Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools Association (J&K-PSA) has called for stronger collaboration between J&K Waqf Board educational institutions, private schools, government schools and cultural organisations, with the aim of promoting quality education while deepening students’ connection with the region’s literary, spiritual and cultural heritage.
The proposal was put forward during a meeting in Budgam between Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, and Dr Owais Mattoo, Director Media and Communications of J&K-PSA and its Budgam District President. The two discussed issues concerning the education sector, institutional cooperation and the preservation of Kashmir’s literary and cultural legacy.
Dr Mattoo emphasised that Waqf schools, private institutions and government schools should work together to deliver quality, value-based education, while ensuring that students remain rooted in the language, literature, traditions and moral values of the region. He appreciated the work being carried out under the leadership of Dr Andrabi and acknowledged the visible efforts to strengthen the Waqf Board and its educational infrastructure, saying the transformation seen in the Waqf system reflected sustained leadership over several years.
Congratulating the Chairperson, Dr Mattoo spoke of the importance of courage, vision and a commitment to public service in leadership, and cited a well known verse of Allama Iqbal to underline the need for vision, compassion and dedication in those who guide institutions.
Speaking as an educationist and as a representative of the private school sector, Dr Mattoo said education cannot remain confined to textbooks and academic scores. He said his own institution and J&K-PSA member schools had already begun programmes to connect students with literature and cultural traditions, and that these had produced positive changes in student behaviour and outlook. “We cannot bring meaningful improvement unless we connect our children with literature and their cultural roots,” he said.
He disclosed that the Association is working with literary and cultural organisations on an educational model under which the teachings and literary contributions of Sheikh-ul-Alam, Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (R.A.), could be introduced to students from the foundational level. The initiative seeks to familiarise children early with the spiritual, literary and ethical legacy of the revered saint and to keep Kashmir’s indigenous literary heritage connected to contemporary education.
Dr Mattoo also proposed exploring joint programmes with Waqf schools and other institutions so that private, government and Waqf schools and cultural bodies could cooperate on quality education, literature, culture and value-based learning. He said several ideas were under consideration and hoped they could be discussed further with stakeholders to shape practical and sustainable programmes.
Stressing that meaningful educational transformation cannot be achieved by institutions working in isolation, he thanked Dr Andrabi and the Waqf Board for the opportunity and reiterated the Association’s willingness to contribute to collaborative educational and cultural initiatives.
