Principal Secretary, School Education, Dr. Asgar Samoon, today distributed prizes among the winner students of online competitions held under Samagra Shiksha J&K.In the first category of the event of online ‘Essay Writing Competition’ held on the eve of World Population Day-21st July 2020 for students of 9th to 12th classes, Sumedha Manhas from Presentation Convent Senior Secondary School clinched first position while Sabeela Raza from GHS Rainawairi-Srinagar and Devanshu Gupta from GHSS Hutt- Kathua bagged second and third position respectively. Besides, consolation prizes were awarded to Ashu Rani from GGHSS Mubarak Mandi-Jammu and Shahida Aziz from GHSS Sarigufwara-Anantnag.In second category of the event of ‘Writing a Letter to your favourite Teacher’ held on the eve of Teachers’ Day, first prize was bagged by Sumit Singh of GHSS Khanna Chhargal, Jammu while second position was shared by Japji Kaur from Jammu Sanskrit School and Sumedha Manhas from Presentation Senior Secondary School. Similarly, third position was also shared by Abhi Khullar from KC Public School Jammu and Puneesh Manhas from Jodhamal Public School-Jammu while Akash Kumar from GHSB School, Sarwal and Diksha Motin from GGHS Gol Gujral, clinched the fourth and fifth positions.Speaking on the occasion, Samoon said that co-curricular activities are significantly important for students along with the academics for overall development. “The new Education Policy-2020 lays more emphasis on inculcating concepts of arts, heritage and culture among the students”, he maintained. He said that education in schools must be holistic covering all dimensions of human development.Later, Director SCERT and Chairperson J&KBOSE Professor Veena Pandita, advised the winners to keep participating in such events in routine manner.Director School Education, Jammu, Anuradha Gupta and Director School Education Kashmir, Mohammad Yonis Malik were also present during the event.Project Director-Samagra Shiksha, Dr.Arun Manhas expressed gratitude and assured that such events shall continue to be organized even during the current Covid-19 pandemic conditions through online mode.