Peerzada Sayeed
Kupwara, Nov 2 (JKNS): In a significant initiative aimed at promoting educational excellence, moral values, intellectual development and youth empowerment, Government Degree College (GDC) Tangdar on Sunday hosted the Raah-e-Roshan Conference 2026, organised by RoshanKal Welfare Foundation.
The conference witnessed an impressive gathering of hundreds of participants, with representatives from more than 30 educational institutions, including government schools, private schools and madrasas from different parts of the Karnah region.
The conference emerged as a meaningful platform for bringing together the educational, intellectual, religious and social communities under one roof, highlighting the importance of knowledge, faith, character building, mutual respect and collective responsibility in shaping the future of society.
The event witnessed the participation of distinguished personalities from diverse fields, including senior educationists, academicians, professors, lecturers, doctors, teachers, government officials, Army and Police officers, religious scholars, Muftis, poets, journalists, social activists, students and prominent members of civil society. Their presence added significance to the occasion and reflected the collective interest of the community in strengthening the educational environment of Karnah.
The conference was presided over by Qazi Abdul Hameed Sahib, a senior-most retired educationist and former Principal, alongside the Principal of Government Degree College Tangdar. Dr. Hafeez Masoodi (JKAS), Special Secretary, Information Technology, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, attended the programme as the Special Guest. A senior Indian Army officer, representing the Commanding Officer, also graced the occasion as a Special Guest.
Among other distinguished personalities present were renowned poet Abdul Rashid Ghamgeen, poet Gh. Haider Nadeem, Shameem Ahmad Sheikh, Zonal Physical Education Officer, senior journalist Ishfaq Sayeed, Civil Society Chairman Peerzada Siraj-ud-Din and social activist Mohammad Hafeez Mir. The programme also witnessed the participation of the Principal and faculty members of GDC Tangdar, madrasa scholars, Muftis, schoolteachers, community representatives and several other prominent personalities.
A major attraction of the conference was the series of educational, literary and intellectual competitions organised to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity, confidence and communication skills. Competitions included debates, Naat-e-Sharif, Urdu speeches, English speeches and other student activities.
Students from government schools, private educational institutions and madrasas participated enthusiastically, presenting their ideas and perspectives on subjects connected with education, faith, moral values, character development and social responsibility. Their performances reflected the considerable talent, intellectual potential and confidence of the younger generation in the region.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the event was the participation of students belonging to different educational systems on a common platform. The coming together of modern educational institutions and traditional religious seminaries conveyed a powerful message of educational harmony, mutual understanding and respect for diverse learning traditions. It also highlighted the importance of balancing modern education with moral and spiritual development.
The organisers emphasised that education should not remain limited to textbooks and classroom learning but must also equip students with confidence, leadership qualities, communication skills, ethical values and a sense of responsibility towards society.
The felicitation ceremony formed another important part of the conference. Students securing first, second and third positions in all five competitions were honoured with appreciation awards in recognition of their performances, dedication and hard work. All participating students were also acknowledged for their enthusiasm and contribution, ensuring that every participant felt encouraged and valued.
Participating educational institutions, sponsors and supporters were also felicitated for their valuable cooperation and contributions. Distinguished guests received special tokens of appreciation and Guest of Honour recognitions as a gesture of respect and gratitude.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Hafeez Masoodi (JKAS), Special Secretary, Information Technology, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, appreciated RoshanKal Welfare Foundation for taking the initiative to organise such a meaningful educational programme in a far-flung border region like Karnah.
He particularly appreciated the foundation for bringing more than 30 educational institutions together on a common platform and acknowledged the efforts of the organisers, teachers, students and participating institutions. He underlined the importance of creating opportunities for young people to explore their abilities, develop confidence and prepare themselves for future responsibilities.
The Principal of Government Degree College Tangdar also appreciated the foundation for selecting the college as the venue for the conference and organising an event of educational and intellectual significance. He described the initiative as commendable and encouraged the organisers to continue such programmes in the future, assuring institutional cooperation and support.
Qazi Abdul Hameed Sahib, who presided over the conference, also appreciated the dedication of the organising team. Highlighting the importance of education and character development, he stressed that academic achievements must go hand in hand with moral values, discipline, intellectual maturity and positive engagement with society.
Other speakers and dignitaries echoed similar sentiments, observing that platforms such as Raah-e-Roshan could play an important role in identifying young talent, encouraging healthy competition and creating a culture of learning and mutual respect among students.
The conference was organised under the banner of RoshanKal Welfare Foundation under the leadership and guidance of its Director, Dr. Ashfaq Lone, who has been actively working towards educational awareness, youth empowerment and community welfare in Karnah.
Dr. Ashfaq Lone played a key role in conceptualising, planning and guiding the programme. His vision behind the initiative was to create a common platform where students from different educational backgrounds could interact, compete, learn from one another and showcase their abilities.
The initiative was designed not merely as a conventional educational gathering but as a broader movement to encourage intellectual development, leadership, confidence, moral character and a spirit of social responsibility among the younger generation.
The successful conduct of the conference was the result of collective efforts and contributions from the foundation’s team, volunteers, sponsors, donors, participating institutions and community members. Different arrangements, including refreshments and tea for guests and participants, were facilitated through the generous support and sponsorship of various individuals and well-wishers.
RoshanKal Welfare Foundation expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, donors, volunteers, teachers, students, educational institutions, society members and everyone who extended their support and cooperation. The foundation also conveyed special appreciation to Government Degree College Tangdar for providing the venue and extending the necessary institutional support.
The foundation further acknowledged the dedication and tireless efforts of its entire team, whose coordination, commitment and hard work contributed significantly to the smooth and successful organisation of the event.
The conclusion of the Raah-e-Roshan Conference 2026 marked more than the end of a one-day programme. It reflected a shared determination among educators, religious scholars, intellectuals, social activists and community representatives to invest in the future of Karnah by nurturing knowledge, talent, values and unity.
The impressive participation of more than 30 educational institutions demonstrated the willingness of the region’s educational community to come together for a common cause. It also highlighted the importance of creating more opportunities for students, particularly those belonging to remote and border areas, to develop their potential and compete on broader platforms.
Through this initiative, RoshanKal Welfare Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to educational awareness, youth development, community engagement and the promotion of an inclusive and progressive society.
The message emerging from the conference was clear: the future of any society depends not only on academic qualifications but also on the strength of its character, the depth of its knowledge and its commitment to humanity.
Raah-e-Roshan Conference 2026 — Lighting the Path of Knowledge, Strengthening the Roots of Faith and Building a Future of Unity and Progress.(JKNS)
