Career Guidance Session at Potushai Lolab Focuses on NEET, Competitive Exams

Tareeq Lone

Kupwara: A career guidance and student doubt-clearance session with a special focus on NEET and other national competitive examinations was held at Noor-e-Marifat Library, Potushai Lolab on Sunday, attracting a strong participation from students and academicians.

The initiative, conceived by retired B.Ed College Principal Syed Ab Hamid Andrabi, who served the institution for 13 years, aimed at equipping aspirants with strategies for competitive exam preparation and fostering an academic support environment at the community level.

Senior civil service officers Ashraf Lolabi (JKAS) and Mohammad Shafi Wani (JKAS) attended the event as chief guests. Distinguished academician Syed Zahoor Ul Haq and other officials from the Education Department were also present.

The programme commenced with Tilawat-e-Quran by Syed Ahmad Raza, followed by Naat recitation by Syed Sehrish Andrabi. A Dars-e-Quran delivered by Suhail Ahmad Banday touched upon the relevance of knowledge, discipline and learning. Proceedings were conducted by Syed Tahir Qayoom.

Addressing the gathering, the JKAS officers shared preparation strategies for competitive examinations, stressing time management, consistency and the value of self-study. Wani underlined the importance of libraries in shaping disciplined study habits, while cautioning aspirants on common pitfalls during examination preparation.

In his address, Lolabi drew from both religious and philosophical traditions, beginning with the opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq and later invoking Plato’s Allegory of the Cave to explain the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. He encouraged students to pursue “true knowledge” through education, critical thinking and structured preparation.

Presiding over the programme, Andrabi drew a parallel between human life and the developing phases of the moon, noting that each phase carries challenges and lessons. He urged students to lead disciplined and purposeful lives guided by moral teachings.

Senior academician Syed Zahoor Ul Haq, while presenting the vote of thanks, called for clarity of goals, hard work and commitment among students, stating that society’s progress depends on the emergence of competent and ethical professionals.

During the event, meritorious students of classes 10th and 12th who secured top results in recent board examinations were felicitated with appreciation certificates. Speakers said the recognition aimed at encouraging excellence and inspiring other students across the Lolab region.

The library administration expressed gratitude to all participants and reiterated its commitment to hosting similar academic initiatives in future.