DC Baramulla hails teachers for their contribution beyond education

Baramulla, May 10: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syed Fakharuddin Hamid on Sunday lauded teachers for their role beyond classrooms saying the teaching fraternity remains at the forefront of every responsibility.

He said teachers were the “strongest social force” in tackling emerging challenges, including drug abuse, technological adaptation and community awareness.

In his address during a seminar on “Nasha Mukht Abhiyan” organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) at Dak Bungalow, DC Baramulla said teachers had consistently remained at the forefront of social responsibility and public welfare.

He highlighted the role of teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and said the education sector adapted faster than many others because of the commitment shown by teachers in learning digital tools almost overnight.

He recalled his experience during the pandemic and cited an example of a teacher nearing retirement who learned to use WhatsApp, email and online teaching platforms within days to continue classes.

“At an age when adapting to technology becomes difficult, teachers ensured that education did not stop,” he said.

He further said that educators worked tirelessly despite infrastructural shortcomings, weather conditions and difficult terrain.

The Deputy Commissioner credited teachers and families for the growing achievements of students in sports, medicine, engineering and other fields.

“Their dedication helped young girls and boys excel at national levels,” he said.

He called upon teachers to actively collaborate with the administration in social development initiatives saying that society looks towards teachers not only for academic guidance but also for leadership during crises.

About the issue of drug addiction, DC Baramulla said substance abuse was one of the most dangerous social problems confronting society.

“Every other problem has a solution, but once a young boy or girl falls into addiction, returning becomes extremely difficult,” he said.

He rejected the notion that addiction was solely linked to poverty, unemployment or stress.

DC Baramulla narrated an incident involving a well-educated youth who secured a private-sector job with a good salary but later progressed from consuming cannabis to harder drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

“This disease has nothing to do with being poor or rich. Drug peddlers target young children very cleverly, and by the time parents and teachers realise it, much damage has already been done,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner referred to recent incidents involving addicts committing violent acts against family members, including matricide, to underline the severity of the problem.

Speaking about the anti-drug strategy of the administration, DC Baramulla said the campaign rested on strict enforcement against drug peddlers, rehabilitation of affected youth and large-scale public awareness.

“Awareness campaigns under the 100-day mission Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir launched on April 11 would continue across districts through rallies and outreach programmes,” he said.

DC Baramulla stressed that anti-drug awareness must reach village level and urged parents to remain vigilant for early warning signs among children, including smoking habits, unusual smells on clothes and possession of cigarettes, matches or lighters.

He said there was a need for collective societal vigilance as children spend a significant amount of time with peers.

“Communities must work together to protect the younger generation from addiction,” he said.