Ganderbal, Aug 14: Under the aegis of Meri Maati Mera Desh, Department of Politics and Governance in collaboration with the Directorate of Students’ Welfare (DSW) organized a lecture on “Jan Bhagidari movement” by Prof. Gul Mohammad Wani from University of Kashmir, and a plantation drive at Tulmulla campus here on Monday.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Wani spoke about the importance of people’s participation in democracy for social change and highlighted the significance of participatory democracy and the need for the dialogue between different stakeholders. “People must be at the centre of policy making and governance and Jan Bhagidari movement tries to bring the people centrestage in the deliberative and participatory democracy in India.”
Prof. Wani said that Mahatma Gandhi was the only political leader who made the freedom movement a people’s movement. “World’s leading economists have described Gandhi as a People’s economist as he was very close to the living experiences of the people. Gandhi spoke of the importance of harmony, fraternity and trust for nation-building.”
He also spoke of Mr. J P Narayan’s political framework for India as an advocate of partyless democracy. “Mr. J P Narayan did not want interference of political parties in Panchayats and informed that excessive politicisation will hamper governance at village level.” Prof Wani emphasised that there are elements of voluntarism in Indian people but it has not been harnessed fully. He spoke of Vinoba Bhave and his role in propagating features of Jan Bhagidari movement. He said that Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Jan Bhagidari campaign with a belief in cultivating the power of the people at ground level. The imagination of an Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India or Digital India, these changes are dependent on Jan Bhagidari, as the country is focusing on Vocal for Local.
Dr. Himabindu Mukthipudi, Asst Prof. conducted the session, Ms Tahira Khatoon, Coordinator, DPG welcomed the speaker and Dr Asif Khan, Dy DSW gave the concluding remarks. Dr Muzaffar Ganaie gave the vote of thanks.
The second session comprised plantation drive wherein Prof. Wani along with the students and faculty members planted around 30 saplings at Tulmulla campus. Dr. Mohammad Lateef, Landscape Development Officer, facilitated the plantation drive.
‘Panch Pran Pledge’ ceremony held at IUST
Awantipora, Aug 14: The National Service Scheme (NSS) unit, of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), headed by Dr Tariq Ahmad Ganie, today organized a series of programs under the aegis of “Meri Mati Mera Desh” Campaign.
The event commenced with the inspiring “Panch Pran Pledge,” where all attendees vowed to serve the nation and safeguard its environment. A plantation drive was also organized in the campus which was attended by officers including Dean Academic Affairs, Registrar Finance Officer, deans, directors, heads of departments and NSS volunteers.
The University also organized Dedication of Shiphalakam and Veeron Ka Vandana campaigns, by honouring the families of the martyrs and paying homage to them. Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo Vice Chancellor of IUST presided over the function which was attended by Prof Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, Finance Officer, Mr Samir Wazir and others.
