KATHUA, Aug 12: Government Degree College (GDC) Kathua, the lead college of the district, hosted the Intra-District 80th National Independence Day Celebrations, bringing together students from various colleges across Kathua district in a spirited display of patriotism, creativity and talent.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Yash Paul Sharma, Staff Secretary of GDC Kathua, who warmly welcomed the participating students, teachers and guests from different colleges of the district. The proceedings were anchored by Dr. Pinky.
More than 90 students participated in the celebrations, with each participant having qualified by securing a winning position in the respective competition at their college level. Five competitive events were organised, including solo and group National Anthem singing, essay writing, painting and quiz competitions.
In the Solo National Anthem Singing Competition, Rohini Bhagat of GDC Kathua secured the first prize, followed by Nitika Kumari of GDC Marheen in second place and Sona Devi of GCW Kathua in third place. In the Group National Anthem Singing Competition, Danish and Group of GDC Kathua won the first prize. Parvez and Group of GCW Kathua and Anjali and Group of GDC Billawar jointly secured the second position, while Prachi and Group of GDC Marheen bagged the third prize.
In the Essay Writing Competition, Sharda Pangotra of GDC Kathua stood first, Kamna Sharma of GDC Basohli secured the second position and Lakhte Gul of GDC Billawar won the third prize. In the Painting Competition, Harshika of GCW Kathua emerged winner, followed by Nitasha Sharma of GDC Mahanpur in second place and Taniya Janotra of GDC Kathua in third place.
In the Quiz Competition, Ridhima and Group of GCW Kathua secured the first prize, Priya and Group of GLDN Hiranagar stood second, while Kamna Devi and Group of GDC Basohli secured the third position.
The competitions were adjudged by a distinguished panel comprising Prof. (Retd.) Saroop Chander, former HOD, Department of English; Prof. P.K. Rao, Retd. Principal; Prof. Daya Vilas, Retd. Principal; and Prof. Anirudh Sharma, Retd. Principal. The winners of the intra-district competitions will represent Kathua district at the divisional-level competitions.
Dr. Manohar Lal, Principal, GDC Kathua, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he welcomed the participants and guests and appreciated the students for displaying their talent, confidence and patriotic spirit. He subsequently distributed mementoes and certificates among the winners of all five categories and congratulated them on their achievements.
The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Jagmohan, Head of the Department of Hindi. The event was organised by the College Literary Committee under the supervision of Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Convener of the Literary Committee. The organising committee comprised Dr. Ram Singh, Dr. Gotam, Dr. Shivani Sharma, Prof. Ajay Sharma, Dr. Pinky, Dr. Kulbir, Dr. Daya, Dr. Sunil, Dr. Pratima, Dr. Eva, Dr. Kamaljot, Dr. Nishtha, Prof. Meena, Prof. Arvind, Prof. Supreet, Prof. Rakhi Malhotra, Prof. Pratiyogita and Prof. Ashok Kumar.
The event concluded on a celebratory note, reflecting the spirit of unity, patriotism and youthful enthusiasm associated with Independence Day celebrations.