Academic excellence & institutional collaboration vital for progress in J&K”: Vice Chancellor CUK Prof. Ravinder Nath

• Grand Education Conference held In Srinagar; SK Das University in collaboration with PSA, brings together national leaders
• Education needs exposure, not just talent”: Farooq Shah MLA Gulmarg
• Private Universities will open new doors for J&K youths: PSA Patron
  Time to move beyond rote learning: NISA President push skill-based education in J&K
• Private Universities to drive education, employment & research in J&K": Dr. Dinesh Juneja assures full support
• Time to bridge School–University Gap”: Prof. M.A. Shah, NIT Srinagar

SRINAGAR: A grand education conference was jointly organized by Shri Khushal Das University, Rajasthan, in collaboration with the Private Schools Association (PSA) in Srinagar, bringing together leading academicians, policymakers and education stakeholders to deliberate on the future of education in the Jammu & Kashmir.

The conference wholeheartedly welcomed the recently passed Private University Bill by the Jammu & Kashmir Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Education Minister Ms. Sakeena Itoo. The participants also expressed special gratitude to MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah and other legislators for their crucial role in supporting and facilitating the historic legislation.

The central theme of the conference was, “Connecting Schools with Universities: Aspirations and Opportunities for J&K Youth – Together for a Progressive Jammu & Kashmir,” emphasized the urgent need to align school education with higher education systems to create a seamless academic and career pathway for students.

The event witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities, including Former IAS Officer and MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Chairperson, Shri Khushal Das University Dr. Dinesh Juneja, J&K’s noted educationist, PSA Founding President & Patron G.N. Var, NISA National President Dr. Kulbhushan Sharma, Veteran educationist &  Vice President NISA  Dr J.S. Paranjyothi, Dean Alumni & International Affairs NIT Srinagar Prof. M.A. Shah, J&K Unided Private Schools Coordication Committee President Showkat Chowdhary, Director R.R. University Dr. Mahesh Tripathi, Assistant Director Mohammad Abdul Shah, Associate Professor, Department of Law Dr. Yaseen Wani, Executive Director Vibhuti Narayan Singh, Admission Director Sharad Chand Joshi, HoD Holistic Development & Communications Ms. Sakshi Tiwari and Shameen Baptista, Fitness Trainer Manish Choudhary, Er Farooq Ahmad Shah, PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat, General Secretary M. Syed Wani, Treasurer H.A. Khan, Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo, Women’s Wing Incharge Tabasum, Publicity Secretary Dr. Waseem Siddique, Joint Secretary Dr. Yasir Ramzan, Also present were PSA District Presidents including Srinagar Aadil Habib, Shopian Amin Ali, Ganderbal Javid Ali Sheikh, Kupwara Tanveer Lone, Baramulla Firdous Mushtaq, PRO B.A. Shah, along with Zonal Presidents from across Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah highlighted the immense potential of J&K youth, stating “Our region is rich in talent, but what it truly needs is exposure. Opening the gates for private universities will provide new opportunities and reduce the need for students to move outside the Jammu & Kashmir.”

He emphasized that private institutions are not competitors but Knowledge partners in strengthening education, adding “This is the age of AI and advanced learning. We must focus on modern courses and skill-based education. The new Act makes it easier to establish quality institutions and will significantly boost our education sector.”

Vice Chancellor CUK Prof. A. Ravinder Nath highlighted the importance of quality education, research, and institutional collaboration. Prof. M.A. Shah stressed the need to move beyond rote learning and adopt practical, skill-based education aligned with the National Education Policy.

PSA Patron G.N. Var termed the legislation a landmark step and acknowledged the role of policymakers “This Act is a result of sustained efforts and advocacy. It will create an ecosystem where education, employment and innovation can grow together.”

Var sincerely acknowledge the pivotal role of Hon’ble MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah in strengthening the recent Education Act, raising critical issues of private schools and private university bill in the Assembly. We are equally encouraged by the visionary leadership of Prof. Ravendranath at Central University Kashmir, whose efforts have brought direction, major growth and placing the institution on a progressive path.

At the national level, under the guidance of NISA Preident Dr. Kulbhushan Sharma, representing over 2.5 lakh schools, we see a unified voice for quality and equity in education. In Kashmir, nearly 6.5 lakh students are being educated in the private sector driven not just by business, but by trust, community spirit and the resilience of unemployed youth who built institutions by sacrificing their own resources. These schools are not only educating children but generating employment and sustaining society.

