 19th century, during British rule.
Later a panel discussion took place in which four research scholars and a student participated and threw detailed light on the participation of various leaders in the freedom struggle. Asst Prof. Dr. Khalid Waseem conducted the programme proceedings while as Asst Prof. Ms. Tahira Khatoon proposed the vote of thanks.
