Kargil, Sep 01: The Al Itihad Youth Foundation in Goma Kargil organized a Thanksgiving Program and a one-day workshop focused on promoting library culture at the Sheeda Bintul Hudda Library. The event marked the inauguration of the “Basant Rath (IPS) Shelf,” a new section within the library dedicated to competitive exam resources, donated by Basant Rath, a distinguished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, through “The Rama Trust.”
The event saw the participation of esteemed guests, including Dr. Salim Yousuf, Principal of Degree College Sankoo, who served as the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Sajjad Sir, Principal of GHSS Trespone, Kacho Abass, a lecturer, Anayat Ali, a Senior Journalist and Copy Editor at Akashwani News Kargil, who served as the Guests of Honour, and Dr. Ghulam Mehdi, an educator and social entrepreneur, who was the Special Guest.
In his address, Dr. Salim Yousuf expressed profound gratitude for the generous contribution by Basant Rath, emphasizing that the newly donated books would be instrumental in supporting local students as they prepare for various competitive exams. He highlighted the essential role that libraries play in the educational journey, noting that access to such valuable resources is crucial for academic success.
Sajjad Sir, one of the Guests of Honour, spoke about the growing global concern of increased screen time among students. He stressed the importance of libraries in providing a healthy alternative, encouraging reading habits, and reducing reliance on digital devices.
Dr. Ghulam Mehdi lauded the ongoing efforts of Basant Rath and The Rama Trust, which have been active in donating books and establishing libraries across the regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. “Education is a key pillar of happiness and well-being,” Dr. Mehdi remarked, adding that the reference books provided through this initiative will help nurture the academic growth and aspirations of students in the region.
The program also featured testimonials from students, including Mohd Mussadiq, an aspiring candidate for competitive exams, who expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He emphasized the significance of such philanthropic efforts in providing underprivileged students in remote areas with access to valuable and often expensive educational materials. Mussadiq encouraged Basant Rath to continue his noble work, ensuring that more students benefit from these resources in the future.
Er Mohd Jabir, President of the Al Itihad Youth Foundation Goma Kargil, highlighted the broader impact of the library in countering the growing influence of mobile technology among the youth. He emphasized that the library offers an ideal environment for study, fostering both academic achievement and personal growth.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening library culture in the region, with attendees expressing their hopes that the Sheeda Bintul Hudda Library will continue to serve as a beacon of knowledge and learning for the community.
