Youth need to embrace Mahatma Gandhi’s values of justice, peace: VC KU

Srinagar, Oct 2: To commemorate and honour Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of peace and service, the University of Kashmir (KU) Wednesday organised a series of events to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, Bapu’s birth anniversary here.
The event organised by the varsity’s Department of Students Welfare (DSW), aimed at promoting Mahatma’s timeless ideals of truth, non-violence and selfless service.
KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, who inaugurated the celebrations, emphasised the continued relevance of Gandhian principles in today’s world.
“Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of Satyagraha, truth and non-violence remain as powerful now as they were in his time,” Prof Khan said.
She further said: “It is crucial for the younger generation to understand and embrace Mahatma’s values in shaping a just and peaceful society.”
She reiterated that educators must inspire students not only to seek knowledge but to cultivate the courage and compassion necessary to drive meaningful change.
KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, underlined Gandhiji’s approach to social change that focuses on compassion, patience and community involvement.
“Gandhiji’s approach should inspire students not only in their academic pursuits but in how they engage with society’s problems,” he said, adding that it is the responsibility of educators to instill these values in students from a young age.
In his welcome address, Dean Students Welfare, Prof Shamim Ahmad Shah, termed the event “a humble tribute to the Father of the Nation”.
“Through such activities, we keep his legacy alive and inspire our students to contribute positively to society,” he said while emphasising the significance of student participation.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by various activities held at the varsity’s Youth Club in which students, faculty and staff participated.
Key events of the day included a conference on “Satyagraha: The Power of Truth and Non-Violence,” which involved participants from different varsity departments.
In addition to the conference, students from various departments, including Social Work, Shri Pran Krishan Kaul Institute of Music and Fine Arts (formerly IMFA), KU Youth Club and the Women’s Studies Centre, showcased their artistic talents through sketches and posters depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non-violence.
A plantation drive, organised in collaboration with the University Landscape Development Division (ULDD), witnessed the active participation of students and faculty.
Saplings were planted within the premises of Gandhi Bhawan by the KU Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Dean Students Welfare and other faculty members, contributing to a greener campus environment.
A campus-wide cleanliness drive was also conducted in which hostel boarders including university staff and the Health and Hygiene Division collectively worked to maintain the cleanliness of the campus.
The offices of ULDD, Proctorial Organisation, Department of Students Welfare, Estates Division, Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) coordinated in ensuring the smooth conduct of the whole event.
Cultural Officer, Department of Students Welfare, Dr Shahid Ali Khan, conducted the proceedings of the event.
Meanwhile, the varsity’s MA and MAK Boys’ hostels organised cleanliness drives to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti.
Students, hostel management and over 40 volunteers engaged in activities like waste collection, clean-up campaign and awareness sessions.