Highlights importance of skill development, holistic youth empowerment
SRINAGAR, APRIL 25: Srinagar District Administration on Saturday organised the District Administration Srinagar’s 1st Inter-College Debate Competition–2026 under the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Programme here at the Auditorium of Amar Singh College.
The programme, as per an official statement, was presided over by Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo.
The event was attended by Chief Planning Officer Srinagar, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Nodal Principal, Kashmir Division Colleges, Seema Naaz, Principal, Amar Singh College, Ajaz Ahmad Hakak, besides, enthusiastic participants from students and faculty members of various City Colleges, fostering intellectual and critical discourse among students.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the initiative as part of a comprehensive 12-month Youth Empowerment Plan aimed at fostering academic excellence, critical thinking and active youth participation in sports. He emphasized the need for structured academic and extracurricular interventions to prepare young individuals for emerging challenges.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that the Rolling Trophy Debate Competition is a key component of the District’s Youth Development & Empowerment Plan and reflects the administration’s commitment to nurturing intellectual discourse among students.
The DC underscored that such initiatives are instrumental in protecting youth from social evils like drug abuse and channeling their energies towards positive and constructive societal roles. He added that such events also safeguard youth from the menace of drug abuse and fostering responsible participation in society.
The debate centered on the theme, “Skill development and not the delivery of formal degrees should be the priority of the government today,” which generated insightful and engaging discussions. Students from various colleges across the city presented well-reasoned arguments both for and against the motion.
At the conclusion of the event, the Deputy Commissioner felicitated the winners in recognition of their outstanding performance.
Earlier, the Principal, Amar Singh College in his welcome address highlighted the significance of such academic platforms in nurturing analytical thinking and public speaking skills among youth. He emphasized the importance of aligning education with contemporary societal needs, particularly in the context of employability and skill enhancement.
The Nodal Principal Coleges, Kashmir Division presented vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the District Administration Srinagar, the participating institutions, judges, faculty members, and students for their valuable contributions in making the event a grand success.
The competition was adjudicated by a panel of judges comprising Dr. Mushtaq Shoukat Ali, Prof. Shah Lateef, Prof. Sheikh Mohammad Irfan and Dr. Shahnawaz Muntazir, whose expert evaluation ensured fairness and encouraged high standards of academic excellence.
Hadiya Binti Rouf from GCW Nawakadal Srinagar secured the First Prize, followed by Vadiah Aqeel from Amar Singh College Srinagar who secured the Second Prize, while Maryam from GDCW Zakura Srinagar was awarded the Third Prize.
The debate session was moderated by Prof. Basharat Shameem, who ensured the smooth conduct of the proceedings while maintaining a balanced and engaging environment for both speakers and the audience.
The entire programme was organized and facilitated by the Debates and Seminars Committee of Amar Singh College, headed by Dr. Shabnam Ara, Head, Department of Sociology, and co-headed by Prof. Ishaq Ahmad Wani, Head, Department of English. Their dedicated efforts ensured the seamless execution of the event.
