Grand Education Conference held in Srinagar
National Thinkers, Regional Edu Leaders, With IIT-Hyderabad Director, BSB Chairman among others speak on occassion
Srinagar, Apr 13: 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 Singh (IAS), Chairman, Bhartiya Shiksha Board, Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, University of Kashmir, 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 of PSAJK; Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman of Bilaliya Educational Institute, Er Muhammad Shukiel Dar, Chairman and Er Muhammad Shahid Dar, Director of Crescent Public School, Srinagar; senior edu leader Mushtaq Canny; Ishrat Tanki, President of the Women’s Wing, PSAJK; Faisal Islam Mir, General Secretary, PSAJK; Shah Gulzar, Chief Organiser; Majid Bhat, Divisional Organiser, Central Kashmir; Bilal Bhat, District President, Srinagar; Tahir Wagay, District Secretary, Srinagar; Syed Rufaida Soliha, PSAJK PRO; M. Y. Wani, Chairman of Green Valley Educational Institute and Farooq Fazili, Chairman of Dolphin International School, among others. The audience comprised of a large gathering of educational leaders, school principals, teachers, students and intellectuals.
Dr. Nagendra Singh (IAS), Chairman, Bhartiya Shiksha Board (BSB) “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. Backed by legal authority, the Bhartiya Shiksha Board ensures that its certifications are valid for all employment and educational purposes across the country.
The Board is equivalent to the CBSE and various other Boards. If you visit the website of the Ministry of Education, Government of India — specifically under the Department of School Education & Literacy — you will find that both the CBSE and the Bhartiya Shiksha Board are listed as national boards established by the Government of India.
This marks the first time the Government of India has established a national education board through its own initiative. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has granted equivalency status to the Board, thereby ensuring national recognition of our certifications.
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 — as a representative of the National School Board — “I assure you that I will examine each of them in detail and work towards actionable solutions”.
As a senior IAS officer with 34 years of experience, “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 Modi. 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 of the 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.”
Let me speak directly to the students now. Over the years, I have come across three types of students. The first group is completely non-serious—they come to school only on the insistence of their parents, with no motivation or purpose. I say this with sincerity: if you fall into this category, the future will be very difficult. No one can help you unless you help yourself.
The second group is made up of sincere and serious students. For you, the world is open. Opportunities in India and abroad are waiting for you. All you need is hard work, respect for your teachers, love for your parents, and a sense of responsibility. Please don’t believe the myth that there are no jobs—it’s not the truth.
“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”.
To the students, I make a humble appeal: this is your time—don’t waste it. Work hard. Become a good civil servant, professor, or professional in any field. Make your parents proud. Give back to them for all they have done for you. We face many challenges as a society, but change begins with the individual. Don’t wait for someone else to transform you—take the first step yourself.
G. N. Var, President, 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 the Private Schools Association is seriously considering shifting affiliation to national education boards.
Currently, hundreds of files related to registration and renewal are pending and schools are being subjected to various unnecessary NOC requirements. These issues have been raised time and again, we have brought them to the notice of authorities at the highest levels of J&K government. Unfortunately, no action has been taken so far.
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.
Our request, once again, is for these long-standing problems to be resolved immediately. If the situation continues, we will have no choice but to seek affiliation with national boards such as 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 “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 “Kashmir has 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 of 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.
