Peerzada Sayeed
Kupwara, July 16, 2024 – The Anhad Community Centre organized a grand program, “Celebrating Community Work,” at the Town Hall, Kupwara. The event saw the participation of over 200 girls, boys, and women who have been associated with the center since its inception a year and a half ago.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The program was graced by several dignitaries, including Chief Guest Shri Shobhit Saxena, SSP Kupwara. Guests of Honour included Amina Majid, DDC Member Drugmulla; Azad Naqshbandi, social activist; Abdul Jabbar, former ZEO Sogam; and Gauhar Raza, retired Chief Scientist, CSIR, and renowned Urdu poet. The dignitaries were warmly welcomed with plant gifts in beautiful clay pots by the students.
Exhibition and Cultural Programs
Chief Guest Mr. Shobhit Saxena inaugurated and toured the exhibition titled “Women Who Inspire: A Tribute to Indian Women,” featuring 40 panels highlighting the heroic and resilient stories of Indian women across various fields. The exhibition paid homage to their contributions to culture, education, India’s independence struggle, and the making of the constitution.
The event included vibrant cultural performances by Anhad Community Centre students, featuring songs and dances. Certificates were awarded to 103 students who completed six-month diplomas in Computer Applications, Tailoring & Cutting, and Machine Knitting.
Special Gifts and Addresses
Handmade crewel embroidery table covers were presented to the dignitaries. Additionally, the Chief Guest received a framed Preamble of the Constitution, bordered with sozni embroidery, presented by Arun Kumar, Coordinator of Anhad Community Centre, and Shabnam Hashmi, founder of Anhad.
Inspiring Speeches
Shri Shobhit Saxena, in his address, emphasized the importance of dreaming big and achieving one’s aspirations, lauding Anhad Community Centre for its role in helping individuals realize their dreams. Azad Naqshbandi offered to assist in the placement of diploma holders and support them in setting up their own ventures. Amina Majid highlighted Anhad’s long-standing work in Kashmir since 2005. Abdul Jabbar praised the center’s impactful work, and Gauhar Raza encouraged asking questions and speaking out against social evils, concluding with a recitation of his poem.
Performances and Announcements
The program was skillfully conducted by Shahid Farooq and Kausar Nazir, with Asiya Gul presenting the Activity Report. Students including Iqra Farooq, Shagufta, Morifat, Aarzu, Ulfat, Kulsuma, Anab, Muskan, and Sana Latif performed the traditional Kashmiri dance Rouf. Personal experiences at the center were shared by Kulsum Khanam, Rabia Rasul, and Ulfat. Zubaida Faiyaz and Sana Latif sang songs promoting women empowerment. Children from Khumriyal village, including Mudasir Bashir and others, performed the song “Nanhe Munne Bachche Teri Mutthi Mein Kya Hai.”
Well-known Kupwara dancer Bilal was felicitated for his contributions to teaching village children. Shabir Ahmad Ganai, the first D Licence Football Coach in Kupwara, announced the launch of the Anhad Football Club, with coaching starting on August 1, 2024, for children aged 5 to 14 at Sogam Ground, Lolab, Kupwara.
About Anhad Community Centre
Established in November 2022, the Anhad Community Centre engages actively with the youth, women, and children of Khumriyal and surrounding villages. The center operates a 24×7 library with over 800 books, including resources for competitive exams, and offers a range of courses. Since its inception, 77 students have completed six-month diplomas, and 30 have gained basic computer literacy. The center also runs courses in Cutting and Tailoring, and Machine Knitting, and facilitates work opportunities for skilled women in villages.
The Anhad Community Centre relies entirely on personal donations and the voluntary efforts of activists and young people. The dedicated team includes Arun Kumar, Ruhi Rashid, Shahid Farooq, Ishfaq Mir, Sameera Bano, and Sheikh Raouf.
