Ehsaan Yousf
Srinagar: As part of the nationwide Independence Day Celebrations 2026, the NSS Unit of Government Degree College (GDC) Ganderbal on Thursday organised a Painting Competition and a National Anthem Singing Competition in the College Conference Hall, providing students with a vibrant platform to express their patriotism through art and music.
The competitions witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across different semesters, who demonstrated exceptional creativity, artistic talent, and a profound sense of national pride. The event formed an integral part of the college’s ongoing efforts to commemorate India’s 80th Independence Day by promoting values of unity, cultural harmony, and responsible citizenship among the youth.
The programme was graced by the Principal of the College, Prof. Fouzia Fatima, who appreciated the enthusiastic response of the students and underscored the importance of co-curricular activities in fostering creativity, discipline, confidence, and patriotism. She observed that such events not only provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents but also strengthen their emotional connection with the nation while contributing to their holistic personality development.
The painting competition featured a wide range of artistic expressions centred on themes of freedom, national integration, India’s cultural heritage, and the sacrifices of freedom fighters. The artworks reflected originality, imagination, and a deep understanding of the ideals that define the nation’s democratic and cultural ethos. The competition was adjudged by Dr. Irfana Quraishi and Dr. Sameera Siraj, who evaluated the entries on the basis of creativity, originality, thematic relevance, presentation, and overall artistic excellence.
The National Anthem Singing Competition also received an overwhelming response, with participants delivering spirited and disciplined performances that reflected their respect for the national anthem and the values it embodies. The event was moderated by Dr. Shazia Qadri, while Prof. Nusrat Nabi and Dr. Salma served as judges, assessing the participants on parameters including melody, rhythm, pronunciation, confidence, and overall presentation.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Jamsheeda Akhter, NSS Programme Officer, whose meticulous planning ensured the successful organisation of the event. Dr. Mansha Nisar played a vital role in facilitating the smooth conduct of the competitions and coordinating the proceedings throughout the programme.
In the Painting Competition, Shahida Manzoor of the first semester secured the first position, while Ulfat of the third semester and Seerat Shabir of the sixth semester secured the second and third positions, respectively. In the National Anthem Singing Competition, Muskaan Nazir of the first semester emerged as the winner, followed by Shazia Bashir and Murshid Bhat, both from the first semester, who secured the second and third positions, respectively.
The winners were felicitated for their outstanding performances, while all participants were applauded for their dedication, enthusiasm, and patriotic fervour. The event concluded on a successful note, reaffirming the college’s commitment to nurturing responsible citizens through meaningful academic and co-curricular initiatives.
The competitions served as a fitting prelude to the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 15, reinforcing the spirit of national unity, cultural pride, and collective responsibility among the student community.
