THANNAMANDI, Aug 12: Government Degree College (GDC) Thannamandi celebrates International Youth Day 2026 under the dynamic leadership and guidance of Dr. Shamim Ahmed Azad, Principal, GDC Thannamandi. The programme was organised by the Red Ribbon Club in collaboration with the Mission YUVA Team, NCC, NSS and Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) of the college.
This year’s International Youth Day was celebrated around the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” highlighting the diverse circumstances in which young people live while recognising their shared aspirations for a better, more inclusive and prosperous future.
The celebrations featured two major competitions—Poster Making Competition and Seminar Competition. The Poster Making Competition was organised in the Department of Zoology, with around ten students participating. Uqba Arif secured the first position, Madiha Fatima stood second, while Wahida Kouser secured the third position.
In his presidential remarks, the Principal Dr. Shamim Ahmed Azad highlighted the overall importance of the programme and interacted with the students in an engaging manner. He encouraged students to make responsible choices, remain focused on their goals and choose the right path in life. He emphasised that youth possess enormous potential and that their positive energy, discipline and creativity can become powerful instruments of social and national transformation.
The Seminar Competition, also involving ten participants, was organised in the Smart Classroom of the college.
Mehak Fatima secured the first position, Ms. Afsana Kouser stood second, and Haya Abad Raina secured the third position. The competitions provided students with a platform to express their creativity, perspectives and ideas on issues concerning youth and society.
The valedictory session commenced with the opening remarks of Dr. Shiraz Ahmed, Convener, Red Ribbon Club, GDC Thannamandi, who highlighted the significance of International Youth Day and elaborated on the relevance of the 2026 theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
He emphasised the importance of recognising the varied backgrounds and challenges of young people while working towards their common aspirations and collective progress.
The valedictory function also included the singing of the National Anthem by all the attendees, coordinated by Dr. Gulshan Rashid, Convener, Cultural and Literary Committee, GDC Thannamandi. The collective rendition of the National Anthem added a strong sense of patriotism
A key highlight of the programme was the address by Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, Convener, IIC, member of the Mission Yuva team and member of NMBA, who spoke passionately about the immense potential of Indian youth in shaping the future of the nation. Through an engaging story and presentation, Dr. Sharma connected the aspirations of young people with the objectives of IIC, Mission Yuva and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA). She encouraged students to develop an innovative mindset, identify problems in their communities and transform their ideas into meaningful solutions and entrepreneurial opportunities. She stressed that a healthy youth, innovative mind and entrepreneurial spirit are essential for building a stronger and more developed India.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Nagina Kouser, Member, Red Ribbon Club and Mission Yuva team, who expressed gratitude to the Principal, faculty members, organising teams and participating students for their valuable contribution towards making the celebration successful.
The programme proceedings were conducted smoothly and efficiently by Zia Ul Rehman, student of 5th semester.
Around 160 students participated in the overall event. The programme was attended by faculty members including Dr. Nazakat Hussain, Dr. Naseem Ahmed, Prof. Supriya Gupta, Dr. Gohar Iqbal, Prof. Altaf Hussain, Prof. Junaid Ahmed, Dr. Gulshan Rashid, Prof. Fatima Parveen, Anuj Bali, Dr. Ather Aziz Raina, Prof. Rumy Dar, Prof. Rizwana Kousar, Dr. Mohd. Ashrif, Prof. Yasmine Koser, Dr. Shazia Paswal, Dr. Atti Ul Rehman, Mr. Iftiaz Shahbir, the newly joined Academic Arrangement staff and the non-teaching staff.