29/07/2025
Celebrates Foundation Day and Annual Parents Day 2025 at Tagore Hall Srinagar
Bravehearts, Public Servants, Journalists, Artists, and Social Workers Honoured
Srinagar, July 29, 2025: The Jammu & Kashmir Rural Development Society (JKRDS), a non-political voluntary organization working for social welfare and community development, celebrated its Foundation Day and Annual Parents Day 2025 at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, social activists, and members of civil society.
The event was further enriched by the presence of religious priests from various faiths, who shared messages of communal harmony, mutual respect, and the need for interfaith unity to build a better and peaceful society.
The day-long event featured a debate competition, cultural performances, and an awards ceremony to honour individuals for their outstanding contributions to society. Students from various schools and colleges participated in a debate on the topic "Be a Part of the Solution – Stop Drugs, Save Nature." The young speakers highlighted the dangers of drug abuse and the urgent need for environmental protection. Cultural programs and skits were also presented by students, raising awareness about pressing social issues including addiction, pollution, and declining moral values.
As part of its annual tradition of recognizing exemplary contributions, JKRDS this year honoured several distinguished personalities for their service and dedication in various fields. Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar (IAS), Secretary, Public Grievances and CEO, J&K ERA, received the Madr-e-Meharban Award 2025 for her impactful work in public service. The Alamdar-e-Kashmir Award 2025 was posthumously conferred on Syed Adil Hussain in recognition of his bravery during the tragic Pahalgam attack. His father, Syed Hyder Shah Sahab, accepted the award on his behalf.
The Mother Teresa Award 2025 was presented to Mr. Prince Alexander Vaidyan, President of K&K Social Foundation, and Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Halwai, a renowned orthopedician, in recognition of their humanitarian services, especially in the fields of healthcare and relief work. The Budshah Award 2025 was awarded posthumously to Late Ghulam Mohammad Saznawaz for his invaluable contribution to Sufiyana music, and to Abdul Rasheed Hafiz Sahab for his excellence in singing and music. The Lal Ded Award 2025 was conferred upon Mr. Sameer Bhat (ETV) for his dedicated service in the field of journalism.
Mr. Amit Koul was honoured with the Khatija Begum/Madr-e-Mubarak Gul Award 2025 for his courageous act of saving a drowning child and his work in social service. The Baba Jitto Award 2025 was announced and will be presented to an individual for exceptional grassroots-level social work. Mrs. Baseema Anayat, Vice Chairperson (SRM), Welkin Sopore, was presented with the Habba Khatoon Award 2025 for her contributions in the field of education and women empowerment.
Winners of the debate competition were specially felicitated for their outstanding performances. They were presented with trophies and certificates in recognition of their excellence. All participating students were also appreciated and received medals. The jury members and judges were honoured with mementos for their valuable contribution to the success of the event.
The Chief Guest for the event was Mr. Prince Alexander Vaidyan, President of K&K Social Foundation, and the Guest of Honour was former Minister Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal. Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Grand M***i M***i Nasir-ul-Islam, Naseem Chaya, and Zafar Vakil. All dignitaries praised JKRDS for its efforts to promote awareness among youth and for recognizing individuals who serve society selflessly.
In his address, Chairman JKRDS and former Speaker, J&K Legislative Assembly, Haji Mubarak Gul highlighted the importance of organizing such events to honour the role of parents, to guide the younger generation against drug abuse, and to spread the message of environmental conservation. He emphasized the need to promote communal harmony, strengthen social bonds, and build a society rooted in mutual respect and shared responsibility. He appreciated the role of students, teachers, and civil society in making the event meaningful and successful.
Senior Vice Chairman JKRDS and former Minister Babu Rampaul also addressed the gathering and lauded the efforts of JKRDS in uniting communities for a common cause. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in tackling social evils like drug addiction and emphasized empowering youth through awareness and action.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Advocate Yunis Mubarak Gul, Vice Chairman of JKRDS and Programme Coordinator of the event. He expressed gratitude to all guests, participants, partner institutions, and volunteers for their support and cooperation.
The event reaffirmed JKRDS's commitment to building a socially aware, drug-free, and environmentally responsible society through education, recognition, and collaboration.
