Kupwara Sep 28 (KNS): To commemorate International Right to Information (RTI) Day, the Jammu & Kashmir RTI Movement organized an awareness event at Government Higher Secondary School, Kalaroos Kupwara, in collaboration with the Civic Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). The program focused on empowering students with tools for critical thinking, factual awareness, and navigating digital information responsibly.

Speaking on this year’s global theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder,” Chairman of the J&K RTI Movement, Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, highlighted how the RTI Act serves as an essential tool to bypass fake information and combat misinformation. Stressing the importance of authentic updates in today’s digital landscape, he urged the government to establish dedicated, official social media handles for all public offices at the district and block levels to ensure citizens receive verified information directly from authorities on digital platforms. "We deliberately chose to reach out to students at Kalaroos Kupwara which is one of the remote areas of the Kashmir valley.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelIt was great to interact with the students on this important day." Dr Raja Muzaffar added

Distinguished guest, noted scientist and Director Research at Orchid University, Dr. Umar Saif, addressed the student gathering on the necessity of cultivating critical thinking skills. He emphasized the importance of verifying sources and actively seeking out credible information in an era marked by rapid digital communication.

The event saw active participation from senior members of the J&K RTI Movement, including Sajad Rasool and Shahid ul Islam, who interacted with students and highlighted civic engagement mechanisms.

Concluding the program, Principal of Govt Higher Secondary School Kalaroos, Zahoor Hamdani, expressed gratitude to the speakers for enlightening the students on the provisions of the RTI Act and the vital role of transparency in modern governance. Peerzada Mashooq teacher HSS Kalaroos conducted the proceedings during the event (KNS)