Jammu, Nov 05 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday felicitated meritorious students and honoured employees for completing 25 years of service at the annual ‘Honour and Excellence Awards’ ceremony held at the Convention Centre in Jammu.
Addressing the gathering, as per news agency JKNS, Chief Minister said education should go beyond academic achievements and focus on shaping responsible citizens capable of independent thinking and distinguishing between right and wrong.
Congratulating students who secured outstanding results, including above 99 per cent marks, Omar said academic excellence was important, but developing well-rounded individuals with strong moral values was equally essential.
Referring to the growing influence of social media and digital platforms, he said the present generation was facing challenges that were unfamiliar to previous generations.
On the use of Artificial Intelligence, the Chief Minister stressed that students must be taught to use the technology ethically and responsibly, rather than relying on it for cheating or completing their homework and assignments.
In a lighter remark, he acknowledged that he too sometimes uses ChatGPT and Gemini for preparing speeches, while observing that technology, despite making life easier, had also brought new challenges.
Expressing concern over declining reading habits among youngsters, Omar urged students to develop an interest in reading books beyond their academic syllabus.
Recalling his association with Burn Hall School, the Chief Minister shared memories of his school days, including playing the role of Angel Gabriel in annual Christmas Nativity plays until he left the institution in 1981.
Highlighting the contribution of the Diocese and Education Society towards education in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, he said the society was running 24 schools, educating around 28,000 students annually and providing employment to approximately 1,600 people.
He said these institutions had produced civil servants, police officers, doctors and business leaders while also nurturing individuals committed to moral values and social responsibility.
Urging students to question things around them without hesitation, Omar said, “There are no stupid questions; there are only stupid answers.”
He added that a generation willing to ask questions would help ensure accountability and contribute towards building a better Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister also appreciated teachers, staff members and the Education Society for their contribution to shaping students and congratulated employees who had completed 25 years of service.
Quoting the famous Urdu couplet, “Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle, Khuda bande se khud poochhe, bata teri raza kya hai,” he encouraged students to work hard, build character and pursue their aspirations.
Omar also extended Diwali greetings, wishing peace, happiness and humanity for all. (JKNS)
