Srinagar, October 9, 2023 – In a surprising turn of events, Kashmir University (KU) has suspended all classwork until October 11, 2023, ahead of the highly anticipated visit of President Droupadi Murmu. The decision was taken in light of the 20th Annual Convocation, where President Murmu is scheduled to deliver the convocation address on October 11, marking her first visit to Kashmir since assuming office.
The order for the closure of departments was communicated separately by the Heads of Departments (HODs) on Sunday night through WhatsApp, with the exception of the Library and Information Department, whose staff remained unaware of the developments. The convocation ceremony will witness the President honoring more than 400 meritorious students from the year 2020 onwards with gold medals, MPhil, and PhD degrees.
Post the convocation address, a grand light and sound show is planned at Dal Lake in honor of President Murmu, providing a spectacular visual treat for the attendees. Later in the evening, the President will be hosted by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, enhancing the significance of the occasion.
The security apparatus in Kashmir has been significantly fortified in preparation for the President’s visit. Although there are no specific threats, security measures have been intensified to thwart any potential security risks. Additional security personnel have been deployed, particularly around KU, and a three-tier security grid has been established. Drone surveillance will be conducted at the venue, and joint frisking operations by the police and CRPF are underway at various locations.
Senior police officials emphasized that a combination of human and technical resources will be employed to ensure a seamless and incident-free event. Surprise checks have been conducted in Lal Chowk and other parts of Srinagar, with pedestrians and vehicles being meticulously searched. The police are working diligently to minimize inconvenience to the general public while upholding stringent security standards.
KU had previously informed all registered students about the convocation, highlighting that qualified students in various disciplines, including PhD, MPhil, MD, MS, and diploma courses, will be conferred degrees during the ceremony.
The anticipation surrounding President Droupadi Murmu’s visit and her participation in KU’s 20th Annual Convocation has heightened the excitement among students, faculty, and residents of Kashmir. The historic event promises to be a momentous occasion for the university and the region as a whole, marking a significant milestone in the academic and cultural landscape of Kashmir.