JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday emphasised that the true purpose of education goes beyond academic achievements and examination results, stressing the need to nurture responsible individuals with strong moral values, independent thinking and compassion.
He was speaking at the annual awards ceremony of the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society (DJSES), titled ‘Honour & Excellence 2026’, held at the Convention Centre in Jammu. The event celebrated academic excellence, dedicated service and the contribution of the Society towards shaping responsible citizens.
The ceremony honoured meritorious students for their outstanding performance in Class X and XII board examinations, recognised employees completing 25 years of dedicated service and felicitated distinguished alumni of the Society’s educational institutions.
Recalling his association with the Diocese’s institutions, particularly Burn Hall School, Srinagar, where he studied until Class V, Omar Abdullah 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, the Chief Minister said it manages 24 schools across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, educating around 28,000 students and employing nearly 1,600 people.
“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.
The Chief Minister observed that the real achievement of an educational institution lies in developing individuals who can distinguish between right and wrong and contribute positively to society.
Highlighting the importance of curiosity and independent thinking, he encouraged students to ask questions without hesitation and develop the confidence to challenge ideas and seek answers.
“There are no stupid questions, there are only stupid answers,” he remarked, urging students to explore the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind everything they learn.
He said Jammu and Kashmir needs a generation that questions existing practices, understands developments around them and actively looks for ways to improve society.
“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 independent learning, encouraging students to cultivate reading habits and use Artificial Intelligence responsibly and ethically. He cautioned that technology should complement learning and understanding rather than replace individual effort, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
Congratulating the award-winning students, Omar Abdullah appreciated their academic achievements and commended employees completing 25 years of service for their dedication to the cause of education. He also acknowledged the contribution of teachers, staff and management in ensuring that educational institutions nurture individuals equipped with values, compassion and a sense of responsibility.
The Society recorded an overall pass percentage of 99 per cent in the Class X and XII board examinations during the 2025-26 academic year.
Appreciating the initiative to recognise distinguished alumni, the Chief Minister said their accomplishments would serve as an inspiration for younger students.
Encouraging youngsters to pursue excellence while remaining grounded in humanity and moral values, he quoted the famous couplet:
“Khudi ko kar buland itna ki har taqdeer se pehle,
Khuda bande se khud poochhe, bata teri raza kya hai.”
He said that achievements and professional success should never come at the cost of humanity, emphasising that kindness, compassion and respect for others remain the most important qualities.
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 Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in providing a new direction and vision to education in Jammu and Kashmir.
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 on the forthcoming festival of Diwali, wishing everyone peace, happiness and humanity. He expressed hope that the festival of lights would illuminate lives with the values of peace, happiness and compassion.
Rt. Rev. Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar and President of DJSES, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Nagathunkal, Vice President of DJSES, and other officials of the Society were also present at the event.
