Dr. Rashmi Singh lauds GCW Parade’s innovative theatre program; releases newsletter on ‘Design Your Degree’ initiative
Jammu, December 4: The week-long Chhau workshop, organized by Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground in collaboration with Rangyug and the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL), concluded with a grand valedictory ceremony. The event was graced by Dr. Rashmi Singh, Commissioner Secretary of Higher Education, as the chief guest, while Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director of Colleges, attended as the guest of honor.
Among the distinguished guests were Dr. S.P. Saraswat, Nodal Principal of PSPS Government PG College for Women, Gandhi Nagar; Dr. Ravender Kumar Tickoo, Principal of GCW Parade; Deepak Kumar, Director of Rangyug; Padma Shri Rajinder Tickoo; Suresh Kumar Sharma (Retd. Judge) and Convener of SPIC-MACAY J&K Chapter; and Dr. Lalit Gupta, an Art Historian, among others.
In her address, Dr. Rashmi Singh lauded the innovative theatre program at GCW Parade, recognizing it as a unique fusion of education and culture that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. She emphasized the workshop’s contribution to promoting holistic, multidisciplinary education by integrating academic knowledge with life skills essential for the all-around development of students.
Dr. Singh also highlighted the college’s newly introduced skill-based theatre course, which aims to provide students with practical skills that complement their academic learning. She praised the college for its progressive approach in combining traditional arts with modern educational practices and acknowledged the valuable collaboration with Rangyug and JKAACL that contributed to the success of the workshop.
Further applauding GCW Parade’s academic initiatives, Dr. Singh spoke about the ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) initiative, which empowers students to tailor their academic programs according to their personal interests and career aspirations. She commended the initiative for giving students greater autonomy in shaping their educational journey.
Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, in his speech, emphasized the critical role of cultural and skill-based initiatives in preparing future-ready students. He expressed admiration for the collaboration between GCW Parade and its partners in creating a platform for students to explore and learn about the rich cultural heritage of India.
Earlier, Dr. Ravender Tickoo, in his welcome address, elaborated on the significance of integrating performing arts into academia through the newly introduced Skill Development Program at GCW Parade. He explained that the workshop aimed to immerse students in Chhau, a traditional Indian art form that combines martial arts, storytelling, and physical movement. He noted that the workshop had enhanced the participants’ physical fitness, strength, and endurance, while fostering self-confidence and a deeper appreciation for Indian cultural heritage.
Dr. Alpana Vohra, Convener of the Skill Development Cell, provided an overview of the workshop’s highlights, stressing its transformative impact on participants from various colleges in Jammu, including GCW Parade, Government SPMR College, PSPS College, GCW Gandhi Nagar, GGM Science College, and GDC Akhnoor.
The participants, in a Demonstration-cum-Performance, showcased the skills they had learned during the workshop, under the guidance of renowned experts Bhumikeshwar Singh, an internationally acclaimed classical Indian drama expert, and Rudri Singh, a Chhau exponent and yoga teacher. Their performance, which depicted a powerful theme through precise body movements and expressive gestures, received enthusiastic applause from the audience, highlighting the workshop’s success in imparting valuable skills and instilling a sense of cultural pride.
The event also saw the release of a newsletter on GCW Parade’s ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) initiative, an innovative academic program designed to offer flexible, student-centric learning pathways.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Gurpreet Kour, Coordinator of the Skill Development Cell, who expressed her gratitude to all contributors, dignitaries, and participants for their roles in making the workshop a resounding success.
Prominent figures attending the event included Dr. Priya Dutta, Raj Kumar Behrupia from IMFA, Ashish Sharma, Coordinator of Rangyug, Ashok Sharma, senior journalist, and faculty members from various institutions.
The Chhau workshop, the first of its kind in Jammu, stands as a testament to the commitment of GCW Parade, Rangyug, and JKAACL in promoting cultural heritage while equipping students with unique skills for their holistic development.