Srinagar, July 19 : In a heartfelt gesture to promote youth development and water safety, Deputy Labour Commissioner (Central), Masrat Hashim, felicitated over 36 young participants with certificates and mementos upon successfully completing a basic swimming training course at the picturesque Water Sports Centre, Nigeen, on Thursday morning.
The felicitation was held under the ongoing 100-day swimming programme led by the Swim N Survival Society–K in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Kashmir. The initiative, which runs from May to September, aims to introduce non-swimmers—especially children—to the basics of swimming, equipping them with a life skill that is both recreational and potentially life-saving. The programme has received overwhelming support and enthusiastic participation from the community.
Each morning, children from various age groups—often accompanied by their parents—have been arriving at the centre with dedication and energy. Their presence has transformed the serene waters of Nigeen Lake into a vibrant hub of learning, skill-building, and confidence development.
While addressing the young swimmers, Masrat Hashim praised their enthusiasm and perseverance, emphasizing that swimming is far more than a sport—it is a vital life skill, particularly for those living in flood-prone areas. Reflecting on his association with the Society during his earlier tenure in the Tourism Department, he shared that he had personally taken part in some of the initial training sessions and expressed his confidence in the Society’s commitment to continuing this crucial initiative.
Also present at the event was Shahzada Kabir Matoo, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Anti-Corruption Bureau. He voiced a serious concern about the lack of public swimming facilities in the region. “In the absence of public swimming facilities, many young people take to rivers and lakes without supervision or safety equipment. Tragically, this has led to avoidable accidents. We’ve lost lives in places like Gandibal, where a boat capsized, and in Gantmulla (Baramulla), where four individuals drowned. Such tragedies underline the need for structured training like this,” he said.
Offering a spiritual and health-centered view, Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Wani, noted Consultant Interventional Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, spoke about the value of swimming as recognized in Islamic teachings. He encouraged the youth to adopt swimming not just for physical fitness, but also as a form of self-discipline and holistic well-being.
The event was also graced by several notable personalities including Shakeel Ahmad, President of Swim N Survival Society–K, Yasir Makhdoomi, Secretary of the Society and Riyaz Ahmad, a well-known swimming and cycling mentor.
The training was made possible by a team of dedicated coaches and trainers—Mudasir Chasti, Mohammad Faaliq Najar, Rayees Naqashbandi, Sheikh Rashid, Owais Rashid, Moonis Majid, among others—who, along with a group of committed volunteers, ensured that each child received safe, hands-on guidance and a positive, enriching learning experience throughout the camp.