Every year, Teachers’ Day is celebrated in India on 5 September. This day is observed on the birth anniversary of the great educationist, philosopher and former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He regarded education and the role of teachers as the foundation of nation-building. Teachers’ Day gives us an opportunity to express our respect and gratitude towards those teachers who do not merely teach students but also shape their thinking, personality and future.

Srinagar is not only a city of lakes, mountains and beautiful valleys. It is also a land of knowledge, culture and talent. In its classrooms, teachers and educationists have guided generations and kept the light of education burning even in difficult circumstances. They have not only imparted knowledge from books to students but have also given them confidence, discipline, responsibility and the dream of a better future.

The story of the development of education in Kashmir cannot be complete without mentioning the dedicated teachers who created new paths in their time. Mehmooda Ahmad Ali Shah is an inspiring example of this. Born in Srinagar, Mehmooda Ali Shah made a significant contribution towards women’s education and social empowerment. As the Principal of Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar, she played an important role in promoting the education of girls. Her contribution was recognised by the Government of India when she was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2006.

The name of Pandit Janki Nath Kachroo is also remembered with respect in the educational history of Srinagar. As a teacher and later Principal at National School, Karan Nagar, he made several efforts for the academic development of students. He was proficient in teaching English as well as Mathematics and Science. He was honoured with the J&K State Award for Best Teacher. He promoted new educational programmes in the school and encouraged the overall development of students.

In the same tradition, the contribution of Pandit Shiv Narayan Photedar was also noteworthy. Through the Kashmir Educational Society, he played a role in expanding education and worked towards the establishment of schools and the development of educational institutions in different parts of Kashmir. Such educationists proved that the influence of a teacher does not remain limited to the classroom but extends to future generations and society as a whole.

The expansion of education in the Kashmir Valley has never been easy. Despite geographical difficulties, weather challenges, limited resources and a changing social environment, teachers have continued to keep schools as centres of learning and hope. Teachers in government schools have connected children from remote areas with education and prepared them for higher education, competitive examinations and new employment opportunities.

In different parts of Srinagar and Kashmir, Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) have also played an important role in the field of education. In these schools, teachers have developed an environment of quality education, discipline and modern learning. Sports, art, computer education, personality development and moral values have also been made part of the learning process. Many students educated in these schools are going on to establish their identities in higher education, the armed forces, medicine, engineering, sports and various other fields.

Similarly, teachers in Sainik Schools have contributed towards developing leadership, time management, physical fitness, team spirit and a sense of national service among students. Here, students are not prepared only for examinations but are also trained to make decisions in difficult circumstances and become responsible citizens.

Even today, teachers in government schools of Srinagar remain the strong foundation of the education system. Despite limited resources, they make additional efforts to promote libraries, science laboratories, sports activities and digital education. For children from economically weaker families, they play the role of guides and provide them with information about scholarships, competitive examinations and opportunities for higher education.

The role of a good teacher does not remain limited to the classroom. Some make difficult subjects easier to understand while others give extra time to students who need additional support. Some start science and mathematics clubs while others encourage children to participate in debates, writing, music, art and sports. These small efforts build confidence within students.

When a student becomes a doctor, engineer, soldier, officer, scientist, teacher or entrepreneur and serves society, the hard work and guidance of their teachers can also be seen behind that achievement. Teachers do not merely provide answers to students; they teach them how to ask questions, learn from failures and embrace new opportunities.

Nation-building begins in the classroom of a school. Teachers develop honesty, discipline, tolerance, social responsibility and a sense of duty towards the country among students. Along with knowledge, they also provide the new generation with wisdom and sensitivity.

Today, the nature of education in Srinagar is changing rapidly. Digital classrooms, smart learning, skill development, sports education and new technologies are opening new opportunities for students. However, the role of teachers in giving the right direction to these changes will remain the most important. Teachers are the ones who turn technology into a medium of learning, identify talent and prepare students to become responsible citizens.

Teachers of Srinagar are not merely imparting knowledge in classrooms—they are educating and nurturing Kashmir’s new generation and shaping citizens who will become the strength, progress and pride of the nation in the years to come.