Education Must Shape Character, Not Just Academic Scores: CM Omar Abdullah
Jammu, November 05: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday emphasised that education must go beyond academic achievements and examination marks to nurture responsible citizens with strong moral values, independent thinking and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
He was addressing the annual awards ceremony, ‘Honour & Excellence 2026’, organised by the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Educating Society (DJSES) at the Convention Centre in Jammu, where meritorious students, dedicated employees and distinguished alumni were felicitated for their achievements and contributions.
The ceremony recognised students who excelled in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations, honoured employees completing 25 years of dedicated service and acknowledged the accomplishments of distinguished alumni of the Society’s educational institutions.
Recalling his association with the Diocese's educational institutions, particularly Burn Hall School in Srinagar, where he studied up to Class 5, the Chief Minister shared memories of his school days and appreciated the institution's longstanding contribution to education and character-building.
Lauding the Society's role in the education sector, Omar Abdullah said DJSES manages 24 schools across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, providing education to nearly 28,000 students and employment to around 1,600 people.
He observed that the real success of educational institutions should not be measured merely by the number of professionals they produce, but by their ability to nurture individuals who remain grounded in moral values and contribute positively to society.
“These schools produce civil service officers, police officers, doctors and business leaders. But more than anything else, they produce successful people who remain good people,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of curiosity and independent thinking, the Chief Minister urged students to develop the confidence to ask questions, challenge ideas and seek meaningful answers rather than accept everything without understanding.
“There are no stupid questions, there are only stupid answers,” he remarked, encouraging students to explore the reasons behind things and cultivate a habit of questioning.
He said Jammu and Kashmir needs a generation that is intellectually curious, conscious of developments around it and willing to question existing practices to bring about positive change.
“A generation that is happy to ask questions will make all of us answerable. And if we are answerable, Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow will be a better place,” he said.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of reading habits, independent learning and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He maintained that technology should complement the learning process and enhance understanding rather than replace individual effort, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
Congratulating the meritorious students, Omar Abdullah appreciated their academic accomplishments and commended employees completing 25 years of service for their dedication to the cause of education. He also acknowledged the efforts of teachers, staff and management in ensuring that educational institutions focus not only on academic excellence but also on the overall development of students.
The Society registered an impressive 99 per cent pass percentage in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations during the 2025-26 academic session.
Appreciating the initiative to honour distinguished alumni, the Chief Minister said the achievements of former students serve as a source of inspiration for younger generations.
Calling upon youngsters to pursue excellence without losing sight of humanity and ethical values, he quoted the celebrated couplet:
“Khudi ko kar buland itna ki har taqdeer se pehle,
Khuda bande se khud poochhe, bata teri raza kya hai.”
He said that irrespective of professional accomplishments and material success, the foremost responsibility of every individual is to remain a good human being and treat others with kindness and compassion.
“We just have to be good people, good human beings, good to each other. Everything else will take care of itself,” he said.
Minister for Education Shamim Firdous, in her address, recalled the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in laying the foundation of the education system in independent India. She also highlighted the role of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in providing a new direction and vision to the region's education sector.
She expressed hope that educational institutions would continue to uphold these ideals and contribute towards producing responsible and valuable members of society.
The Chief Minister also extended his greetings to the people on the forthcoming festival of Diwali, expressing hope that the festival of lights would bring peace, happiness and humanity into everyone's lives.
Rt. Rev. Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar and President of DJSES, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Nagathunkal, Vice President of DJSES, besides other officers and officials of the Society, were present on the occasion. ANB
