Bandipora Nov 14: The second day of the Back to Village 5 (B2V5) initiative witnessed an array of cultural, sports, and developmental activities as Waseem Raja, Additional Secretary to the Government Department of Youth Services and Sports J&K, delved into the heart of Aragam Gojerpati Panchayat here.
The day commenced with an insightful field visit to government offices and educational institutions within the panchayat, setting the tone for the diverse events that followed.
A highlight of the day was the Cultural cum Sports festival organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Bandipora. Distinguished guests, including ADC Bandipora Umar Shafi Pandit, President of Travel Agents Association Kashmir Rauf Tramboo, Former VP of Travel Agents Association Farooq Ahmed, Media & Publicity Coordinator of YSS Azhar Hajini, DFO Bandipora, DYSSO Bandipora Nazir Ahmed, National Awardee Writer and Playwright Majeed Majazy, Sarpanch of the area Anwar Ahmed, DD Member of the area Dr Mustafa graced the occasion. The festival aimed to showcase the immense potential of Aragam and position it on the tourism map of Jammu & Kashmir.
The festivities kicked off with a charming Welcome song by the talented students of Girls Middle School, Aragam. This was followed by a captivating cultural song performed by Mr. Arshid Magroo, a renowned singer of the valley.
Notably, various sports activities engaged the youth and students, adding a spirited dynamic to the day. The Tug of War competition, involving both senior citizens and youth, proved to be particularly eye-catching.
In a significant development, Aragam recently earned the distinction of becoming a book village, Waseem Raja visited the Book Village, where he expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of SARHAD and the local youth in establishing a substantial library. He remarked that this initiative epitomizes what Bandipora is renowned for – Alim, Adab, and Aab.
The exploration did not end there; Raja ventured to a high-altitude spot in the area, contemplating the potential for adventure tourism activities like trekking, paragliding, etc. This move aligns with a broader vision to diversify Aragam’s offerings, tapping into its scenic landscapes for adventure enthusiasts.
During his address, Additional Secretary stressed the need for collaborative efforts between Departments for meaningful development. He announced plans for the construction of a dedicated sports ground for Aragam’s youth, aimed at promoting sports and allied activities.