With an aim to promote golf among the students, the Gulmarg Development Authority in collaboration with Directorate of School Education (Kashmir) today organized an education-sports festival "Khizaan-e-Gulmarg 2017" in Gulmarg.The festival witnessed participation of around 150 students from government schools and professional golfers from across Kashmir and was inaugurated by Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, who was the chief guest on the occasion.The day-long festival included various sports activities such as golf, cycling, marathon, painting competition, debate and motivational talks.Gandola ride for students was also organized on the occasion.MLA Gulmarg, Mohammad Abbas Wani, MLA Rafiabad, Yawar Dilawar Mir, Former Minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Secretary School Education Farooq Ahmad Shah, DC Baramulla Dr Nasir Ahmad Naqash, Director School Education Kashmir, Dr G N Itoo, Special Project Director RMSA, Tufail Mattoo, CEO Gulmarg, Syed Hanief Balkhi, Chairman Private Schools Association, GN Var, Chairman Mushtaq Group of Hotels, Mushtaq Chaya, prominent businessman, Mohammad Shafi Tramboo, professional golfers of Kashmir and officials from various departments were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Altaf Bukhari said that the festival is part of ongoing extracurricular activities being organized by Directorate of School Education aimed at overall development of students. He said various initiatives are underway to strengthen the extracurricular activities in J&K.The Minister said that the Department will organize a skiing training camp for the students this winter, adding that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has approved 1.5 percent from CDF from each constituency to be utilized on educational tours.Bukhari said the golf-coaching camp currently underway at Royal Springs Golf Course has been witnessing large participation of students from various schools. He said the best three students which will be adjudged during the camp will get free registration at the golf course, adding that students interested in golf will be provided free training by the Directorate of School Education.Bukhari said the dismantled Youth Hostel at Gulmarg will be reconstructed and announced that a 300-seater auditorium will be established there. He directed the concerned officials to ensure the natural ambience of the place is not disturbed.He also said facilities at Polo Ground in Srinagar will be upgraded so that night football tournaments can be played there.Later, the Minister distributed certificates and mementoes to felicitate students securing positions in different activities.