Jammu and Kashmir’s education system is poised for transformation under the National Education Policy 2020, but as retired principal Vijay Garg emphasizes, its success rests on teacher training. In a region marked by unique cultural and social dynamics, teachers are not just educators but custodians of hope, shaping young minds to bridge tradition and progress. To secure J&K’s future, we must empower its educators with the skills and passion to inspire.
NEP 2020 envisions classrooms that foster critical thinking, cultural pride, and resilience, moving beyond rote learning. Yet, many J&K teachers, particularly in rural areas like Kargil or Poonch, lack training in modern pedagogies or digital tools. Adolescents in the Valley, grappling with identity amid rapid change, need educators skilled in empathy and cultural literacy. The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training offers a model, using arts and Kashmiri heritage—think storytelling or Rogan craft—to instill pride and emotional strength, much like Finland’s culturally rich education system.
Programs like NISHTHA aim to train J&K’s teachers in inclusive, tech-driven methods, but challenges persist. Poor internet in areas like Rajouri hampers access to platforms like SWAYAM. Some local resistance to NEP 2020, rooted in fears of cultural erosion, risks fragmenting efforts. Training must blend Kashmir’s unique identity—its Sufi traditions and diverse languages—with global competencies, ensuring no student is left behind.
Global lessons, like South Korea’s focus on continuous teacher upskilling, can guide J&K. Mandatory training, incentivized with certifications, could boost morale. Technology, from virtual labs to AI tools, can transform schools in Srinagar or Jammu, but it must complement, not replace, the human connection Gandhi championed. Low salaries and societal undervaluation deter talent, while urban-rural divides—Srinagar’s resources versus Kupwara’s scarcity—widen gaps. These demand urgent action.
J&K’s teachers must also navigate regional complexities, from cultural sensitivities in the Valley to economic aspirations in Jammu. Training should equip them to foster unity, countering divisive narratives. As Garg notes, Japan rebuilt post-war through dedicated educators; J&K can rise similarly. Summer vacations, as PM Modi suggested, can become cultural adventures—think Kashmiri folk theater workshops—igniting curiosity.
Investing in teachers means investing in J&K’s youth, from Anantnag to Kathua. Empowered educators can turn classrooms into hubs of innovation, blending Kashmiri heritage with global vision. Let’s act now to train J&K’s teachers, ensuring they shape a region that thrives as a beacon of harmony and progress.
