BARAMULLA, JULY 25: Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganaie on Saturday visited the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, where he reviewed farm development initiatives, harvested sweet corn at the Integrated Farming System (IFS) Unit, and presided over the valedictory ceremony of the Vice Chancellor’s Sports Week 2026, reaffirming the University’s commitment to experiential learning, student well-being and holistic development.
During his visit to the IFS Unit, the Vice Chancellor harvested sweet corn and appreciated the farm development initiatives undertaken by the Faculty. He complimented Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, for his leadership in strengthening farm infrastructure, promoting innovative agricultural practices and creating a learning environment that integrates classroom teaching with practical field exposure. He observed that such initiatives play a vital role in enhancing students’ hands-on skills while fostering innovation and sustainable agriculture.
The Vice Chancellor also commended the Faculty for successfully organising the Vice Chancellor’s Sports Week 2026, describing sports as an integral component of quality education that nurtures discipline, leadership, teamwork and resilience among students.
The valedictory ceremony, held on the Wadura campus, marked the successful conclusion of the week-long sporting extravaganza that witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across the University. The event celebrated sporting excellence while reinforcing SKUAST-K’s focus on promoting physical fitness, teamwork and overall personality development alongside academic achievement.
The ceremony was attended by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K; Prof. Sajad Ahmad Gangoo, Dean Students’ Welfare, SKUAST-K; Mohd. Iqbal Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer, SKUAST-K Seed Company; Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director, ATARI, Ludhiana; besides faculty members, officers, staff and students.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ganaie congratulated the winners and participants for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship. He urged students to actively pursue sports along with academics, stating that participation in extracurricular activities builds confidence, improves decision-making abilities and contributes significantly to overall personality development.
He appreciated the dedicated efforts of Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir and Dr. Sajjad Ahmad Bhat, Students’ Welfare Officer, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, along with the organising committee, for conducting the Sports Week in a professional and vibrant manner. He said such events strengthen the University’s sporting culture while encouraging healthy competition and camaraderie among students.
In his welcome address, Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir highlighted the Faculty’s continued commitment to providing students with opportunities for academic, professional and personal growth. He applauded the enthusiasm, discipline and sporting spirit displayed by the participants throughout the week and expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his continued encouragement towards student-centric initiatives.
The programme concluded with the distribution of trophies, medals and certificates to winners across various sporting disciplines, and reaffirming SKUAST-K’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded graduates through excellence in academics, innovation, agriculture and sports.
