Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today remarked that Government College of Women (GCW), M.A Road has immense contribution towards the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir from last 75 years.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing the celebrations to commemorate the 75th year of existence of the Government Women’s College, Srinagar, ‘75 Years: A Celebration of Excellence in Women’s Education’, one of Jammu & Kashmir’s premier institutions dedicated to women’s education and empowerment.
Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Shantamanu; Director Colleges, Prof. Sheikh Aijaz; Principal GCW, Srinagar, Prof. Yasmeen Farooq; Nodal Principal, Prof. Seema Naz; Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University Srinagar, former Principals and Professors of College, other Alumni of college and large number of students were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister lauded the College’s rich legacy and its transformative contribution to the intellectual, cultural, and social development of Jammu and Kashmir. She added that the college has major contribution towards the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This institution has, over the decades, been a cornerstone of women empowerment, nurturing generations of leaders, educators and professionals, who have contributed meaningfully across various fields”, Minister said.
The Minister further said that GCW, Srinagar, stands as a beacon of empowerment and enlightenment for women across J&K. She added that for seventy-five years, it has opened doors of opportunity for thousands of young women, fostering not only academic excellence but also confidence, leadership, and a spirit of service to society.
Sakeena Itoo, in her address, also remembered the contribution of various Alumni members and expressed gratitude to them for their presence in these celebrations. She commended the faculty and alumni for their sustained dedication and called upon students to carry forward the institution’s legacy with renewed vigour in the era of knowledge-driven growth.
The Minister further emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure across J&K, with special focus on enhancing access, quality, and innovation in women’s education. She added that Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has given immense importance to Education, Health sectors and kept sufficient outlay for them in Budget.
The Minister further said that newly established degree colleges have been made functional by this government in last one year, besides sufficient faculty has been recruited to improve the educational outcomes of colleges across J&K.
Vice Chancellor Cluster University Srinagar, Additional Chief Secretary Higher Education and Director Colleges also addressed the gathering.
In her welcome address, Principal GCW Srinagar termed the celebrations as momentous day in the history of college. She also highlighted various achievements of the college since its inception.
During the event, the Minister also unveiled Coffee Table Book depicting 75 years of college. She also released College Times, Zoological Chronicle as well as many books of Alumni, faculty members and students.
The Minister on the occasion also felicitated outstanding students in academics, faculty members as well as Alumni of the college.
During the celebrations, the institutional journey of the college was showcased through an AV presentation, documentary, and alumni interviews and a pictorial representation of college during 2014 floods, highlighting the college’s commitment to excellence in women’s education.
On the occasion, intergenerational story-telling sessions were also held, where alumni shared their experiences and insights. Prof. Neerja Mattoo, Prof. Naseem Shafaie and Nancy Dhar regaled the audience with their stories.
The College’s cultural committee also organized a vibrant showcase of diverse art forms, featuring performances like Hindi invocation songs, Punjabi dance, poetry recitations, classical music, Baet Baazi, Ladakhi song, skit, group songs, Ladakhi dance, Ladi Shah, Qawwali, and Kashmiri Rauf.