| News Details |
| "Education Beyond The Syllabus | | Schools Must Promote Value-Based, Skill-Oriented & Child-Centric Learning": PSA Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var |
Shopian, June 18 (Scoop News)-Upholding the principles of democracy, fairness and transparency, the Private Schools' Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSA) successfully conducted elections for its District Executive Body in Shopian, electing a new team of office-bearers through a transparent and democratic voting process.
Following the completion of polling, Hilal Ahmad Khan was elected as District President, while Sheikh Abid Hussain was elected as Vice President. Mir Nowshaad was elected District Secretary, Shahid Farooq as Coordinator and Mohammad Amin Alaie as Treasurer.
The election process witnessed active participation from eligible members and was conducted through a ballot-box voting system. Two candidates contested the election, with voting held in a free, fair and transparent manner under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner Sajad Ahmad Khan, Returning Officer Ashiq Hussain, Election Observer Adv. Ghulam Hassan, Dr. Waseem Siddiqui and PRO B.A. Shah.
The election programme was attended by National Joint Secretary of NISA and PSA Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var as Chief Guest. Among the prominent dignitaries present were PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat, General Secretary (Organisation) M. Syed Wani, Joint Secretary Dr. Yasir Ahmad, Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo, District President Anantnag Er. Mehmood Ahmad, District Secretary Aijaz Ahmad Wani and members of the State Executive Body and school leaders from across Shopian district.
Speaking on the occasion, PSA leaders highlighted that the election process has been underway across Jammu and Kashmir for the past several months. Beginning at the zonal level, elections were conducted in various districts before moving to the district-level phase. The leadership stated that the objective of the exercise is to strengthen the association from the grassroots level and provide democratic opportunities for new school leaders to assume responsibilities and contribute towards the welfare of schools and students.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. G.N. Var, National Joint Secretary of NISA and Chief Patron of PSA, stressed the importance of gratitude, patience and moral responsibility in leadership. "One of the greatest tragedies of our society today is the absence of gratitude. We often forget the contributions of those who work selflessly for the community. Islam teaches us patience and thankfulness and true leadership emerges when individuals serve society with sincerity, humility and accountability."
Dr. Var called upon edu leaders to accord equal importance to character-building, quality teaching and academic excellence, emphasizing that the true success of an educational institution lies not merely in producing high examination scores but in shaping responsible, skilled and morally good individuals. He stressed the need for schools to adopt a holistic approach to education by strengthening teaching standards, promoting continuous learning and integrating skill-based and career-oriented training into the curriculum. Such an approach would equip students with the knowledge, competencies, values and confidence required to face the challenges of modern life, pursue meaningful careers and emerge as good citizens capable of contributing positively to society and nation-building.
"Education is not merely about completing a syllabus. Our responsibility is to nurture responsible human beings who understand values, ethics and their duties towards society. Schools must remain child-centric and committed to quality education."
He congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and expressed confidence that the democratic process would further strengthen the association and enhance its ability to advocate for educational reforms and school welfare.
PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat, while congratulating the newly elected office-bearers, hailed the visionary leadership and unwavering dedication of PSA Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var, unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions towards strengthening and expanding the association. He acknowledged Dr. Var's pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of private educational institutions and fostering unity, democratic values and institutional growth within the organisation.
He said "Dr. G.N. Var has dedicated precious years of his life, resources,time and energy to this association. His sacrifices and leadership have provided a strong foundation upon which PSA stands today. We remain indebted to his commitment and vision."
Bhat said the association's mission has always been to address the concerns of private schools and protect the interests of students.
"We are not driven by positions or titles. Our objective is to serve schools and resolve their issues. Whether a school is located in Shopian, Kupwara, Kulgam, Ramban or any other district, PSA stands firmly with every institution facing challenges."
He recalled PSA's role in advocating for schools during difficult periods and highlighted its contributions in raising educational issues before policymakers.
General Secretary (Organisation) M. Syed Wani said the current leadership inherited a challenging situation but remained committed to restoring institutional transparency and democratic functioning within the association.
"Our foremost priority is to strengthen organisational structures, ensure accountability and pave the way for democratic elections. These elections are not about positions; they are about empowering genuine representatives chosen by school leaders themselves."
Wani stated that the association's leadership has worked tirelessly over the past several months to complete elections process across Jammu and Kashmir. "Private schools play a crucial role in providing education and employment. Our collective responsibility is to safeguard this sector and address the challenges faced by educational institutions while remaining united and focused on our common objectives."
Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo described leadership as an "amanah" (sacred trust) and urged members to uphold the values of integrity and service. "The Holy Qur'an instructs us to entrust responsibilities to those who are capable of fulfilling them. Every position in this association is an amanah. The election process is not merely about choosing office-bearers, it is about selecting individuals who possess vision, commitment and the ability to serve."
Dr. Mattoo said PSA has been conducting elections systematically from the zonal level and is now nearing completion of district elections. "We are hopeful of completing the entire democratic process, by the end of this month. The association thrives on sacrifice, dedication and collective effort. Members must be willing to contribute their time, energy and resources for the larger cause of education."
District President Kulgam Dr. Waseem Siddiqui said the successful conduct of elections reflected the maturity and democratic spirit of the association. "This process demonstrates that when intentions are sincere and systems are transparent, institutions emerge stronger. The PSA has adopted a stable and democratic structure that allows members to elect their representatives through consensus and participation."
Dr. Siddiqui observed that the association had successfully overcome various challenges and emerged more united than before. "The respect and credibility enjoyed by PSA today are the result of collective efforts and visionary leadership. The association has become a strong platform for protecting the interests of schools, students and educators across Jammu and Kashmir, I Congratulating the newly elected team, he urged them to work with dedication, honesty and accountability”.
Election Observer and PSA Vice President Adv. Ghulam Hassan Rather lauded the transparency of the electoral process and said the elections were conducted strictly in accordance with democratic norms.
He said "These elections were free, fair and transparent. Every voter present was a genuine stakeholder and the entire process was carried out in an open and accountable manner. Those elected today have earned the confidence of their colleagues and must honour that trust through sincere service."
Adv. Hassan emphasised that PSA was established not only to address the challenges faced by private schools but also to safeguard the sector from various issues and misconceptions.
"The association must remain united. Our strength lies in collective wisdom and mutual respect. Leadership is not about authority, it is about responsibility, commitment and the ability to bring people together."
In his vote of thanks, newly elected District President Hilal Ahmad Khan expressed sincere appreciation to the PSA leadership, Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var, President Bilal Ahmad Bhat, the election authorities and members of the association for ensuring the successful conduct of a free, fair and transparent electoral process. He thanked the members for the confidence reposed in the newly elected team and pledged to uphold the trust with commitment, integrity and dedicated service.
He reiterated the newly elected body's resolve to work collectively for the promotion of quality education, the welfare of students, teachers and the strengthening of private educational institutions in the district. Stressing the importance of unity and constructive engagement, he called upon all stakeholders to work together in addressing emerging educational challenges and advancing the broader interests of the academic community.
The programme concluded with felicitation of the newly elected office-bearers and a pledge by members to continue working collectively for the welfare of students, teachers and educational institutions throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
The PSA leadership reiterated that, following the successful completion of district-level elections in several districts, preparations are underway to conduct elections in the remaining districts, paving the way for the establishment of fully representative and democratically elected bodies across Jammu and Kashmir. The leadership expressed confidence that this inclusive democratic process would further strengthen the association's organizational structure, enhance its representative character and bolster its advocacy efforts of the private education sector throughout the J&K.
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