Srinagar: A two-day National Level Conference on ‘Issues and Challenges in ensuring Happy Childhood: A special focus on J&K’ started here at the University of Kashmir (KU) on Tuesday.
The conference is being organised by the Department of Social Work, KU in collaboration with Save the Children- a global child rights organization.
Khursheed Ahmad Ganaie, Advisor to Governor J&K was the chief guest on the occasion while as Ved Kumari, Dean Law Delhi University was special guest.
While speaking on the theme of the conference Khursheed Ganaie said that such events are pivotal in emphasizing the importance of healthy nourishment of children both physically as well as mentally.
He urged researchers to study extensively about the children who belong to the marginalised sections of our society so that government can come up with effective & pragmatic policies for the betterment of such children.
Mr. Ganaie also highlighted different govt. policies for the protection & development of children& hoped that such programs would benefit the society at large & also requested the University administration to encourage such vital conferences in future also.
Acting Vice Chancellor KU, Prof.Neelofer Khan in her presidential address said “I congratulate Department of Social Work, KU for organizing this important conference& I hope more of such programs would be organised.”
While sharing her childhood memories on the occasion Prof. Khan said “Our children have not seen happy moments as we were able to see in our childhood. Our children excel in every field today but unfortunately there is not much happiness around.”
Delivering keynote address Mrs Ved Kumari spoke on conceptualising Happy Childhood & juvenile justice “Children are our future & our asset we need to clear out heads on what a happy childhood means.”
Speaking about the children in Kashmir Mrs Kumari said “Children of valley are brave than elders to face the situation which has prevailed over in J&K in contemporary times.”
Mr. Kumari also had a brief interaction with the scholars & other participants.
Registrar KU Dr Nisar A Mir said that the University administration shall continue to support and collaborate in such endeavours which are aimed at making the future of our children happy, healthy and secure.
Sharief Bhat, Resource Person ‘Save the Children’ J&K introduced the theme of the Conference whileas Coordinator Dept of Social Work KU and Convener of the Conference Dr Adil Bashir highlighted the aims and objectives of the conference.
On the Occasion Khursheed Ganaie also launched three books on Juvenile justice.