 Early Times Report
BUDGAM, July 11: The Private Schools' Association (PSA) organised a grand Felicitation-cum-Award Ceremony to honour its newly elected District Body of Budgam and the recently elected Zonal Presidents following the successful completion of the Association's democratic election process in the district.
During the ceremony, Dr. Owais Mattoo was elected as the District President of PSA Budgam. The event witnessed an overwhelming participation of school leaders, educationists, PSA office bearers and distinguished personalities from across Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the Association's commitment to democratic values and educational excellence.
The function was graced by Joint Commissioner, GST J&K, Dr. Umair Mir (IRS) as the Chief Guest, while NISA Joint Secretary and PSA Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var, former Joint Director, School Education Department Mehboob Hussain, former Trade Union Leader and J&K Civil Society Forum member Mir Fayaz, PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat and noted sports personality Nazir Ahmad Mir, Member of Bharat Scouts & Guides, attended as Guests of Honour.
Among those present were PSA Senior Vice President Manzoor Ahmad Rather, Vice President Adv. Ghulam Hassan Rather, General Secretary (Organisation) Mohammad Syed Wani, District Presidents Hilal Ahmad Khan (Shopian), Dr. Waseem Siddiqui (Kulgam), Dr. Yasir Ramzan Bhat (Bandipora), Aadil Habeeb (Srinagar) Er. Mehmood (Anantnag), representatives from Pulwama, Ganderbal, Baramulla and Kupwara, District Secretary Anantnag Aijaz Wani, Election Observer Central Kashmir B.A. Shah, besides Zonal Presidents, school heads, educators and members of the Association.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Umair Mir (IRS), Joint Commissioner, GST J&K, expressed his gratitude to the Private Schools' Association for inviting him to the programme, describing Budgam as his home district and the land of his forefathers. He said the greatest responsibility of education today is not merely to prepare students for examinations or careers, but to prepare them for life. "In a rapidly changing world, our education system must place equal emphasis on empathy, critical thinking, innovation and ethical values. Knowledge without compassion cannot build a progressive society".
Dr. Umair emphasised that classrooms should encourage curiosity, independent thinking, creativity and problem-solving rather than rote learning. He said teachers are mentors who shape the character and values of future generations, while parents and schools must work together to nurture responsible, compassionate and ethical citizens. "The future belongs not only to skilled professionals but to individuals with vision, integrity, empathy and a deep sense of social responsibility"
Dr. G.N. Var, NISA Joint Secretary & PSA Chief Patron, congratulated newly elected district president Budgam Dr. Owais Mattoo, all the newly elected Zonal Presidents and every school leader who participated in the democratic electoral process. He said "The child must always remain at the top prioty of every educational decision. Before we think about schools, policies or institutions, we must ask ourselves whether our decisions will truly benefit the child. The real stakeholders in education are the student, parent and the teacher, while schools carry the sacred responsibility of bringing them together in an environment of trust, learning and character-building. Parents entrust us with their greatest asset, their children and it is our moral duty to justify that trust through quality education, discipline, values and compassion.
Dr. Var said Private schools have consistently played a vital role in strengthening the education sector, not merely by imparting knowledge but by nurturing responsible, ethical and confident future citizens. Our commitment has always been guided by honesty, integrity and the larger interest of education. We have never compromised on principles, even in the face of challenges, because meaningful educational reforms can only succeed when they place students above all other considerations. |
