| News Details |
| Grand education conference held In Srinagar | | “Kashmir’s youth can lead globally—if education evolves,” says International Award-Winning Educator Ashok Kumar | 
Srinagar, April 13 (Scoop News)- A grand education conference held at Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar, on the theme of “Educational Challenges in Jammu & Kashmir and the Probable Way Out.” The event brought together some of the most respected names in education, including national-level experts, university officials, environmental activists and representatives of private schools from across Jammu & Kashmir.
The education conference commenced with a deeply moving ceremony that left a lasting impression on every attendee. The distinguished guests were received with utmost warmth, greeted by vibrant flower bouquets. Each guest was also draped in exquisite Kashmiri shawls—traditional emblems of honor, cultural heritage and the unparalleled hospitality that defines the region. This gracious and symbolic gesture not only highlighted the significance of the occasion but also set the tone for the event—one of unity, respect and shared purpose.
The conference was enriched by the presence of distinguished educators and experts, including: Dr. Nagendra Prasad Singh (IAS), Chairman, Bhartiya Shiksha Board, Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, University of Kashmir, Srinagar; Ashok Kumar Thakur, International award-winning educationist & Chairman, Muni International School, New Delhi, Prof. M. A. Shah, NIT Srinagar.
The conference also witnessed participation from several prominent edu leaders, including G. N. Var, State President, PSAJK; Faisal Islam Mir, General Secretary ; Shah Gulzar, Chief Organiser, PSAJK; Ishrat Tanki, President, Womens' Wing, PSAJK; Majid Bhat, Divisional Organiser, Central Kashmir; Bilal Bhat, District President Srinagar; Tahir Wagay, District Secretary; Syed Rufaida Soliha, PSAJK PRO; Er Muhammad Shukiel Dar, Chairman & Er Muhammad Shahid Dar, Director, Crescent Public School, Srinagar; Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman, Bilaliya Educational Institute, M. Y. Wani, Chairman, Green Valley Educational Institute and Senior edu leader Mushtaq Canny; Farooq Fazili, Chairman, Dolphin International School, Pulwama were among others. The audience comprised of a large gathering of educational leaders, School Chairpersons, school principals, teachers, students and intellectuals.
Dr. Nagendra Singh (IAS), Chairman of the Bhartiya Shiksha Board (BSB), in his speech, said, “The Bhartiya Shiksha Board is a legally recognized national education board. It aims to promote a truly Indian system of education, deeply rooted in our cultural and intellectual heritage. The Board is on par with the CBSE and various other state boards.”
Dr. Singh also stated that this marks the first time the Government of India has established a national education board through its own initiative. Kashmir has played a pivotal role in shaping India's identity. The rise of India is incomplete without acknowledging the rise of Kashmir — a land steeped in knowledge, service, and spiritual elevation. This region has given rise to some of the nation’s most distinguished and influential figures.
Regarding the concerns, problems, and grievances raised by the private schools of Jammu and Kashmir, he said, as a representative of the National School Board, “I assure you that I will examine each of them in detailed and work towards actionable solutions.” As a senior IAS officer with 34 years of experience, he further stated, “I assure you that I understand the policy and administrative challenges. Many misunderstandings arise from the way policies are framed and communicated. But I promise to do my utmost to work with you — as a team — to address these issues effectively.”
Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, stated during his address at the conference, "India will truly become a Viksit Bharat when our education system empowers students not just to seek high-paying jobs, but to pursue meaningful innovation and contribute to nation-building across diverse fields. It is essential to instill a deep sense of national pride, interdisciplinary thinking and creative freedom from the school level itself."
Prof. Murty also emphasized the importance of early innovation and entrepreneurship, sharing that IIT Hyderabad allows even first-year students to take a semester break to work on their ideas and offers seed funding to support them. “With over 260 startups incubated and ₹1500 crores raised, we are witnessing how young minds, when given the right environment, can create scalable impact. We need to replicate this spirit of innovation and curiosity across all schools and colleges in the country.”
"If we truly empower our youth to think beyond marks and placements to innovate, to create and to contribute meaningfully to the nation. we will not have to wait until 2047 to realize the dream of a developed India envisioned by Prime Minister. That transformation can begin today, in our classrooms, through a mindset shift that values purpose over paychecks, and nation-building over mere employment. The future of India lies in the hands of young minds who are free to imagine, empowered to act and inspired to serve," he concluded.
Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, University of Kashmir, said, “The University is open to all. I encourage every student here to work hard, respect your teachers, parents and contribute meaningfully to society. Your dreams are valid and with dedication and discipline, you can achieve them and make your parents proud. The future of our nation rests with the younger generation—each one of you has a vital role to play.”
“Our University is always supportive of school children, especially those coming from far-flung areas. We welcome them to visit our departments, explore the libraries and engage with the academic environment. If ever you face any challenges or hurdles during such visits, don't hesitate to contact me personally—I will always be there to help. I want to reaffirm that the University of Kashmir stands open for all schools across the Valley. If we, as a university, do not take the lead in engaging with society, then who will? This university belongs to the students and my office door will always be open to you."
Prof Naseer also said that “We are here for a limited time. What we leave behind is not our possessions, but our contributions. Whether I am a teacher or an administrator, I must serve with dedication, because I won’t be here forever. That same truth applies to each one of you”.
He also appealed to the students to not waste their time instead they must Work hard and become a good citizens of the society. he advised students to make their parents proud and give back to them for all they have done for you. He also emphasized for the change inside the individuals itself.
G. N. Var, State President of PSAJK, stated, “In light of the persistent challenges created by the Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education, including unnecessary hurdles, redundant NOCs, increased fees, the imposition of GST, and the unjust harassment of students under the pretext of late fees, PSAJK is seriously considering shifting its affiliation to other national education boards. Currently, hundreds of files related to registration and renewal are pending, and schools are being subjected to various unnecessary NOCs. These issues have been raised time and again and to date, no concrete policy has been adopted with regard to the private education sector.
Var also stated that the recent refusal by the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) to allow students to appear in examinations due to minor technicalities, despite schools having complied with core requirements, reflects a deeply bureaucratic and insensitive approach. If the situation continues, we will have no choice but to seek affiliation with national boards such as the Bhartiya Shiksha Board and others. Our top priority is the future of our students, and on that, we cannot and will not compromise.”
Ashok Kumar Thakur, Chairman, Muni International School, New Delhi said that “The idea of education must go beyond textbooks and exams. It must prepare students to be self-aware, independent thinkers, and change-makers in their communities. Kashmir’s youth is bright—they need the right platform and a compassionate, innovative system to shine globally.”
Prof. M. A. Shah, NIT Srinagar said that “Kashmir always had a rich intellectual legacy but we must make science and technology accessible at the school level. We need to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The future lies in critical thinking, creativity and collaboration.”
Shah Gulzar, Chief Organiser, PSAJK, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “This conference represents a pivotal moment for private education sector in Jammu & Kashmir. I sincerely thank every guest, educator and participant for their unwavering support for our students and schools. Though challenges lie ahead, our shared vision and collective resolve will pave the way for transformative change.”
The conference concluded on a hopeful note — a collective commitment to reforming education system in Jammu & Kashmir with equity, innovation and empathy at its core.
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