Under the aegis of "Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath Swachhita, Shramdaan campaign, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Vice-Chancellor Prof. A Ravinder Nath, along with University of Jammu, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Deans of Schools, Heads and Coordinators of the Departments, administrative staff and other functionaries Sunday participated in the one-hour cleanliness drive at Tulmulla campus of the university.
CUK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath along with other functionaries of the university paid ‘swachhanjali’ to the father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. All the staff members cleaned the campuses and its surrounding areas under the Janbhagidari Jan Andolan, Shramdaan campaign organised by the Directorate of Students Welfare (DSW), aimed at celebrating the 9th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. A Ravinder Nath said the cleanliness drive was undertaken in response to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi's appeal for a nationwide cleanliness. Prof. A Ravinder Nath said that Mahatma Gandhi as a social reformist always pitched for clean India and encouraged people to protect and preserve their surroundings. He said that such cleanliness drives should be held regularly across all the campuses in order to provide a suitable environment to the students. CUK Vice-Chancellor said that community participation was required to deliver results on the ground vis-à-vis the cleanliness drives.
Speaking on the occasion, University of Jammu, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai, hailed the university for conducting the cleanliness drive. “Whenever I visit the campuses of the Central University of Kashmir, I have found them very neat, clean and environment friendly,” he said. Prof. Umesh Rai underscored the need of conducting cleanliness drives which according to him will have a remarkable impact on cleanliness and hygiene across the country.
Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, thanked the university staff for enthusiastically participating in the event and expressed gratitude to Prof. Umesh Rai, for his participation. He said the objective of organising the Shramdaan campaign is to strive for a "Garbage Free India" by emphasizing visible, high-level cleanliness through collective effort and community involvement.
Planning and Development Officer, Prof. Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, said the active participation observed in this campaign highlights the dedication and commitment of diverse stakeholders who are determined to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment.
The cleanliness drive was also conducted at the Green Campus of the university and its surrounding areas, which was led by Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar and Finance Officer and Dean DSW, Dr. Mehraj ud Din Shah. Seaking on the occasion, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, said "Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath" ensures that the Swachh Bharat Mission continues India's commitment to a brighter and cleaner future. Director Research and Development, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah and Controller of Examinations, Dr. Tanveer Ahmad Shah were also present during the drive.
Dean School of Life Sciences, Prof. Muhammad Yousuf and Director, Nunar Campus, Prof. Abid Hameed, along with faculty members and administrative staff also conducted the cleanliness drive at the Tulmulla Panchayat Ghar around the Kheer Bhawani Temple and the Tulmulla village.