STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Volleyball Association of Jammu & Kashmir (VAJK) on Saturday successfully concluded the fortnight-long celebrations of the 12th Anniversary of Art of Giving (AOG) with a series of vibrant and engaging programs across multiple districts, including Kulgam, Udhampur and Kathua.
The two-week celebration, themed “Neighbourgood: Bringing Good to Neighbourhood”, commenced on May 4, 2025. It aimed to instill the values of kindness, community service, and positivity among citizens, especially the youth, inspired by the visionary ideals of Prof. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of AOG.
KULGAM: Focus on de-addiction and youth empowerment, Kulgam District Volleyball Association organized a comprehensive set of events emphasizing youth empowerment, wellness, and drug de-addiction. A special seminar was conducted on drug de-addiction to spread awareness and motivate youth to lead substance-free, purpose-driven lives in harmony with society. MLA Peerzada Feroz Ahmad Shah graced the seminar as Chief Guest and distributed prizes among the students of Model Public School Malpora in recognition of their active participation. Today’s concluding events at Kulgam featured Yoga sessions, fitness drills, and volleyball matches, encouraging youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The seminar and sports activities were attended by a large number of local youth. Principal Abdul Hamid Ganai, Neelofar, Secretary of Kulgam District Volleyball Association, and other dignitaries were present during the day’s events.
UDHAMPUR: The Udhampur District Volleyball Association held an exhibition volleyball match alongside an interactive session with players and local sports enthusiasts. These activities focused on leveraging sports for holistic youth development and promoting the message of nation-building through fitness and discipline. Local players and budding talent were encouraged to pursue sports not just as a hobby but as a path to national pride and self-reliance. Prominent Volleyball Association of District Udhampur Ashok Padha President VADU, Amit Chander Singh Secretary, Ashok Sharma veteran volleyball player/Joint Secretary, Kuldeep Sharma, Sunil Salaria, Goverdhan Jamwal and large number of volleyball lovers were present. All proceedings conducted by Amit Sharma, Physical Education Teacher/Sr national volleyball player.
KATHUA: District Kathua Volleyball Association also celebrated 12th anniversary of Art of Giving in a well organised and impressive function in Mini Stadium of Lower Mela, Tehsil Hiranagar under the supervision of Kamal Sharma, President and Mohinder Sharma, General Secretary of District Kathua Volleyball Association.
A volleyball match was also played between the teams of Lower Mela and Patyari Volleyball team.
M.L.Toofan, Vice-President of Volleyball Association of J&K presided over the function. Toofan threw light on Art of Giving and contribution of Achuta Samanta, former President of Volleyball Federation of India in promotion of volleyball game in India.
He exhorted the young generation to follow the principles of Art of Giving as held by Samanta.
On this occasion, Ginnik Sharma, a son of the soil (r/o Lower Mela) who was a member of under-19 Volleyball team of J&K which won gold medal in the Khelo India National Volleyball Championship-2025 held at Patna, was also honoured by District Volleyball Association Kathua. He was given a cash prize of Rs 3100 by District Volleyball Association Kathua.
Other prominent persons present on the occasion also gave cash prizes to Ginnik Sharma. Kamal Sharma gave Rs. 2100 to Ginnik Sharma.
Ginnik Sharma lauded the role of District Volleyball Association especially Mohinder Sharma and Kamal Sharma for their encouragement and coaching from time to time.
A large number of people especially from Lower Mela and Upper Mela villages were present.
Almost all the office-bearers of District Volleyball Association Kathua as well as most of the veteran players were present on the occasion.
Prominent among them were Surat Singh Senior Vice-president, Madan Lal Coach, Rakesh Sharma, Ram Lal, Goswami, Yash Pal Sharma, Romesh Singh NIS Coach, Raj Kumar Sharma father of Ginnik, Bappu Panch of village, Abhinesh Sharma, Kranti Sharma and Kamal Sharma TSO.
Throughout the fortnight, VAJK and its district associations mobilized communities through seminars, sports events, youth interactions, and awareness drives, uniting people across J&K in a shared celebration of kindness and social responsibility.
In a joint statement, the office bearers of VAJK extended their heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Achyuta Samanta, saluting his benevolent mission for the holistic development of mankind. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the values of Art of Giving and using sports as a medium to spread positivity, discipline, and community spirit across the Union Territory.
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