Freedom to Education: World is moving ahead & we keep our children away from schools

Scoop News October 17, 2010

Srinagar, October 17 (Scoop News) - The Jammu and Kashmir Youth Development Forum organized a one day seminar titled “Freedom to Education” at Srinagar on Sunday which was attended by a good number of lawyers, doctors, journalists, students and other members of the civil society.

The speakers while debating over the importance of education, said, “We are pushing our children towards illiteracy for petty political interests. When world is moving ahead, we keep our children away from schools, colleges and universities.”

Dr Nawab Aman, who runs his chain of polyclinics in Middle East said, “Kashmir has remained far behind on developmental front. Unless we won’t give attention to education development would elude.” “Kashmir youth are talented but they lack exposure,” he said.

Abdul Jabar Chaker, a former bureaucrat, in his speech stressed the need for making a movement which would help revival of education in Kashmir.

G. N Bodha, former Deputy Commissioner, said, “Youth of Kashmir is being exploited by the leadership. Time has come when we should stand on our feet. No nation can prosper if they are illiterate.”

Shabir Ahmad Dar, a Kashmir University student said, “Education standard had started to improve in Kashmir. Our boys were performing well in competitive exams. Dr Shah Faisal, the IAS topper made Kashmir nation proud. But unfortunately from the last few months some vested interests are hell bent to ruin the education of Kashmiri students.”

Another speaker Abdul Majeed Khan, a former Superintendent Engineer said, “Kashmiri nation needs self introspection. We are burning our schools and then aspire for freedom. We can be free only when our younger generation is educated.”

The speakers appealed separatists and the government to allow the free movement of school buses and opening of schools. “We appeal all stake holders to declare education as an essential service. Those who are issuing protest calendars and the government should without any delay allow the free movement of school buses and opening of schools.”

Besides JKYDF activists more than 80 people including G N Wani former joint commissioner SMC, Abdul Rehman Shah, a contractor, G A Gojri, ex Union President HMT and Dr Bashir Ahmad attended the seminar.

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