KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Oct 15: Government College for Women (GCW), Moulana Azad Road, Srinagar, one of the Valley’s premier institutions for women’s higher education, celebrated its 75th anniversary with great enthusiasm and grandeur on Tuesday. The commemorative event, titled “75 Years: A Celebration of Excellence in Women’s Education,” witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries, eminent alumni, faculty members, and students, making it a momentous occasion in the institution’s illustrious journey.
Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Ms. Sakeena Masood Itoo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Financial Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary (Higher Education Department), Shri Shantmanu, attended as the Guest of Honour.
In her keynote address, Ms. Itoo lauded the college for its outstanding contribution to women’s education in Kashmir. “I feel that this college has contributed the most in Kashmir at this time,” she remarked, emphasizing that education forms the foundation of progress for any nation. “If a country, a place, or a state has to improve, the most important thing that is given is to the education sector,” she said, while outlining the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the educational landscape across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister further highlighted recent achievements, including the appointment of new teachers through the Service Selection Board and the functionalization of several colleges in the past year.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shantmanu congratulated the management, staff, students, and alumni of GCW M.A. Road for completing 75 remarkable years. “One of the things this college is renowned for is that it has always hosted important personalities, and the good thing is that this tradition has continued over the years,” he said. He also recalled the contribution of legendary teachers and principals who helped build the college’s academic reputation. “Today is a day of celebration, and I once again congratulate all those associated with this historic institution,” he added.
Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Aijaz Bashir, Director Colleges, and Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Simnani, Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University Srinagar, also spoke on the occasion, appreciating the vision and leadership of Principal Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq and Convener Prof. Majida Maqbool for organizing the grand event. Prof. Bashir expressed confidence that the college has the potential to evolve into a full-fledged university, pledging the department’s full support toward this goal. Prof. Simnani, recalling his association with the institution, commended its vibrant academic culture and enduring legacy.
The ceremony commenced with the soulful rendition of the college tarana, followed by a welcome address by Principal Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq, who traced the institution’s journey since its inception in 1950. She said, “The college was founded with a small cohort of visionary teachers and learners and has since evolved into a thriving institution of higher learning.” She highlighted the college’s expanding scope through its Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various departments, its strong alumni network, and cutting-edge research facilities, including a stand-alone paramedical sciences wing.
Emphasizing holistic education, the Principal stated, “The education you receive here is not confined to books and classrooms. It is a preparation for service, for leadership, for character.” She added that the college is aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting research, interdisciplinarity, and innovation, while staying grounded in cultural and moral values.
The college’s seven-and-a-half-decade journey was showcased through a rich audiovisual presentation, a documentary, alumni interviews, and a pictorial display highlighting the institution’s resilience during the devastating 2014 floods.
Special publications, including coffee-table books, newsletters, and books authored by alumni, faculty, and students, were released on the occasion, reflecting the intellectual and creative spirit of the college community.
A special segment titled “Intergenerational Storytelling” saw eminent alumni like Prof. Neerja Mattoo, Prof. Naseem Shafaie, and Ms. Nancy Dhar sharing anecdotes and experiences from their time at the institution, offering insights into the transformative power of education.
Prof. Naureen Naseer anchored the proceedings with eloquence, while Prof. Rajou K. Pandita delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all guests, participants, and organizers.
In the second half of the day-long celebration, the college’s Cultural Committee, Drama Club, and several academic departments—including Music, Psychology, Urdu, and Journalism—staged a vibrant showcase of artistic talent. The program featured a wide array of performances such as Hindi invocation songs, Punjabi dance, poetry recitations, classical music, Baet Baazi, Ladakhi song and dance, Ladi Shah, Qawwali, mime, and Kashmiri Rauf. The Department of Journalism also organized a captivating photo exhibition that portrayed the diverse shades of life, breathtaking landscapes, and emotive portraits.
Established in June 1950, Government College for Women, M.A. Road, was a landmark initiative by the Jammu and Kashmir government to advance women’s education. The institution is housed in a historic Dogra-era palace that once served as the residence of royal women during Maharaja Pratap Singh’s reign (1885–1925). Over the decades, the college has remained a beacon of enlightenment, nurturing generations of women who have excelled in academics, civil services, literature, and research.
As GCW M.A. Road marks its 75th year, it continues to symbolize empowerment, resilience, and the enduring quest for knowledge — a true testament to the spirit of women’s education in Kashmir.
