Srinagar: Asserting that the era where degrees alone defined success is coming to an end, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the future will belong to youth equipped with trans-disciplinary skills and innovative thinking.
Speaking at the inauguration of DREAM School Project at the prestigious Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothi Bagh here, LG Sinha, stressed on the importance of vocational education and the need to integrate practical skills with academic learning. “In the future, a degree won’t help. It will be about trans-disciplinary skills. Vocational education is important for preparing our youth for real-world challenges,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the Education Department is making sustained efforts to provide quality education and to nurture a scientific temper among students across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the government’s focus remains on transforming the education ecosystem to make it more inclusive, modern, and skill-oriented. “The Education Department is trying its best to provide quality education and develop scientific temper among students. The future and destiny of Jammu and Kashmir lie in your hands,” he said.
Urging the youth to aim high and think creatively, the LG said, “Your talent and creativity will decide J&K’s destiny. Think big, dream big, develop courage to take risks, and cultivate patience. Set your role models—people from whom you draw your inspiration—and move forward with determination.”
He also emphasized that the new generation must not shy away from experimenting or exploring new areas of learning, as the world is changing rapidly and innovation is the key to progress.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his government’s commitment to empower youth through education, skill development, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
He said that with the right mindset, training, and exposure, the students of Jammu and Kashmir can compete globally and play a pivotal role in shaping the Union Territory’s bright future.
The Lieutenant Governor said that government schools will lead the future of India’s learning reforms. “The Robotics Lab, STEM innovation centres, smart classrooms, advanced digital infrastructure, professional development for teachers, and holistic learning spaces will unlock the potential of every child,” he said.
Pertinently, the project- Developing Resilient Education and Aspirational Mindsets (DREAM) is a collaboration between the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the Faizal and Shabana Foundation that was initiated through an MoU in March 2023.
As per the MoU, the Faizal and Shabana Foundation has constructed the middle school block with state-of-the-art facilities such as Robotics and STEM Lab, ACs for all the rooms and a dedicated lunchroom with separate kitchen and a storeroom.
The DREAM School Project was committed by Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of the UAE India Business Council–UAE Chapter (UIBC–UC), during a high-level UIBC-UC delegation visit to Srinagar in 2023. The project aimed to transform public education in Jammu Kashmir, builds on the success of the Nadakkavu School model in Kerala, which has been ranked among the top 3 best Government Day schools in India for the past five years.
The Lieutenant Governor said the project is a testament to our commitment to ensure global standard education to every child and a progressive environment for them to aspire and dream big.
The Lieutenant Governor said the “Dream school project” has helped bridge the distance between Kashmir and Kerala by bringing the two regions closer through education and innovation.
He stated that his goal is to ensure that every school in Jammu Kashmir becomes a hub of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration – nurturing the youth who will shape the nation’s future.
“We are committed to foster a nurturing and empowering atmosphere that propels each student towards growth and excellence in the school, which will guarantee holistic development encompassing social, emotional, and intellectual growth for every student, moulding them into exemplary citizens of the future,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the key initiatives taken by the UT Administration, under the guidance of PM Modi, aimed at equal access to education, promoting inclusivity, enhancing infrastructure, empowering youth, and aligning education with modern skill requirements and technological advancements.
“Our youth are our greatest strength, and their talent and potential will drive our vision for the future. Over the past few years, we have invested deeply in transforming our education ecosystem to make Jammu Kashmir an ‘Oasis of Talent’,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also called upon the educational institutions and the teaching community to develop the education system that rewards creativity, curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking.
He stressed that this system must balance creativity with competition, where classroom tests are based on learning, originality, and experimentation, where creativity and individuality are valued more than marks and gold medals.
Faizal E. Kottikollon, Founder, Faizal and Shabana Foundation and Chairman, UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC–UC); Shabana Faizal, Co-Founder, Faizal and Shabana Foundation; Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary School Education Department; Dr. Aman Puri, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs; Maj. Gen. Sharafuddin Sharaf (Retd.), Vice-Chairman, UIBC–UC; Sunjay Sudhir, former Indian Ambassador to UAE; Dr. Ghulam Nabi Itoo; Director General, School Education, Kashmir; office bearers of Faizal and Shabana Foundation; Principal of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, senior officials, heads of educational institutions, teachers and students in large number attended the inaugural ceremony.
