Reviving the Legacy of Education in Jammu and Kashmir: Progress, Challenges and The Way Forward. Dr Mohiudin Zore Kashmiri

​Dr. Mohiudin Zore Kashmiri

drzoreurdu@gmail.com

9149773980

​“learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, knowledge makes you great”

APJ Abdul Kalam  

​Jammu and Kashmir is not only celebrated worldwide for its scenic beauty and cultural richness but has also been a historic hub of knowledge, wisdom, and literature for centuries. This fertile land has produced many distinguished scholars and intellectuals. While Jammu is known as the “City of Temples,” Ladakh (now a separate Union Territory) is famed as the “Land of Lamas,” and Kashmir is revered as the “Valley of Saints and Sufis,” often described as “Paradise on Earth.”  

​Historically, before modern institutions like Oxford, Harvard, and Al-Azhar came into existence, the region was home to Sharda Peeth—a world-renowned ancient university and Buddhist centre of learning. Located today in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Sharda Peeth played a vital role in shaping early intellectual traditions.

  

​Jammu and Kashmir has made significant contributions to global literature, generating nearly 70% of Sanskrit and 30% of Persian literature in India. It has also stood as a major centre for Urdu literature, alongside Delhi, Lucknow, Dakhin, and Lahore.  

​Despite facing severe conflict and unrest since 1990, the focus on education in the region has remained strong. Both government and private sectors have worked hard to improve the education system. Students from the region continue to excel in national-level exams and higher studies, showing resilience and dedication. 

 

​After the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, and even through the COVID-19 pandemic, education reforms accelerated. Online learning became necessary during lockdowns, and educational institutions gradually reopened in digital mode. ​In the post-pandemic era, several positive steps have been taken:

​New schools, colleges, and universities have been established or upgraded.​

Teaching posts have been created and filled, with remaining gaps covered by contractual appointments.  

​Infrastructure has been improved.  

​Students now receive better academic support and facilities.  

​The New Education Policy 2020 was first introduced and implemented in Jammu and Kashmir.

  

​Teachers are trained regularly and provided with modern teaching tools.  

​Academic and technical syllabi are being revised to meet present-day needs.  

​However, a worrying trend has emerged among students after the pandemic. Many have grown too reliant on digital resources and have neglected the traditional classroom environment. ​The following issues have been observed:

1. ​Students often remain absent despite teachers being available.  

2. ​Discipline has declined.  

   3.​There's an overdependence on shortcuts and brief notes. 

 

4. ​Many rely solely on mobile screen materials.  

5. ​Textbooks are being ignored.  

6. ​Parents interfere unnecessarily in academic matters.

  

7. ​Examination malpractice is on the rise.  

8​.Students are engaging in part-time or full-time businesses.  

9. ​Unhealthy social relationships are growing within campuses.  

10. ​Disrespect towards teachers and elders is increasing.  

11. ​A large number of students prefer enrolling in IGNOU and other distance education universities. Consequently, many seats in conventional higher education institutions remain unfilled, which affects the optimal use of resources and contributes to a decline in the standard of education. 

These behaviours are contributing to a decline in real learning, lack of maturity, and poor job readiness. ​Despite massive efforts from the government, institutions, and educators, the responsibility also lies with students, parents, and society to make the most of these opportunities and preserve the legacy of learning that this land is so deeply rooted in.  

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