Programme on protection of women from domestic violence held at GDC Kupwara

Kupwara, Apr 30: A one-day awareness programme on the theme “Protection of Women from Domestic Violence, Property Rights and Workplace Discrimination” was successfully held on 30th April 2025 at the Meeting Hall, Government Degree College Kupwara.
The event was organised by Government Degree College Kupwara in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kupwara.
The programme aimed to raise awareness among students, faculty, and the general public about the legal rights of women and the issues they face in society. It focused on empowering women by educating them about the legal safeguards available against domestic violence, their rights to property, and protection against discrimination at workplaces.
The event began with a warm welcome address by Dr. Khalid Bashir, Senior Assistant Professor and Head, Department of History, Government Degree College Kupwara. In his address, he highlighted the importance of such initiatives in creating legal awareness and promoting gender justice, especially in educational institutions where future citizens are shaped.
The resource persons for the event were Ms. Nazhutul Amin, Deputy LADC, and Ms. Nelofar Nazir, Assistant LADC, who delivered impactful and informative sessions. They discussed in detail the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, the importance of knowing one’s legal property rights, and the laws ensuring a safe and equal working environment for women.
The session was moderated by Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad Yatoo, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, who skillfully guided the flow of the programme and engaged the audience with relevant reflections and thoughtful interventions.
The event saw a large turnout of participants, including students, teaching faculty, and members from the local community. The interactive sessions helped participants clarify their doubts and understand the importance of standing up against any form of injustice or discrimination faced by women.
The programme was organised under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Ab. Rashid Malik and Dr. Nuzhat Jabeen, Head of the Department of Botany and Convenor of the Women Development Cell, who also briefed the audience about the objectives of the programme and the ongoing efforts of the Women Development Cell to address gender-related concerns.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, accompanied by a strong message on the need to build a more just and gender-sensitive society. It marked a meaningful step toward educating the youth and spreading legal awareness among the masses.
IUST hosts tree talk on biodiversity conservation
Awantipora, Apr 30: The Department of Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change (DESCC) at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Kashmir, organized the 1616th Tree Talk to promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation among students and the wider academic community.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri O.P. Sharma, IFS (Retd.), former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Government of Jammu and Kashmir, spoke about the ecological, medicinal, and cultural significance of native plant species in the region. He urged students to become “green ambassadors” and underlined the critical role academic institutions play in documenting, protecting, and promoting local biodiversity through youth-led efforts and awareness campaigns. Prof. Humayun Rashid, Professor of Practice at DESCC, in his address emphasized the importance of integrating community perspectives into sustainable development strategies, noting that local knowledge often holds the key to effective, long-term solutions.