Srinagar: Senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Gulam Ali Khatana attended as the Chief Guest at the Award Ceremony of the Federation of Private Schools, held at Hotel Countryside, Srinagar.
He lauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose guidance, Kashmir is steadily moving towards lasting normalcy, peace, and development. Khatana stated that the earlier governments of the NC, PDP, and Congress did little to restore normalcy in the Valley, resulting in private schools and the entire education ecosystem of Kashmir suffering for years.
Khatana said that Kashmir is a land of opportunity, and both government and private schools are contributing immensely to rebuilding its educational and social fabric. He emphasised that private institutions have played a crucial role in bringing students back to classrooms, encouraging them in sports, cultural, and co-curricular activities, and keeping them away from drugs and negative influences. He added that Kashmir youth have high potential, and schools must nurture this talent to make them active participants in India’s growth story.
He stressed that private schools should not prioritise making money, but focus on the holistic development of students. He appreciated the Federation of Private Schools for its commitment and urged them to focus on overall student development over monetary priorities, inspiring the youth to make the Valley a model of education, peace, and progress.
The event was also graced by a cultural program that showcased the talent of students in music, dance, and arts, reflecting the creativity and holistic development promoted by private schools in Kashmir.
Khatana further said that private schools in Kashmir are not only imparting education but also building essential life skills, confidence, and leadership qualities among students, preparing them to face future challenges and contribute positively to society. He stressed that schools must continue to provide holistic development opportunities to ensure the next generation becomes responsible, skilled, and socially conscious citizens.
Khatana also highlighted that in today’s time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in education, and educators must remain aware of both its positive and negative impacts on students. He emphasized that teachers and institutions in Kashmir should guide students to use AI as a tool for learning, innovation, and nation-building, while ensuring it does not affect their moral and emotional development.
Dr. Jagjit Singh Dhuri, President of FAP (India), and Dr. G.N. Var, President of Private Schools Association, J&K, also appreciated the Prime Minister for his leadership in restoring normalcy and promoting education in the region. The event was partnered by Chandigarh University, with Private Schools Association, J&K as an associate partner, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen education in Kashmir.
