Srinagar: To honour the spirit of democracy and unity, the University of Kashmir (KU) celebrated the 76th Republic Day with great enthusiasm and fervour aligned with the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress). The celebrations were marked by vibrant participation from the university fraternity across all its campuses.
At the main campus Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, hoisted the national flag on the front lawns of the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat. The ceremony began with the national anthem which echoed a sense of unity and pride across the gathering. In her address, Prof. Khan extended warm Republic Day greetings to the university community and the nation. She highlighted the significance of the day in reaffirming the commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
“Republic Day is not only a day of celebration but also a reminder of our responsibilities toward building a just, equitable, and progressive society,” she said.
Prof. Khan also acknowledged the dedication of the university’s teaching and administrative staff in upholding these values and urged everyone to strive for excellence in their respective domains.
During the event, four employees from the proctotial wing of the university Pyare Lal Jamadar and chowkidars Mohd Ashraf Bhat, Sameer Ahmad Shah, and Hamid Gul—were felicitated for their exemplary efforts in containing a recent fire incident on campus. Prof. Khan praised their quick response and commitment which prevented significant damage during the emergency.
The ceremony was attended by Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada; Dean Research KU Prof Mohd Sultan Bhat; Dean College Development Council KU, Prof. Khurshid Butt; Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal;, deans of all the schools, heads/coordinators of all teaching & research departments, officers of the Registry, faculty members and various other officials from the non-teaching faculty of the University.
After the flag hoisting ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, along with university officials, attended the main Republic Day Parade function at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.
The Proctorial Wing, under the leadership of Chief Proctor Dr. Imtiyaz Ahmed Khan, ensured seamless arrangements for the event’s smooth conduct.
A cultural program organised by Department of Students Welfare (DSW) KU highlighting the rich heritage and pluralistic ethos of the nation was also held on the occasion.
Similar celebrations were also held at the university’s satellite campuses in North, South, and Kupwara, where flag-hoisting ceremonies saw active participation from students, staff, and officials. The Republic Day celebrations concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen the university’s role in nation-building and promoting an inclusive academic environment.
