KU’s annual Youth Festival ‘Sonzal-2024’ concludes

Ehsaan Yousf

Srinagar, Jan 02: The annual youth festival Sonzal-2024, organized by the Division of Youth Affairs, Department of Students Welfare (DSW), University of Kashmir (KU), concluded on Thursday with an award distribution ceremony held at the Ibn Khaldun auditorium of the main campus.

The valedictory function marked the culmination of the vibrant festival, which saw the participation of over 450 students from KU’s main and satellite campuses, as well as from affiliated and constituent colleges of KU across the Valley.

Students showcased their talents in various competitions, creating a platform for cultural exchange and interaction.

Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, the chief guest, praised the enthusiasm and energy of the participants despite harsh weather conditions.

“Sonzal provides a platform for students to showcase their talents and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds. We should broaden the scope of this festival to include students from universities across the country, making it a national-level event,” she said.

She also said that youth festivals provide an opportunity to students from various backgrounds and disciplines to interact with each other as well as showcase their talent.

Prof. Khan while distributing the awards and prizes also congratulated the participants, jury, and organizers for the successful conduct of the festival.

Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof Shariefuddin Pirzada and Dean, College Development Council KU, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Butt also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the critical role of DSW in providing such platform to the youth to articulate their views and showcase their talent thereby developing cultural and co-curricular activities.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dean Students Welfare KU, Prof. Shamim A Shah emphasized the importance of such events in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for students to excel.

Besides, Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, heads from various departments of the campus, and principals of the affiliated colleges were also present on the occasion.

The valedictory ceremony included the distribution of awards to winners, participants, and jury members. Cultural Officer KU and Organising Secretary of the event Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, conducted the proceedings of the valedictory ceremony.