STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Volleyball Association of Jammu & Kashmir celebrated the 11th anniversary of Art of Giving (AOG) with an exhibition volleyball match held at MA Stadium, here on Wednesday.
The Stadium Volleyball Boys Team triumphed over the Samba District Volleyball Team with a score of 2-0 sets (25-23, 25-23), aiming to promote peace and communal harmony among youth, inspired by the ideals of Prof. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of Art Of Giving at KIIT and KISS University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The event underscored the importance of fostering unity and communal harmony among youth, emphasizing the concept of giving not only materially but also through kindness and empathy.
V.K. Magotra, General Secretary of VAJK, conveyed Prof. Samanta’s message, recounting his challenging childhood and highlighting his significant contributions to youth empowerment and societal welfare through Art of Giving since 2013.
Prof. Samanta’s philosophy, encapsulated as the Art of Giving, encourages a life where love and compassion are freely shared, fostering peace, happiness, harmony, and friendship.
Bhanu Partap Singh, Assistant Director of Sports Authority of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, urging players to emulate Prof. Samanta’s values and spread his ideals across Jammu & Kashmir.
He encouraged youth to embrace life’s challenges and strive for excellence in all endeavors.
Singh was honored with a memento by H.S. Gill, Executive Vice President, Kuldeep Magotra, CEO, and other office bearers of the Volleyball Association of J&K, including R.C Sharma, Treasurer, Balvinder Singh, Secretary of Samba, Veena Kumari, and Subash Shastri, Executive Members of VAJK.
Siddharth Daluja, President of VAJK, commended the Association for its initiatives across Jammu & Kashmir, including blood donation camps, cultural events, lectures, and sports activities, aimed at promoting the principles of Art of Giving.
The Bharatiya Lok Sangeet Kala was also recognized with a memento presented to Deepak Kumar, Executive Member, for organizing vibrant cultural events. The proceedings of the function were conducted by officials from SAI and JKSC, including Rajeev Dogra (Retd.), Prateek, Pardeep, and Mulkh Raj Sharma, ensuring the event’s success and meaningful engagement.
