When education moves in right direction, nation advances: LG Sinha

 ‘Life-skills essential; schools should focus on self-awareness, emotional balance’ Jammu, Jul 02: "When schools are strengthened, society becomes more resilient, and when education moves in the right direction, Jammu Kashmir and the nation advance toward a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday. He said the ultimate purpose of education is transformation. “When learning connects with lived experiences, it sparks generational change. The greatest power of education does not lie in exam results but in its ability to change lives. A dedicated teacher shapes destiny. I want schools in Jammu Kashmir to focus on this aspect and become laboratories of life-building," the LG said, addressing the 'One Day Capacity Building Programme' organised by Bharti Airtel Foundation, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), J&K, and the School Education Department. The programme served as a formal platform for the launch of instructional resources jointly developed by the three institutions aimed at strengthening the professional capacities of teachers and enriching the overall quality of school education across the Union Territory. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative is a collective pledge rooted in the fundamental truth that when teachers are empowered, students gain confidence The one-day capacity-building programme is also linked to the broader "Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir" campaign, aiming to improve teaching methods and protect students from challenges today's youth face.  The LG said rising trends in drug abuse, mental stress, social pressure, digital-world risks, and changing lifestyles have made the school's role more important than ever. He said teachers are being provided with modern tools and training so they can help build students' personalities and empower them to face life's challenges. "Every student is born with unique talents. Our duty is to recognise each child's talent and provide resources and tools to grow. Education today cannot be restricted to measurable academic achievement alone. In such circumstances, life-skills education becomes essential, and schools should focus on self-awareness, emotional balance, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. We must teach children practical lessons for living so they learn with greater confidence and contribute to building a healthy society," the LG said. Sinha said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Education Policy's aim is to develop citizens who are creative, responsible, innovative, compassionate, and self-reliant. He commended the initiative of the Directorate, School Education Jammu, to start online classes for grades 11 and 12 across ten districts, calling it an important step toward educational equality. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated meritorious students and winners of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (TOFEI) initiative. Several books on life skills were also released. The event was attended by Bharti Airtel Foundation Co-Chairman Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Bharti Airtel Foundation CEO Nuriya Ansari, Director School Education Jammu Dr Naseem Javaid Choudhary, senior officials, heads of educational institutions, prominent citizens, teachers, and students.