We must clearly distinguish between genuine contributors and those who violate govt. norms there is no place for ‘black sheeps’ in any sector. The future lies in connecting school education with higher education, in line with NEP, ensuring our educators engage with premier institutions and bring excellence back to our classrooms. Together, with sincerity and collaboration, we can restore Kashmir as a leading center of learning.

NISA National President Dr. Kulbhushan Sharma said“At NISA, we believe a school is not merely a building of bricks and concrete, it becomes meaningful through children, quality education and dedicated teachers. When teachers, management and parents work in true collaboration, that institution transforms into a center for shaping active, aware and responsible citizens. I pay my sincere gratitude and great respect to the living legend PSA Patron Dr. G. N. Var for his lifelong contribution to private education sector. Education is a continuous journey from early childhood to school and to universities, like a relay race where a strong foundation at the school level ensures excellence at higher levels.”

Dr. Sharma further said that “Our movement is saving education through honesty, dedication  and unity. In this spirit, we stand firmly with the newly elected leadership of PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat, General Secretary M. Syed Wani and all office bearers and assure our full support in strengthening the education system and advancing this collective mission forward.”

Veteran educationist & Vice President NISA Dr. J.S. Paranjyoth said “If we truly aspire to build a strong and progressive society, we must first build strong education systems and that begins with quality training. Education is not just about information, it is about transformation; it is about shaping minds, values and the future of our nation. A good society cannot emerge without well-trained teachers, effective institutions and a clear vision for quality learning. That is why the need of the hour is to establish robust training centers and continuously empower our educators with the right skills, tools and mindset.”

Dr.Paranjyoth further said “When knowledge is delivered with dedication and purpose, it creates confident individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. We must move beyond routine teaching and focus on capacity-building, innovation and continuous learning. Only then can we ensure that our education system produces not just degree holders, but capable, responsible and visionary citizens who will lead the nation forward.”

Managing Director of Shri Khushal Das University, Dinesh Junija, welcomed the initiative and assured support “The establishment of private universities will not only provide education but also generate employment, research opportunities, and industry linkages.”

He also offered technological collaboration and AI-based academic support tools for schools in J&K.

Prof. M.A. Shah of NIT said that “Kashmir has historically been a great center of learning, where scholars and students came from different regions, reflecting its deep-rooted academic legacy. It is our collective responsibility to revive that spirit and reposition Kashmir as a vibrant hub of knowledge and intellectual exchange. I sincerely urge all stakeholders, including institutions and policymakers, that whenever new initiatives are undertaken, special focus must be given to college and higher education, as these sectors have faced significant setbacks and require immediate attention and strengthening.”

Prof. Shah further said “The core challenge before us today is the gap in quality education. When educated youth are unable to secure opportunities or confidently step into professional roles, it clearly indicates deficiencies within our education system that must be addressed. We must move beyond rote learning and bring in practical, life-oriented teaching methodologies aligned with the National Education Policy, ensuring ‘learning by doing’ and lasting understanding. I strongly emphasize the need for robust teaching-learning material, innovation and integration of modern tools including AI, so that education becomes meaningful, skill-based and transformative. Only through quality, dedication and continuous improvement can we empower our students and rebuild the true strength of our education system.”

PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat said “This conference is not just a gathering it is the beginning of a meaningful academic collaboration. Shri Khushal Universities’ initiative reflects a forward-looking vision that aligns with the aspirations of our youth. With the Private University Act in place, such partnerships will strengthen local education systems and open new pathways for innovation, research and growth.” 

PSA General Secretary M. Syed Wani added “There is a strong need for coordination between schools and universities to ensure continuity in learning and better career outcomes for students.”

Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo stated “Such platforms strengthen dialogue among stakeholders and help shape policies that are practical, inclusive and future-oriented.”

The conference concluded with a collective resolve to work towards quality education, institutional collaboration and youth empowerment, aligning with national education goals.

The event concluded with an grand award ceremony where awards and certificates were distributed among distinguished participants.”Participants unanimously described the Private University Act as a transformative step that will position Jammu & Kashmir as an emerging hub of higher education, innovation and skill development.