Central University of Kashmir (CU Kashmir) celebrated Teachers’ Day on Saturday through online mode, paying glowing tributes to the teaching fraternity and reaffirming the significance of teachers in instilling values and nurturing responsible, enlightened and socially conscious citizens who contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
The programme was organised by the School of Education.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath conveyed Teachers’ Day greetings from Chancellor and Hon’ble Governor of Bihar, Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, and said the day should be seen as an occasion to recognise both formal and informal teachers, including parents, society and nature.
He emphasised that higher education must focus not merely on imparting knowledge but on transforming knowledge into wisdom and preparing students to become responsible contributors to society. He called upon teachers to embrace multidisciplinary education, innovation, experiential learning and stronger collaborations with industry and communities.
The CUK Vice-Chancellor emphasised that universities must evolve from traditional “temples of learning” into centres of excellence, where knowledge and intellectual property contribute to economic empowerment and societal betterment.
Delivering the keynote address on “Role of Teachers in Building a Nation”, COO and Academic Director, AIMST University, Malaysia, Dr Kerron G. Reddy said teachers are “nation builders” and that meaningful nation-building was impossible without their contribution.
She urged educators to discharge their responsibilities with passion, commitment and affection, stressing that teachers have a vital role in guiding young people towards appropriate career choices and helping them identify their aptitude, skills and aspirations.
She said the advent of AI had not diminished the importance of teachers but had increased their responsibilities manifold. “With information readily available at students’ fingertips, teachers must constantly update their knowledge, adapt pedagogy and make learning creative, relevant and engaging.”
She also highlighted the importance of establishing a personal connection with students, saying that a simple smile, greeting or conversation could make a lasting difference.
In his special remarks, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shahid Rasool said the role of a teacher, particularly in higher education, has always been central to the creation and transmission of knowledge.
“Traditionally, the teacher was regarded as the expert, the authority, and the principal source of knowledge. But today, that model is undergoing a profound transformation. The arrival of digital natives and the emergence of artificial intelligence have changed everything,” he said.
Prof Shahid added, “If knowledge and information is available everywhere, and artificial intelligence can increasingly perform many tasks that teachers were performing, then what is the role of the teacher? The answer is simple. The teacher is not becoming less important and will remain central to the transmission of knowledge,” he further said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Dean, School of Education, Prof. C. Naseema said Teachers’ Day was not merely an occasion for celebration but a moment for reflection, gratitude and reaffirmation of the profound responsibility shouldered by teachers.
She observed that a teacher’s influence often remains invisible but can endure for a lifetime. “We do not simply teach subjects, we touch lives and build confidence,” she said, adding that teachers help young people discover their potential and prepare them to face an uncertain and rapidly changing world with confidence, resilience and compassion.
Deans of Schools, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, faculty members, scholars and students attended the online event.
Senior Assistant Prof Dr Firdous Ahmad Sofal conducted the proceedings, while HoD, Department of Education, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani proposed the vote of thanks.
