Ganderbal, Sep 18: The Internal Committee (IC), Central University of Kashmir (CUK), in collaboration with the Department of English, School of Languages, organised a one-day national-level workshop on “Women and Society: Revisiting Indian Knowledge Systems” at Tulmulla campus here on Friday.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Presiding Officer, Internal Committee and Dean, School of Languages, said the Internal Committee of CU Kashmir had set forth an agenda to make use of every possible opportunity for the benefit of students, scholars, faculty and staff as per scope and viability.

In line with the aforementioned precept, this time the IC had conceived this workshop in collaboration with the Department of English to provide students and scholars an opportunity to listen to two women academicians and administrators on the chosen theme of women and society from the perspectives of IKS.

She also highlighted the importance of awareness about rights and contemporary social realities, while connecting these concerns with India’s intellectual legacy. “This is an occasion and a platform, aligned with the Bharatiya Gyan Parampara, for not only knowledge sharing but also for providing clarifications,” she observed, stressing that an open-minded engagement with knowledge is central to meaningful learning. She further noted that the workshop sought to explore how women have contributed as nation-builders and what is required for them to continue making meaningful contributions.

Prof. Sandhya Tiwari expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, for his continued support and guidance in organising such programmes.

In her detailed presentation, Prof. Vandana Sharma, Professor of English and Dean, School of Languages, Central University of Jammu, deliberated upon the idea of women’s dignity and self-respect. Drawing upon the metaphor of a river, she explained that a meaningful life requires a larger purpose, perseverance through difficult circumstances and the ability to remain committed to one’s goal.

“For getting samman and respect in life, it is very important that we start looking at our life, wherein we have a big aim in life,” she said.

Prof. Sharma also reflected on the relationship between masculine and feminine principles in Indian knowledge traditions, describing them as complementary rather than competitive. She traced the intellectual, spiritual, literary and social contributions of women across different periods, referring to figures including Lalleshwari, Lopamudra, Gargi, Maitreyi, Akka Mahadevi, Mirabai, Razia Sultana, Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh, Pandita Ramabai, Sarojini Naidu and women pioneers in science and other fields.

Emphasising the relevance of gender sensitivity for everyone, she said, “Sensitivity has to go to the other gender as well.” She urged students to recognise their potential and move beyond limiting stereotypes.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Geeta Singh, Professor and Director, CPDHE, Delhi University, emphasised the importance of rediscovering women’s intellectual and cultural presence within Indian knowledge traditions. She connected Kashmir’s heritage with the wider Indian knowledge landscape, referring to Sharda Peeth as a historic centre of learning and highlighting the enduring legacy of women such as Lalleshwari.

Speaking about women’s empowerment, Prof. Geeta Singh underlined that empowerment is closely linked with self-awareness. “When we know ourselves, when we recognise ourselves, we are able to acquire the power to move forward,” she said. She also invoked examples from the Vedic and later traditions to illustrate women’s engagement with learning, philosophy, literature and social life.

Prof. Geeta Singh further called upon young people to recognise their own capacities and contribute constructively to society. She stressed that educational institutions could play an important role in bringing forth this potential by creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and learning.

Member IC, Dr. Mir Insha Farooq, conducted the programme, and Member IC, Dr. Sunil Kumar Mannil, proposed the vote of thanks.

Srinagar, Sep 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday urged the newly-appointed Jammu and Kashmir Police Service (JKPS) officers not to harass the innocents and not spare the guilty.

Handing over appointment letters to 29 newly-selected officers of the Jammu Kashmir Police (Gazetted) Service, LG Sinha, reiterating the principle ‘do not harass the innocent; do not spare the guilty’, called upon them to wear the khaki uniform with pride, but keep their conscience closer to their hearts.

“You will possess authority, and you must combine that authority with the values of compassion so that human sensitivity remains an essential part of all your actions. You must resolve that, regardless of how difficult circumstances may become, you will choose integrity and duty. Always remember that the respect commanded by the uniform depends on the honesty, courage and conduct of the officers who wear it,” he said. “Move forward with honesty, courage and humility. Along with your appointment letters, I have today entrusted you with the hopes, dreams and faith of the people. I expect you to honour this responsibility with unwavering resolve and to use your authority in the cause of justice.”

The LG said that the appointment letters were not mere documents but carried the extraordinary weight of trust reposed by citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.

He described the appointment letter as invitations to serve, pledges to safeguard the dignity, security, and future of the people, and symbols of responsibility entrusted to the officers.

