SRINAGAR: Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSA) member schools across the J&K celebrated the 80th Independence Day with great enthusiasm, patriotic spirit and a strong sense of national pride, organising special functions, assemblies, Tiranga rallies, cultural programmes and awareness activities across their respective school campuses.
Students, teachers and school staff participated enthusiastically not only in celebrations held within their respective institutions but also in government-organised Independence Day functions at the zonal, district headquarters and state levels across Jammu & Kashmir. The widespread participation reflected the active role of private schools in promoting patriotism, unity, constitutional values and civic responsibility among the younger generation.
In a statement issued to the press, PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat extended warm Independence Day greetings to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the entire nation, wishing for peace, progress, prosperity and unity.
Bhat said “Independence Day is not merely a celebration of our freedom, it is also a reminder of the responsibilities that come with it. Our schools have the important responsibility of preparing children who are academically strong, socially responsible, disciplined and committed to the values of our Constitution. The enthusiastic participation of our students in these celebrations reflects their love for the nation and their readiness to contribute positively to its future”.
He appreciated the private schools management, principals, teachers, students and parents of PSA member schools for organising meaningful programmes and ensuring enthusiastic participation in Independence Day activities. PSA General Secretary (Organisation) Mohammad Syed Wani said that educational institutions serve as important platforms for instilling national values and a sense of responsibility among children.
Wani said “The spirit witnessed in our member schools today is a reflection of the strong values being nurtured in our classrooms. When students participate in Tiranga rallies, patriotic singing, national songs, essay-writing competitions and cultural programmes, they are not only celebrating Independence Day but also learning the importance of unity, discipline, sacrifice and responsible citizenship”.
The Association said its member schools organised a wide range of activities, including Independence Day functions, flag-hoisting ceremonies, Tiranga rallies, National Song and patriotic singing competitions, essay-writing competitions, cultural programmes, awareness campaigns and other student-centred activities.
PSA Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo said the participation of schools from different districts demonstrated the commitment of the private-school fraternity towards nation-building through education.
Dr. Mattoo said “The enthusiasm of students is the most inspiring feature of today’s celebrations. Schools are not only centres of academic learning; they are institutions where the foundations of character and social responsibility are laid. The participation of students across Jammu & Kashmir in Independence Day programmes sends a positive message of unity, hope and collective responsibility”.
The PSA District Presidents also appreciated the efforts of school management, teachers and students in making the celebrations vibrant and meaningful across their respective districts. They said that schools had ensured that the occasion was marked with dignity, discipline and active student participation.
The District Presidents maintained that patriotism is best nurtured through education, values and responsible action and stressed that children should be encouraged to understand not only the significance of Independence Day but also the duties and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society.
The PSA Apex Central Body, Zonal Presidents and the entire fraternity of member schools conveyed their heartfelt greetings to the people on the occasion and prayed for peace, prosperity, progress, harmony and unity across Jammu & Kashmir and the nation.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening education as a powerful instrument for nurturing responsible, compassionate, disciplined and patriotic citizens, while instilling in young minds the values of integrity, unity, constitutional responsibility and service to the nation, enabling them to make a meaningful contribution to the country’s future.
