Sakeena Itoo addresses 75th Foundation Day of Women’s College M.A. Road
Lauds institution’s pivotal role in empowering women and shaping J&K’s educational landscape
SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today hailed the Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar for its remarkable contribution to the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir over the past 75 years.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing the 75th year celebrations of the College, themed “75 Years: A Celebration of Excellence in Women’s Education”. The event marked a major milestone for one of J&K’s premier institutions dedicated to women’s empowerment and higher learning.
The occasion was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Shantamanu; Director Colleges, Prof. Sheikh Aijaz; Principal GCW, Prof. Yasmeen Farooq; Nodal Principal, Prof. Seema Naz; Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University Srinagar; former Principals, professors, alumni, and a large gathering of students.
In her address, Sakeena Itoo lauded the college’s rich legacy and transformative role in shaping the intellectual, cultural, and social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This institution has, over the decades, been a cornerstone of women empowerment, nurturing generations of leaders, educators, and professionals who have excelled across diverse fields,” she said.
The Minister described GCW Srinagar as a beacon of empowerment and enlightenment, which has for seventy-five years opened doors of opportunity for thousands of women — fostering academic excellence, leadership, confidence, and community service.
Recalling the contribution of the college’s alumni, Sakeena Itoo expressed gratitude to all former students and faculty members who have upheld its legacy of excellence. She urged the students to carry forward the institution’s proud traditions with renewed energy and commitment in this era of knowledge-driven growth.
Highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening higher education, the Minister said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accorded special priority to education and health sectors, ensuring adequate budgetary support for both. She added that several new degree colleges have been made functional in the last year, with fresh recruitment of faculty to enhance educational standards across J&K.
The event also featured addresses by the Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, and Director Colleges.
In her welcome address, Principal Prof. Yasmeen Farooq described the celebration as a momentous occasion in the college’s history, highlighting its achievements and contributions since inception.
On the occasion, the Minister unveiled a Coffee Table Book chronicling 75 years of the college’s journey and released the College Times, Zoological Chronicle, and several publications authored by alumni, faculty, and students. She also felicitated outstanding students, faculty members, and alumni for their exemplary achievements.
The event also included an audio-visual presentation and documentary showcasing the college’s journey, including its resilience during the 2014 floods. An intergenerational storytelling session featured eminent alumni such as Prof. Neerja Mattoo, Prof. Naseem Shafaie, and Nancy Dhar, who shared their experiences and reflections.
The celebrations concluded with a vibrant cultural programme organized by the college’s cultural committee, featuring a rich blend of performances including invocation songs, Punjabi dance, poetry recitations, classical music, Baet Baazi, Ladakhi song, skit, group performances, Qawwali, Kashmiri Rouf, and Ladi Shah, reflecting the cultural diversity and artistic talent nurtured by the institution.
