The Special Cell, Department of Students’ Welfare (DSW), University of Kashmir (KU), on Thursday organised a special marathon for persons with special abilities under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan at the Main Campus.
The event aimed to promote awareness about a drug-free society while encouraging inclusion, participation and healthy lifestyles among persons with special abilities.
The marathon was flagged off by Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, held from the Maulana Rumi Gate to the Ibn-e-Khaldun Auditorium.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Khan said that the University has taken several measures to improve accessibility and student support for persons with special abilities.
“Every student deserves equal opportunities to learn, participate and excel. The University is continuously strengthening its support systems and facilities for students with special abilities to ensure that they can pursue their academic and personal aspirations with dignity and confidence. Through such initiatives, we also seek to promote healthy lifestyles and reinforce the message of a drug-free society,” she said.
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said that the University remains committed to providing an enabling environment where every student feels supported and included. He said awareness programmes help promote both social inclusion and the importance of staying away from substance abuse.
Dean, DSW KU, Prof. Seema Singh, said that the event reflected the varsity's commitment to inclusive student welfare and encouraged students to adopt healthy and positive lifestyles.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Lone, Librarian, Allama Iqbal Library KU, said that the marathon served as a meaningful platform to spread awareness about inclusion, health and collective social responsibility.
The event was coordinated by Shaheel Mohammad, Coordinator, Special Cell DSW KU and  the organising secretary, and Dr. Mohd Sultan Rather, co-organising secretary of the event.
The marathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from students with special abilities, who were felicitated with certificates and medals upon completion of the event.