Jammu, July 2 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that life-skills education has become essential these days as the challenges of modern life are far more complex than before.

L-G Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended ‘One Day Capacity Building Programme’ organised by Bharti Airtel Foundation, State Council of Educational Research and Training, J&K and School Education Department.

The event served as a formal platform for the launch of instructional resources jointly developed by the three institutions aimed at strengthening the professional capacities of teachers and enriching the overall quality of school education across the Union Territory.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative is a collective pledge and rooted in a fundamental truth that when we empower teachers, we inspire confidence in our students.

“When teachers are empowered, students gain confidence. When schools are strengthened, society becomes more resilient and when education moves in the right direction, Jammu and Kashmir and the nation advance toward a brighter, safer and more prosperous future. We must remember that the ultimate purpose of education is transformation.

“When learning connects with lived experiences, it sparks generational change. The greatest power of education does not lie in exam results but in its ability to change lives. A dedicated teacher shapes destiny. I want schools in Jammu and Kashmir to focus on this aspect and become laboratories of life-building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The one-day capacity-building programme is also linked to the broader “Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir” campaign. It aims to improve teaching methods and protect students from the challenges today’s youth face.

The Lieutenant Governor said that rising trends in drug abuse, mental stress, social pressure, digital-world risks and changing lifestyles have made the school’s role more important than ever. He said teachers are being provided with modern tools and training so they can help build students’ personalities and empower them to face life’s challenges.

“Every student is born with unique talents. Our duty is to recognise each child’s talent and provide resources and tools to grow. I ask every teacher, with a strong sense of responsibility, to remember that education is not merely competition but an ongoing journey of self-development. In this journey, you must respect and encourage each student’s individuality.

“Education today cannot be restricted to measurable academic achievement alone. The challenges of modern life are far more complex than before. Pressure from competition, societal expectations, stress, peer influence and the growing danger of substance abuse are realities our children face daily.

“In such circumstances, life-skills education becomes essential, and schools should focus on self-awareness, emotional balance, problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking. We must teach children practical lessons for living so they learn with greater confidence and contribute to building a healthy society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Education Policy’s aim is to develop citizens who are creative, responsible, innovative, compassionate and self-reliant.

The L-G also commended the initiative of the Directorate, School Education Jammu, to start online classes for grades 11 and 12 across ten districts. He said this is an important step toward educational equality, and through this initiative, even students in remote villages can access quality learning.

“Success of these efforts will be measured by the confidence of our students and their contribution to a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir. Many countries have shown that in times of crisis, the younger generation becomes our greatest hope. Beyond the standard curriculum, learning must include how to overcome hardships, help rebuild communities and support one another”.

He said life skills–based education can reduce social divides and strengthen the values of diversity. The purpose of education is the upliftment of all humanity.

“Today, Jammu and Kashmir is making an important contribution to this global endeavour. Every positive step taken here can reshape the lives of millions of children in the years ahead. This initiative also reflects the spirit of long-term collaboration among government, teachers, parents, industry and society,” L-G Sinha stated.

“All the stakeholders must come together to build a Jammu and Kashmir where every student feels safe, respected and inspired, where every teacher, through knowledge, compassion and dedication, shapes the next generation and where education becomes the primary means of transformation, confidence, social harmony and hope,” he added.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the meritorious students and winners of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (TOFEI) initiative. Several books on life skills were also released.

Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co-Chairman Bharti Airtel Foundation; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Nuriya Ansari, CEO, Bharti Airtel Foundation; Dr Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, Director School Education Jammu, senior officials, heads of educational institutions, prominent citizens, teachers and students were present.

–IANS

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