Srinagar, 05 Oct, 2025: World Teachers’ Day 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and respect by the Federation of All Private Indian Schools (FAP-India) in collaboration with the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK), with Chandigarh University as the event partner, at Hotel Countryside, Srinagar.
On this special occasion, the FAP (India) State Awards 2025 were presented to honour outstanding schools, principals and teachers from Jammu and Kashmir for their excellence in education, sports and innovation.
The inaugural session began with a traditional Kashmiri “Izzband” welcome, symbolizing respect and culture. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of participants including school chairpersons, principals, teachers and students.
The event witnessed the participation of top education leaders and dignitaries from across India, including delegates from Punjab, Chandigarh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The program was organized under the leadership of Dr. Jagjit Singh Dhuri, President, FAP-India and G.N. Var, State President, Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK).
The awards were presented in six categories Best School (Academic & Sports Achievement), Best Principal Achievement and Best Teacher Achievement. In total, 300 schools, principals and teachers from Jammu and Kashmir were honoured for their dedication and exceptional contribution to education.
The Chief Guest for the opening session was Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister of J&K, while the Guests of Honour included MLA Gulmarg Farooq Shah, Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court, Adv. Zaffar A. Shah and Dr R. S Bawa Founding Vice Chancellor and Pro Chancellor Chandigarh University.
In his address, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani appreciated the efforts of private schools in shaping the future generation. “Teachers are the true builders of our society. The government stands committed to supporting the private education sector through people-friendly policies and reforms that make education accessible, efficient and progressive,” he assured.
Advocate Zaffar A. Shah, Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court, highlighted the legal issues faced by private schools in Jammu and Kashmir. “There are several legal and administrative challenges that private institutions continue to face. These must be addressed urgently by the government to ensure that schools can operate smoothly and continue to provide quality education,” he said.
MLA Gulmarg Farooq Shah also praised the private school community for their social contribution. “Private schools have played a vital role in the educational and social development of Jammu and Kashmir. They deserve every form of support. I especially commend Mr. G.N. Var for his selfless dedication towards improving education. His leadership, sincerity and consistent efforts for the betterment of students, schools and teachers are truly unmatched”.
The top honours of the event were presented to some of the leading names in private education sector, including: Parvez Samuel Kaul, Director, Biscoe & Mallinson School; Vijay Dhar, Chairman, DPS Srinagar; Mohammad Yousuf Wani, Chairman, Green Valley Educational Institute.
In recognition of his selfless work for the environment, Manzoor Wangoo, Chairman NLCO, was honoured as the “Green Ambassador of Kashmir” for his outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and awareness in the region.
Other awardees included Fr. Stalin Raja, Principal Burn Hall School; Suresh Britto, Principal St. Joseph’s School Baramulla and Sr. Mary Jarsi, Principal Presentation Convent School.
The Best Headmistress Awards were presented to Ms. Mabel Yonzon (Tyndale-Biscoe & Mallinson School, Srinagar), Roy Mathews (The Kashmir Valley School, Budgam) and Aftab Ahmed Shah (Tyndale-Biscoe & Mallinson School, Tangmarg).
Adding colour to the event, students of DPS Srinagar presented a vibrant cultural program celebrating the spirit of teaching and learning.
The second session of the event was graced by Rajya Sabha Member, Ghulam Ali Khatana, who attended as the Chief Guest. During the evening session, Mr. Khatana distributed awards to outstanding principals and teachers from more than 200 schools in recognition of their excellence and dedication in the field of education.
In his address, Khatana praised the teaching fraternity for their dedication and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the nation. He said “Education is not just about academics, it is about building character and discipline. Our teachers and private schools have done remarkable work under difficult circumstances,”
Dr. Jagjit Singh Dhuri, President, FAP-India, while expressing gratitude to all guests and participants. He said “The FAP (India) State Awards are a humble tribute to the dedication of our teachers and principals who work tirelessly to shape young minds. We are thankful to the dignitaries, school leaders and educators who joined us from different parts of India to celebrate this world teachers day 2025. This initiative reflects our collective vision of recognizing merit and strengthening private education across the country.”
G.N. Var, President, PSAJK, also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the fair and transparent process of the awards. He said “These awards are given purely on merit, after a thorough screening process. Our aim is to motivate educators and schools to continue their excellent work. However, schools face many challenges, administrative and financial that need immediate attention from the government so that private institutions can function smoothly and continue contributing to nation-building”.
The Taleem-e-Aam Awards were presented to distinguished teachers representing various educational sectors, including Shah Fayaz, Chairman JKTA; Mohammad Shafi Rather, Chairman JKTF and Farooq Ahmad Tantray, Chairman JKReTTF.
The Excellent Management & PR Awards were conferred upon Mr. Feroze Mohiuddin, Secretary/PRO Burn Hall School; Mr. Aftab Hussain, Administrative Officer/PRO Tyndale-Biscoe & Mallinson School; and Mr. Rameez Ahmad Kawoosa, Secretary Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School.
The FAP (India) State Awards 2025 concluded with a vote of thanks and a collective pledge to continue strengthening the private education sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The event truly reflected respect for teachers, recognition of excellence and the spirit of collaboration between schools, educators and policymakers.
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