Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 4: The week long Chhau workshop, organised by the Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, in collaboration with Rangyug and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL), culminated in a grand valedictory ceremony today.
Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, Dr. Rashmi Singh, was the chief guest on the occasion while Director Colleges, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir was the guest of honour.
Other dignitaries present included Dr. S.P. Saraswat, Nodal Principal, PSPS Government PG College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Dr. Ravender Kumar Tickoo, Principal, GCW Parade Ground, Deepak Kumar, Director Rangyug; Rajinder Tickoo Padamshree, Suresh Kumar Sharma (Retd. Judge), Convener of SPIC-MACAY J&K Chapter and Dr. Lalit Gupta, Art Historian.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner Secretary highlighted the importance of the newly introduced skill-based theatre course at GCW Parade, which aims to equip students with practical skills that complement their academic learning. She acknowledged the college for its forward-thinking approach, combining traditional arts with modern education practices. She acknowledged the invaluable collaboration with Rangyug and JKAACL, which played a key role in the success of the workshop.
The Commissioner Secretary also expressed appreciation for the ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) initiative of GCW Parade, which allows students to customize their academic programs based on their personal interests and career goals, thus empowering them to take charge of their educational journey.
Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, in his address, emphasised the role of cultural and skill-based initiatives in shaping future-ready students. He lauded the synergy between GCW Parade and its collaborators in providing a platform for cultural exploration and learning.
Earlier, Ravender Tickoo, in his welcome address, emphasized the significance of integrating performing arts into academia as part of the college’s newly introduced Skill Development Program.
Dr. Alpana Vohra, Convener, Skill Development Cell, gave an overview of the workshop’s highlights and its transformative impact on the participants.
On the occasion, the participants showcased a Demonstration-cum-Performance, presenting their newly acquired skills under the guidance of resource persons Bhumikeshwar Singh, a renowned and internationally acclaimed expert in Classical Indian Drama, and Rudri Singh, a Chhau Exponent and Yoga Teacher. The performance depicted a powerful theme, where the participants, through precise body movements and expressive gestures, brought this profound message to life.
The dignitaries also released a Newsletter on the ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) Initiative, an innovative program by GCW Parade offering flexible academic opportunities tailored to individual student aspirations.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Gurpreet Kour, Coordinator, Skill Development Cell.
Among others, prominent figures including Dr. Priya Dutta, Raj Kumar Behrupia from IMFA, Ashish Sharma, Coordinator Rangyug, Ashok Sharma senior journalist, and faculty members Prof. Anuradha Kalsi, Dr. Sukriti Sharma, Dr. Randheer Kour, Prof. Tazim Akhtar, Prof. Arti Devi, Prof. Neetu Bala, Dr. Sukhwinder Kaur, Dr. Neetu Sharma, Prof. Pooja Saroch, Prof. Mohammad Qayoom, Prof. Deepti Salotra, Prof. Arif Ahmed were present on the occasion.
