Srinagar, September 12: The Jammu & Kashmir Regional Branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) honoured Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, Department of Students’ Welfare, University of Kashmir, with an Award of Appreciation and a Citation of Acknowledgement for his more than two decades of association with IIPA and his sustained contribution to youth engagement through debating, public speaking and democratic discourse.
The honour was presented by Vice Chancellor, KU Prof. Nilofer Khan and Khalid Jahangir, Commissioner, Food & Drug Administration, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, during the valedictory and prize distribution ceremony of the Annual IIPA Debate–2026 at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir.
The recognition acknowledged the longstanding efforts of Dr. Shahid Khan in mobilising and mentoring young people, promoting debating and public-speaking skills and strengthening the IIPA Debate tradition at the KU. Over the years, he has created platforms enabling students to research, think critically, articulate their views and engage in respectful debate.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. G. N. Qasba, Vice Chairperson, IIPA J&K Regional Branch, appreciated the longstanding association of Dr. Shahid with IIPA and his sustained efforts to promote its youth-oriented activities. He acknowledged his contribution in keeping the IIPA Debate tradition alive at the University of Kashmir and connecting generations of students with opportunities to develop confidence and engage in meaningful democratic discourse.
Dr. Shahid Ali Khan expressed gratitude to IIPA J&K Regional Branch and the University of Kashmir for the honour, describing it as a recognition of the collective efforts of students, teachers and mentors. He said that young people need platforms to express their views, develop confidence and learn to research, reason and engage in respectful debate.
