The weeklong NSS-CCA Camp concluded on 23rd December 2025 with a grand cultural festival at the Department of Teacher Training and Non-Formal Education (IASE). The theme of the camp was “Linguistic Diversity of India”. Over the previous six days during the NSS camp, students actively participated in a variety of engaging activities such as Bait Baazi, Qawwali, Showcasing of Great Personalities from different states, and Nukkad Natak, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and learning.
The valedictory function began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Tarana-e-Jamia. Prof. Farah Farooqui, Head, Department of Teacher Training and Non-Formal Education, warmly welcomed the guests and the Dean by presenting saplings and handmade gifts as a gesture of gratitude. Prof Farooqi congratulated the whole department for its collective efforts and cooperation in organizing this weeklong camp. Following her address, Prof. Anita Rastogi, Dean, Faculty of Education, appreciated the collective efforts of both students and faculty. In her address, she reflected on how the camp beautifully showcased both material and non-material aspects of culture. She noted that the spirit of unity in diversity was visible throughout the campus and applauded the students for their dedication and teamwork.
The Guests of Honour included Ms. Rehana Mishra, granddaughter of Dr. Zakir Hussain; Ms. Humaira Rehan Rahman and Ms Samina Mishra, great-granddaughters of Dr. Zakir Hussain. The guests commended the students for their creativity, collaboration, and the thoughtful presentation of cultural stalls.
The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Arif Mohammad, Assistant Professor, Department of Teacher Training and Non-Formal Education. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Dean, Faculty of Education; Head, IASE; NSS Coordinators; faculty members; university administration; House Advisors; students; and the office and support staff for their invaluable contributions to the successful culmination of the camp.
Post-valedictory function, judgement of allotted areas started, where judges visited different areas and evaluated based on students’ efforts and efficiency in representing various culture of India. Each house set up a food stall representing a distinct region of India along with its associated language. Ajmal House showcased the Mithila region, highlighting the Maithili language; Ansari House represented Kashmir with Kashmiri and Dogri; Azad House depicted the Santhal region focusing on Santhali; Gandhi House presented Tamil Nadu through the Badaga language; Mujeeb House represented Himachal Pradesh with Mahasu Pahari; Nehru House highlighted Uttar Pradesh with an emphasis on Urdu; Sayyadian House showcased Arunachal Pradesh representing the Zakhring language; and Zakir House depicted West Bengal through Bengali language.
A wide variety of food items from Kolkata biryani to Kashmiri kahwa; from Santhali laddoo to UP’s paan; from Tamilnadan’s idli sambhar to Lucknow’s chaat were served, reflecting the rich cultural and culinary diversity of India. Mehndi and face-painting stalls further enhanced the festive atmosphere, encouraging interaction and enjoyment among participants. This CCA-NSS Camp is an important activity of the Department of Teacher Training and Non-Formal Education (TT & NFE), involving 1st semester students from B.Ed. (General), B.Ed. (Nursery), and D. El. Ed. programmes.