KATHUA, APRIL 10: The three-day Awareness Programme organised by the School Education Department concluded here today with an awareness rally and felicitation ceremony, marking the successful culmination of the initiative.
The rally was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma from Government Boys Higher Secondary School. Students, teachers and officials participated enthusiastically, spreading awareness on key themes including traffic awareness, environmental protection, mental health, drug de-addiction and career counselling.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner underscored the importance of staying away from substance abuse and maintaining focus on studies. He exhorted students to remain disciplined, motivated and committed towards their goals while adopting a healthy and responsible lifestyle.
Chief Education Officer Kewal Krishan also accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the flagging off ceremony. Among others present on the occasion were Forest Range Officer Gulshan Kumar; District Health Officer Dr Uttam Chand and District Traffic Incharge Vikas Sharma.
The Forest Range Officer sensitised students to environment conservation, listing the government initiatives for conservation of environment. He solicited the participation of youth in plantation drives.
The District Health Officer highlighted the importance of mental health and cautioned students against excessive mobile usage, terming it a growing problem among the youth.
The programme was also attended by District Education Planning Officer Anjana Manyal; Principal, Government Model Girls Higher Secondary School Jatinder Sethi; Principal Government Boys Higher Secondary School Rajesh Sharma, besides other teaching staff.
Earlier, students who excelled in the competitions held on the second day at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, were felicitated and awarded prizes. In the Painting Competition, Aditya from APS Janglot secured first position. Lavanya from the same school bagged second place and Niharika Sharma from Jammu Sanskriti School secured third place. In the Essay Competition, Drishti from Jammu Sanskriti School secured first position, Nithik from APS Janglot secured second place, while Aruna from Government Higher Secondary School Keerian stood third. In the Quiz Competition, Government Higher Secondary School Hatli secured first position, followed by Government Higher Secondary School Forelain in second place and Government Higher Secondary School Barwal in third place.
The programme witnessed effective coordination among departments and enthusiastic participants of students and teaching community.