Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, September 25: A district-level competition on Role Play, Folk Dance and Folk Songs was organised at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Beerwah, Budgam, in collaboration with the National Policy on Education Programme (NPEP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE). Students from all 13 educational zones of the district participated enthusiastically in the event.
The chief guest on the occasion was DIET Beerwah Principal, Sapna Suri. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted the importance of co-curricular, creative and experiential activities in the overall personality development of students. She urged participants to make full use of such platforms to enhance confidence, creativity, communication skills, teamwork and cultural awareness.
During the competition, students presented role plays, folk dances and traditional songs on various themes including education, anti-drug awareness, gender equality, good habits, health and cultural heritage. Their performances reflected enthusiasm, creativity, teamwork and confidence, while also showcasing the rich cultural traditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the importance of experiential learning, Sapna Suri said that such programmes provide students with opportunities to learn beyond conventional classroom methods. She stressed that cultural and co-curricular activities play a vital role in developing personality, communication skills and self-confidence.
She appreciated the participation of students and teachers from all 13 zones of the district and congratulated the organisers, escort teachers and participants for their efforts.
Member of the judging panel and teacher at PM Shri Higher Secondary School Humhama, Manjeet Singh Gill, expressed happiness at being part of the programme as a judge. He said that such events offer children an important platform to showcase their talents while contributing to the preservation of cultural and traditional heritage.
He appreciated the efforts of the DIET Principal, DNOs and the staff, adding that participation of students from different zones along with their teachers made the programme more meaningful.
Student participant Syed Madiha of Government Higher Secondary School Magam said that students presented a role play on gender equality. She appealed to parents not to discriminate between boys and girls and to provide equal educational opportunities to girls.
She appreciated the arrangements made by DIET Beerwah and said that such programmes help students overcome stage fear, build confidence and contribute to personality development.
Another participant also thanked DIET Beerwah for providing students with an excellent opportunity to learn and display their abilities.
Educationist G.M. Dar of Government Middle School Batpora, Narbal, appreciated the outstanding performances of students and the efforts of escort teachers, who played a key role in preparing and guiding students.
He said that role plays, theatre and folk dances are effective tools for promoting experiential learning and help students understand important social issues beyond textbook education.
He noted that themes such as drug abuse, gender equality, healthy habits and the harmful effects of junk food on health were highlighted during the programme. Emphasising gender equality, he said that girls should never be considered less capable than boys.
DIET Beerwah official Shaukat Ahmad said that students from all 13 zones of the district participated in the competition. He stated that the programme was organised in line with the objectives of NEP 2020, which places special emphasis on joyful and experiential learning.
He added that creative activities like role play and folk dance make the teaching-learning process more interesting and effective and can also help bridge learning gaps among students.
DNO Rubina Hachkoti was also associated with the programme. The judging panel comprised Abdullah Majeed, Lecturer at DIET Beerwah; Manjeet Singh Gill of PM Shri Higher Secondary School Humhama; and G.M. Dar of GMS Batpora, Narbal.
At the conclusion of the competition, Government Girls Higher Secondary School Magam secured first position in the Role Play category, while Government Girls School Beerwah won first place in the Folk Dance category. The selected teams will represent the district at the next level of competition.
The DIET Beerwah administration honoured judges Manjeet Singh Gill and G.M. Dar for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the programme. School teachers, particularly Rouf Ahmad of Government Girls Higher Secondary School Beerwah, were also appreciated for their efforts in preparing and guiding students.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Fayaz Ahmad, who expressed gratitude to all participants, students, teachers, judges, organisers and staff for their cooperation in making the event successful.
He appreciated the collective efforts of all stakeholders and expressed hope that such activities would continue in the future to provide students with more opportunities for learning, creativity, confidence-building and connecting with their cultural identity.