Congratulating the newly appointed officers, LG Sinha lauded their perseverance in overcoming an intense and transparent selection process conducted by the Jammu Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC).

He commended the commission for upholding fairness, impartiality, and credibility and establishing a new legacy of employment through merit since 2019.

The LG recalled how, for the first time, even children of ordinary families such as vegetable vendors, labourers, were able to secure government jobs purely on the basis of talent and hard work.

He told the newly appointed officers that their journey had only begun.

Their mission, LG Sinha said, was not personal success but service to the people, protection of citizens, and upholding the rule of law.

He underlined the evolving nature of challenges, including terrorism, radicalisation, and new methods of terror financing through cryptocurrency and money laundering.

The LG urged the officers to act as sentinels of both Jammu and Kashmir and the nation.

“After your training, when you wear the khaki uniform, you will stand as a protective shield between the terrorist forces and organisations across the border and the ordinary citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. You will be the guardians of the dreams of every citizen, and this is no small responsibility. I believe that protecting every citizen is one of the greatest responsibilities that any democracy can entrust to its officers. My expectation of you is that you will ensure a fear-free environment for every citizen,” he said.

Highlighting the ethos of the J&K Police, LG Sinha praised the devotion, sacrifice, and courage of senior officers who have safeguarded peace and harmony over decades.

He urged the newly-appointed officers to combine authority with compassion, uphold communal harmony, and protect the rights of the most vulnerable.

Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, and senior officials of Police and civil administration attended the ceremony.

Srinagar, Sep 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FS&CA), Information Technology (IT), Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Friday attended the concluding league-stage match of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026, powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing Jammu & Kashmir’s young sporting talent with greater opportunities to compete, excel and build careers in sports.

The Minister, as per an official statement, was the Chief Guest at the final league-stage fixture between Swift Strikers Rainawari FC and Sanctorum North United FC, witnessing an impressive display of football. Swift Strikers Rainawari FC registered a comprehensive 6–0 victory, thereby securing the fourth and final berth in the play-offs.

With the completion of the league stage, Athwas India XI emerged as the league winners, while the successful teams now advance to the play-off stage to compete for the coveted championship title.

During the event, Satish Sharma interacted with players, team officials and organisers and appreciated their efforts in creating a competitive platform for footballers from Jammu & Kashmir. He said that leagues such as the Kashmir Super League are important in providing young players with sustained match exposure and an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a competitive environment.

The Minister said that Jammu & Kashmir possesses considerable sporting talent and that the focus of the Youth Services & Sports Department is increasingly on identifying talent at the grassroots level, providing regular competitive exposure and creating pathways for promising sportspersons to progress to higher levels.

He stressed that sporting development cannot be confined to infrastructure alone and must also include regular tournaments, professional coaching, quality competition, talent identification and opportunities for players to gain experience.

Satish Sharma said that football enjoys a particularly strong following among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir, and tournaments of this nature can play an important role in converting that enthusiasm into structured sporting participation and competitive achievement.

He appreciated the participation of local players in the league and said that giving them opportunities to compete before home crowds can contribute significantly to their confidence and development. He also underscored the importance of encouraging youngsters to take up sports as a disciplined pursuit and, wherever their talent permits, as a potential career.

The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of coaches, referees, technical officials, team managements, organisers, sponsors and football supporters towards making the tournament successful. He said that a vibrant sporting ecosystem requires the collective participation of government institutions, sporting bodies, private partners, coaches, athletes and the community.

Highlighting the wider objectives of the government’s sports policy, Satish Sharma said that efforts are being made to strengthen sports infrastructure and expand opportunities for young people across Jammu & Kashmir. He maintained that the emphasis should remain on grassroots development, inclusivity, competitive opportunities and systematic nurturing of sporting talent.

The Minister said that major sporting competitions also provide an opportunity to promote discipline, teamwork, leadership, perseverance and healthy lifestyles among young people. He called upon youngsters to make sports an integral part of their lives and encouraged talented players to remain committed to continuous training and improvement.

The Kashmir Super League has witnessed enthusiastic participation, competitive encounters and growing interest among football lovers, providing local players with an organised platform to compete and gain valuable experience.

Congratulating Athwas India XI on being crowned league winners, Satish Sharma also congratulated Swift Strikers Rainawari FC on securing their play-off berth following their emphatic victory. He extended his best wishes to all the teams entering the knockout phase and expressed hope that the play-offs would produce further exciting and competitive football.

The Minister reiterated that the government will continue to support initiatives that contribute to the development of sports in Jammu & Kashmir and provide young athletes with platforms where their talent can be recognized, developed and showcased.