SRINAGAR: To commemorate the invaluable role of educators in shaping society and advancing knowledge by highlighting the contributions of great teachers, the University of Kashmir (KU), celebrated the ‘Teachers’ Day’ here Thursday, highlighting the challenges and evolving responsibilities of teachers in a rapidly changing educational environment.
In this backdrop, KU’s Department of Education, organised a day-long national seminar titled ‘Innovative Teaching and Sustainability: Building Resilience through Education’.
On the occasion, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, emphasised the evolving challenges faced by teachers and the need for adaptability in today’s dynamic educational landscape.
“It’s the teachers who push students to be their best, and after parents, teachers are the role models for students,” she said, adding that teachers have to work hard as they constantly update their knowledge while adapting themselves to new technologies.
KU Registrar Naseer Iqbal, stressed the importance of mutual respect between teachers and students.
“Teachers need to be very competent and students must respect their teachers as they do their parents. The idea is not to fear your teachers but to respect them,” he maintained.
In his keynote, Former Chairman NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education), Prof Akhtar Siddiqui, highlighted the significant transformations in education due to technological advancements and changing societal needs.
“This dynamic landscape has encouraged educators to explore and adopt innovative teaching methods that go beyond traditional approaches,” he said.
Dean, School of Education and Behavioural Sciences and Head, Department of Education, Prof Tasleema Jan reflected on the enduring significance of the teaching profession.
“For a teacher, teaching is not just a profession; it’s a lifelong commitment to enlightenment,” she said, adding that in a digital world, there is a threat that the teacher’s place might be replaced by machines.
“We have initiated an integrated B Ed-M Ed 3-year course to meet these challenges,” she added.
Former Dean and Head, Department of Education, KU, Prof Mahmood Ahmad Khan, underscored the learner-centric approach advocated by the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“In the teaching-learning process, the role of the teacher has shifted from being teacher-centric to child-centric,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a parallel event, the Department of Physics, during the the ongoing International Symposium on Semiconductor Materials and Devices (ISSMD)-2024, celebrated Teachers’ Day by dedicating a session to the invaluable role of educators.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of Prof K K S Jamwal, a distinguished physicist and former Head of the Department of Physics, University of Kashmir.
In her address, Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan, reflected on the qualities of an exemplary teacher, saying: “A teacher’s ability to inspire, nurture and challenge students defines their success.”
Registrar Prof Naseer Iqbal expressed deep gratitude to his mentor, Prof Jamwal, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping his career.
The session also featured a cultural programme organised by the Department of Students Welfare’s cultural wing.