Honouring the Teachers

On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, the School Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has nominated 34 teachers for awards in recognition of their exemplary services. The list spans across four categories-General, Language, Specially Abled, and Yoga/Physical Education-drawing educators from nearly every district of the Union Territory. This wide representation is both impressive and inspiring, reflecting the diversity and resilience of J&K’s education system. The purpose of such recognition is not merely ceremonial. It serves as a profound acknowledgement of the role teachers play as nation builders. In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where education often competes with the challenges of difficult terrain, natural calamities, and the shadow of decades-long conflict, the perseverance of teachers deserves the highest appreciation. These educators are the real unsung heroes who silently shape the future of hundreds of students year after year. By honouring them, the Government sends a clear message: their contribution is valued, their sacrifices are remembered, and their impact is lasting.
Particularly encouraging is the recognition of teachers in the Language and Physical Education categories. In a time when globalisation threatens to overshadow native languages, the commitment of language teachers has kept alive the interest of young learners in their mother tongues. Their recognition is, therefore, not just a personal honour but also a societal victory, ensuring cultural continuity and identity. Similarly, acknowledging physical education teachers reinforces the importance of holistic growth. Education is not confined to classrooms alone; it extends to the playground, where lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience are equally vital. Equally commendable is the inclusion of teachers from the Specially Abled category. Their journeys are testaments of courage and determination, proving that education thrives not in ideal circumstances but in the human will to overcome challenges.
These awards, therefore, act as more than just morale boosters; they are affirmations of faith in the transformative power of teachers. For the students, seeing their mentors honoured instils respect for the profession. For society, it is a reminder that progress rests on the shoulders of those who nurture young minds. This token of recognition is a salutation for our unsung role models. By celebrating teachers, we celebrate the future.