STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: As part of a fortnight-long celebration across Jammu & Kashmir UT marking the 12th anniversary of the Art of Giving (AOG) movement, the Volleyball Association of Jammu and Kashmir (VAJK) organized a special Exhibition Volleyball Match for Girls on Friday at the M.A. Stadium, here.
The match featured an exciting face-off between Trikuta Club Jammu and Abyas Volleyball Academy Samba, drawing a large crowd of sports enthusiasts, dignitaries, and media personnel.
The celebrations, themed “Neighbourgood: Bringing Good to the Neighbourhood”, aim to encourage community involvement, acts of kindness, and the spirit of giving.
The “Fortnight of Happiness” drive began on May 4 and will culminate on May 17, 2025, the founding day of Art of Giving, urging people to spread joy, engage with loved ones, and contribute to building a harmonious society.
During the event, key office bearers of the VAJK- H.S. Gill (Executive Vice President), Kuldip Magotra (CEO), Ramesh Sharma (Treasurer), and Vijay Magotra (General Secretary)-interacted with the players and the audience, shedding light on the Art of Giving initiative.
“Founded on May 17, 2013, by Prof. Achyuta Samanta, former Member of Parliament and past President of the Volleyball Federation of India, the movement promotes sharing of professional, managerial, social, and economic expertise with the younger generation,” Kuldip Magotra said adding that its ultimate goal is to build a self-reliant society rooted in peace and mutual upliftment. He also exhorted the youth of the country to play their role in nation building. The dignitaries also took the occasion to felicitate young volleyball players who have represented J&K at prestigious national platforms, including the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar, applauding their achievements and contributions to the sport.
In a parallel celebration, the District Volleyball Association of Kishtwar hosted a similar event at Drabshalla, aiming to inspire youth to follow in the footsteps of Prof. Samanta and embrace the values of service and social contribution.
Sidharth Daluja, President of VAJK, while addressing the gathering, highlighted Prof. Samanta’s significant role in promoting sports, especially volleyball, both in India and internationally. He reiterated VAJK’s commitment to supporting Samanta’s mission for holistic human development.
Other prominent attendees included Mohd Tariq (Joint Secretary), Subash Shastri (Executive Member, VAJK), Raj Sharma (Volleyball Coach), and numerous sports lovers and volleyball enthusiasts.
The event also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Jammu-based media personalities, who were felicitated for their dedicated coverage and promotion of sports activities throughout the UT.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge by all stakeholders to support initiatives that bring communities together, empower youth, and foster peace and prosperity through the universal values of giving and kindness.