Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. - Every educational decision must put the child first; education is a sacred trust between schools, teachers, parents & society: Dr. G.N. Var
- PSA felicitates newly elected Budgam district body; Dr. Owais Mattoo elected as District President
- Education must protect young minds alongside building careers: Mehboob Hussain
- Private Schools must be recognised as knowledge partners in nation-building: Mir Fayaz
- Every decision must serve the best interests of students: Bilal Ahmad Bhat
- Technology can support teachers, but it can never replace them: M. Syed Wani
- Together we will build a stronger & more progressive association: Dr. Owais Mattoo
BUDGAM: 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.
He said building character and preparing students to serve society with competence and integrity. Every teacher is a nation-builder, every parent is a partner in education and every school is entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the dreams and aspirations of future generations. Let us continue to work collectively to create an education system that is child-centric, value-driven, innovative and responsive to the changing needs of society. Only then can we build a stronger, more enlightened and progressive nation."
Former Joint Director, School Education Department, Mehboob Hussain, observed that both government and private schools face common educational challenges and must work together to prepare children for the future. He advocated integrating skill development from the primary level, while also highlighting the urgent need to address students' mental health, rising stress and substance abuse. He urged school heads and teachers to closely engage with children, identify behavioural changes at an early stage and create safe, caring and value-based learning environments.
Bilal Ahmad Bhat, President, PSA "The strength of the Private Schools' Association lies in its unity, democratic values and unwavering commitment to the cause of education. Every elected office-bearer must treat this responsibility as a mission of service rather than a position of authority. Our collective objective is to protect the interests of private schools, promote quality and child-centred education, strengthen collaboration among educators and work constructively with all stakeholders for meaningful educational reforms. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more progressive Association that upholds excellence, transparency, innovation and the highest standards of education while ensuring that every decision ultimately serves the best interests of our students".
Mir Fayaz, Former Trade Union Leader said "Today's election is a victory of democracy, unity and institutional values. The transparent process and the spirit displayed by the candidates demonstrate that the Private Schools' Association is committed to collective leadership rather than individual positions. I commend the visionary leadership of Dr. G.N. Var, whose tireless efforts have strengthened the voice of private education and contributed to significant educational reforms. Private schools should take pride in their role as partners in nation-building, delivering quality education and serving society with honesty and commitment. At the same time, every institution must ensure that the safety,care and well-being of every child remain its highest priority".
Mohammad Syed Wani, General Secretary (Organisation), PSA said "The newly elected district bodies carry a great responsibility to strengthen the Association at the grassroot level and work collectively for the welfare of private schools. As we have nearly completed the district-level elections, our focus will now be on building a stronger central body and pursuing meaningful reforms to secure greater relief for schools and students. At the same time, our highest priority must remain child-centric education. Academic excellence must go hand in hand with moral values, character-building and holistic development. Association will organise free district-level teacher training programmes with national level expert resource persons, because while technology is an important tool, it can never replace a well-trained, dedicated and inspiring teacher. Under the continued guidance of our Chief Patron, Dr. G.N. Var, we will remain united in our mission to strengthen quality education, empower educators and safeguard the interests of students, parents, and private schools across Jammu & Kashmir".
The programme featured a felicitation ceremony during which the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, newly elected District office bearers and Zonal Presidents were presented with mementoes in recognition of their leadership and contribution to the education sector.
The newly elected District Body includes Dr. Owais Mattoo (District President), Tariq Ahmad Chopan (Vice President), Bilal Ahmad Dar (District Secretary), Raja Altaf Mir (District Organising Secretary) and Irfan Mohi-ud-Din Bhat (Treasurer). Zonal Presidents honoured during the ceremony included Mir Sajad Hussain (BK Pora), Tariq Ahmad Chopan (Magam), Shakeel Ahmad Para (Chadoora), Raja Altaf Mir (Narbal), Abdul Majeed Bhat (Harda Panzoo), Shameem Ahmad Bhat (Charar-i-Sharief), Bilal Ahmad Wani (Khansahib) and Ms. Rafia Nazki (Budgam Zone).
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the newly elected District President and Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, the Association's leadership, Election Commission, members, mentors and supporters for reposing confidence in him. Describing the mandate as a responsibility rather than a position of authority, he pledged to lead with "Jazba-e-Isaar" the spirit of selfless service, humility and dedication. He assured every school leader that his doors would remain open and reaffirmed his commitment to working with honesty, transparency and collective leadership to strengthen private education and address the genuine concerns of schools across Budgam.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment by the Association's leadership to further strengthen private education through democratic governance, educational reforms, teacher empowerment and a child-centric approach aimed at building a progressive and value-based education system across Jammu and Kashmir.