SRINAGAR: Governor, N.N. Vohra on Monday visited Government College for Women, MA Road, Srinagar, and attended a half-day inter-college debate competition organised by The Tribune, J and K, at the Lala Arif Auditorium here. The topic of the debate was ‘Does Social Media Contribute Towards Enhancing Better Understanding And Cooperation, Nationally and Internationally’ and 24 students from 12 different colleges of Kashmir participated in the contest.
Muvahhid from Government Degree College, Bemina, won the Best Speaker award comprising cash prize of Rs.5,000 and a Certificate of Merit. The First prize of Rs. 10,000 and Certificates of Merit was won by Sana Shah and Nisheed Zelfi, a team from Government College for Women, MA Road. The 2nd prize of Rs. 8000 and Certificates of Merit was bagged by Muvahhid and Safiya, a team from Govt. Degree College, Bemina whereas the third prize of Rs. 5,000 and Certificates of Merit was won by Joyjeet Singh and Fatima, a team from National Institute of Technology, Srinagar. The winners were adjudged by a panel of jurists comprising Mohd. Syed Malik, Dr. Shahid Rasool and Prof. Nusrat Andrabi. Each of the participants were also given a cash prize of Rs. 1,000 and a certificate of participation.
Stressing the importance of debating contests in personality development, the Governor observed that such activities enable the students to improve their articulation and develop coherent and rational thinking, which would enhance their potential for successfully meeting the challenges of life.
The Governor observed that the revolution in the Information Technology arena has made a vital contribution towards enhancing communication and connectivity and enabled vast improvements in spreading education and advancing medicine, science and technology, besides improved management of trade, business and commerce. Real time communications have also contributed to prompt handling of emergencies and disasters. However, the Governor cautioned, there is danger of the various forms of social media being measured for spreading misinformation and rumors which may lead to law and order situations.
The Governor complimented Shaheen Altaf, Principal, GCW, MA Road, for her personal interest in organizing the event and suggested creating of more opportunities for the students to participate in such activities. He also suggested the introduction of essay writing competitions.
The Governor complimented “The Tribune” for providing a useful platform to the students for showcasing their skills, the Governor suggested that the newspaper should include atleast one page which is reserved for contributions by the students to highlight issues of their concern.
Raj Chengappa, Editor-in-Chief, “The Tribune” highlighted various instances of benefits and misuse of Social Media and its contribution in developing better understanding among the people and different societies throughout the world.
Arun Joshi, Resident Editor, “The Tribune”, J&K Edition, presented the Welcome Address and Vinay Verma, General Manager, “The Tribune”, gave a formal vote of thanks.
S.P Vaid, ADGP, Hqrs, S.M Sahai, ADGP, Armed, J and K, various dignitaries, prominent citizens and students were present on the occasion.