Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, on Wednesday praised the Government College of Women (GCW), M.A Road, for its 75-year legacy of contributing to Jammu and Kashmir’s overall development. She made the remarks while addressing the celebrations titled ‘75 Years: A Celebration of Excellence in Women’s Education.’

The event 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, faculty, alumni, and students.
Minister Itoo lauded the college for nurturing generations of women leaders, educators, and professionals who have contributed across diverse fields. She described GCW as a “beacon of empowerment and enlightenment,” opening doors for thousands of young women and fostering academic excellence, leadership, and societal service.
She highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure across J&K, noting the establishment of new degree colleges, recruitment of faculty, and budgetary support for education and health sectors under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
During the celebrations, the Minister unveiled a Coffee Table Book marking 75 years of the college and released publications including College Times and Zoological Chronicle. Outstanding students, faculty members, and alumni were felicitated.
The event featured an AV presentation, documentary, and pictorial representation of the college during the 2014 floods, showcasing its resilience and commitment to excellence. Alumni shared intergenerational stories, while cultural performances included Hindi invocation songs, Punjabi and Ladakhi dances, poetry recitations, classical music, Qawwali, skits, and group songs, reflecting the college’s rich cultural heritage.
Principal GCW Srinagar described the celebration as a momentous occasion, highlighting the college’s achievements and enduring legacy in empowering women through education.