Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 6: Vice-Chancellor of University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad today called upon academics to work towards inculcating in students a sense of volunteerism to enable them to serve the society with passion in times of need.
Addressing as chief guest in the valedictory session of a week-long training for Programme officers of National Service Scheme (NSS), Prof Talat said academic institutions have to be on the forefront of societal volunteerism to help tackle a host of social and environmental issues, including mental health problems, drug abuse, pollution, climate change and risks related to natural disasters.
The training-cum-orientation programme was organised by the varsity’s NSS under the aegis of Empanelled Training Institute, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
Dean of Academic Affairs, Prof Shabir A Bhat, who was guest of honour, said such community-level programmes can go a long way in creating awareness amongst students and teachers about their role and responsibility towards the society.
“We owe a lot to the society that we come from. The volunteerism, like the one promoted by NSS, enables us to introspect and understand why we all need to get actively involved in combating a host of societal problems for our better today and tomorrow,” he said.
KU’s NSS Coordinator Dr Mussavir Ahmad said the week-long training programme included expert lectures on issues of critical importance, including drug de-addiction, mental health and disaster management. He said such training programmes are aimed at raising awareness about social responsibilities of teachers and students.
Dr Ishtiyaq from GDC Ganderbal and Dr Maale from Jammu, two NSS programme officers, also spoke on the occasion. Dr Wakar Amin, NSS Programme Officer KU, conducted proceedings of the valedictory session.
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