Saying that identity of any nation lies in its heritage, culture and language, the Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone said that Jammu and Kashmir State is rich in its culture so it is responsibility of every citizen to ensure its sustenance for posterity.This was stated by the Minister while inaugurating weeklong inter-University Mega youth festival ”Sonzal 2013”, organized by Department of Students Welfare, Kashmir University at University auditorium here on Thursday.Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof Talat Ahmad, Registrar of the University, Prof Zaffar Ahmad Reshi, Dean Student’s welfare, Prof. Neelofar Khan, heads of various Departments and Professors besides large number of students and participants from various colleges were present on the occasion.Mr. Lone said such events are aimed at excelling new levels of glory by the youth of the state who possess perse talent and potential demonstrated the State in national and international competitions.
Mr. Lone said youth of our State have great talent and potential in academics, sports and other cultural activities and have proven their talent and skills at national and global levels.The Minister appreciated the organizers for holding this event and said these programmes enable the presentations of the culture and heritage. He stressed upon students to ensure maximum participation in literary and cultural activities which are necessary for nourishing and developing leadership qualities among students and make them better citizens. He also assured the organizers that government will provide every possible help and support for promotion of cultural activities in the State.
Vice Chancellor, Prof Talat Ahmad in his address said that organising youth festivals in the Universities provide an opportunity of utilizing the young minds in constructive and fruitful activities.He said such event is aimed at transcending new levels of glory represented by the youth of the state who posses perse talent and potential and extends to bring them together on a common platform.Registrar, Prof Reshi also spoke on the occasion, and said Sonzal is a synonymous to colours and like every year university organises a weeklong festival of different hues of the valley‘s youth. He said Sonzal engulfs the spirit of participation and competition mixed with entertainment.Dean Students Welfare, Prof Neelofar Khan who is also chairperson Sonzal-2013 said as many as 1000 students from 40 colleges and 40 Departments are participating in about 20 different events. She said Sonzal gives a platform to unleash the perse talent and help the students to showcase the hidden activities.