Jamia Hamdard Hosts 6th Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme On ‘Watan Ko Jano’

Jamia Hamdard successfully organised the 6th Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme on the theme ‘Watan ko Jano’ on January 17, 2026.

The programme was conducted as a flagship initiative in association with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to promote cultural exchange, skill development, and national integration among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.

The event was graced by Ajay Mahawar, MLA, Ghonda Constituency, North East Delhi, as the Chief Guest.

Shri Ajay Kumar, District Magistrate, North East Delhi, and Col. Tahir Mustafa, Registrar, Jamia Hamdard, attended the programme as Guests of Honour.

Prof Asgar Ali, Officiating Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard, presided over the function.

Shri Diwakar Bhati, District Youth Officer, My Bharat, North East Delhi, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, delivered the welcome address.

He, however, presented an overview of the six-day programme and highlighted the successful multi-agency collaboration aimed at integrating youth from six districts of Kashmir—Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, and Srinagar into the academic and cultural milieu of the national capital.

The programme brought together over 100 Kashmiri youth for workshops, cultural interactions, and sessions on leadership and entrepreneurship.

Col Tahir Mustafa, Registrar, Jamia Hamdard, expressed gratitude to the participating youth from Kashmir and encouraged them to consider Jamia Hamdard as their home.

In his address, he emphasised the transformative role of such exchange programmes in bridging regional gaps and fostering resilient futures for young participants from Jammu & Kashmir.

Presidential Address and Keynote Message

Prof Asgar Ali, Officiating Vice-Chancellor, in his presidential address, underscored the importance of unity, education, and cross-cultural dialogue.

In his inspiring keynote speech, he highlighted the programme’s contribution to peace and development in Jammu & Kashmir, stating,

“This exchange is a bridge for young minds to connect, learn, and contribute to India’s shared future.”

He further urged the participants to use education as a powerful tool for empowerment and national integration.

Ajay Kumar, District Magistrate, North East Delhi, in his address, emphasised the significance of exposure-based learning through cultural exchange and national integration programmes at Jamia Hamdard. He warmly welcomed the Kashmiri youth and extended his best wishes to all 132 participants, including boys and girls, for their six-day engagement.

Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Ajay Mahawar, MLA, Ghonda, Delhi, highlighted the Government of India’s vision for inclusive education and youth development.

“Programmes like this are vital bridges that connect aspirations across regions, nurturing leaders who will shape a united India,” he further remarked.

He also interacted personally with the youth participants, encouraging them to utilise the platform for personal growth and community service.

Presence of Distinguished Dignitaries

Several distinguished dignitaries attended the programme, including Prof Reshma Nasreen, Dean of Students’ Welfare; Prof Shahnawaz Abdin, Provost (Boys); Prof Syeedun Nisa, Provost (Girls); Prof Mohd Akram, Chief Proctor; Dr Sarfaraz Ahsan, Deputy Registrar; Prof Javed Ahmed, Coordinator, NSS; Mirza Rahil Beg, Co-Coordinator, NSS; Dr Md Anzar Alam, Deputy Coordinator, NSS; Md Tauhid Alam, Assistant Registrar, Jamia Hamdard; and Neelu Thadani, Assistant Director, My Bharat, District South Delhi, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.

Dr Anjali Kaushik, Deputy Coordinator, NSS, proposed the vote of thanks. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the ministries and Jamia Hamdard in making the programme a resounding success.

The event, however, concluded with the National Anthem, marking the end of a memorable and meaningful occasion.

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