On this Teachers’ Day, when India remembers the life and philosophy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the Valley of Kashmir resonates with its own stories of reverence, respect, and gratitude for the men and women who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds. For generations, teachers here have been lovingly referred to as ustad or master sahib, figures of wisdom who are held in the same regard as elders of the family. The day is more than a commemoration; it is a celebration of resilience, duty, and the spirit of mentorship that has kept education alive across the towns and villages of Kashmir.
Education in Kashmir has always carried a cultural depth, with teachers embodying not only academic knowledge but also moral responsibility. The maktab and madrasa traditions of earlier centuries blended spiritual guidance with literacy, while later institutions brought the structures of modern schooling. Through all these transitions, the figure of the teacher remained unchanged—one who guides, disciplines, and inspires. Veteran educator Abdul Majid, who retired after 35 years of service in Anantnag, recalled, “A teacher in Kashmir has always been regarded as a second parent. Our communities valued us not only for teaching lessons but for shaping lives.” His words echo the sentiments of thousands of families who continue to trust teachers as custodians of their children’s futures.
Today, schools across Kashmir have adapted to changing times. Technology is no longer an outsider; smart boards, tablets, and online resources have entered classrooms from Srinagar to Sopore. Teachers have undergone digital training, enabling them to use videos, interactive quizzes, and presentations to make lessons lively. In a higher secondary school in Srinagar, students enthusiastically participate in virtual science demonstrations, guided by their teachers who blend tradition with innovation. “Students today respond better when lessons are interactive,” says Shazia Bano, an English lecturer. “Instead of rote memorisation, we focus on discussions, debates, and projects. It has transformed how young people approach education.” This shift reflects a broader transition in Kashmiri pedagogy, from memory-driven learning to critical thinking and creativity.
In rural classrooms, where resources are often limited, teachers display extraordinary ingenuity. A science teacher in Ganderbal, unable to access sophisticated equipment, created models and experiments from everyday household items. Through improvised circuits, water-bottle rockets, and clay models of cells, he ensured his students did not miss the joy of hands-on learning. Parents and villagers, witnessing such dedication, often contribute voluntarily by providing stationery, chalk, or small funds to keep the spirit of education alive. Teachers here are not just instructors but problem-solvers, ensuring that no child feels left behind.
Equally important has been the role of women teachers in Kashmir. Their growing presence has had a profound effect on the spread of education, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. For many girls, seeing a woman at the blackboard becomes the spark of aspiration. “I became a teacher because I wanted young girls to believe they could aim high,” says Nusrat Jan, a mathematics teacher in Baramulla. “Every girl who sees her teacher standing in front of a classroom begins to dream of a future beyond limits.” In conservative households, the presence of women teachers has also reassured families about sending their daughters to school. This has contributed significantly to rising female literacy rates and broadened horizons for young women across the Valley.
Teachers in Kashmir, however, do not restrict their role to academics alone. They are builders of personalities. Morning assemblies often begin with moral talks, poetry recitations, or short speeches, nurturing confidence and values among students. Teachers encourage debating, drama, music, and sports, ensuring that children grow into well-rounded individuals. Principal Fayaz Ahmad of a government higher secondary school in Pulwama notes, “Students are not just preparing for careers; they are preparing for citizenship. Our teachers emphasise empathy, teamwork, and respect for diversity. These lessons are as important as science or mathematics.” Such holistic approaches ensure that education is not confined to examinations but extends into the shaping of character.
This year, Teachers’ Day has been marked with enthusiasm throughout Kashmir. In schools, children prepared greeting cards, flowers, and heartfelt notes. Cultural programmes filled the air with poetry, skits, and speeches. At one private school in Srinagar, students staged a play showing the journey of a village child transformed by the guidance of a teacher. “It is a way for us to say thank you,” said 14-year-old Areeba. “Our teachers give us more than knowledge—they give us encouragement.” At colleges and universities, felicitation ceremonies honoured senior educators who introduced innovative practices, improved rural literacy, or guided students to academic excellence. Awards and shawls of honour were offered as tokens of respect, though the teachers themselves often said their true reward was the success of their students.
One of the most striking aspects of Kashmir’s education system is the effort to bridge the gap between urban and rural schooling. While Srinagar and Anantnag have access to better infrastructure, teachers in Kupwara, Shopian, or Bandipora often rely on sheer dedication to compensate for lack of facilities. Yet their impact is no less. In a small village near Handwara, a single teacher has, for years, single-handedly managed multiple grades, patiently moving from one group of children to another. Parents describe him as the “soul of the village school,” proving how deeply one teacher’s presence can transform an entire community.
Teachers’ Day 2025 also highlights the need for continued investment in professional development. Younger teachers bring energy and familiarity with modern tools, while senior educators carry wisdom and experience. Workshops, peer-learning sessions, and refresher courses help them share skills and stay updated. Many teachers stress the importance of continuous learning, not just for students but for themselves. “A teacher who stops learning ceases to inspire,” remarks lecturer Altaf Hussain. His words capture the humility with which educators see themselves, as lifelong learners walking alongside their students.
Parents, too, reflect on the lasting influence of teachers. In Pulwama, one father recounts how his son, once shy and withdrawn, was transformed into a confident speaker by the gentle encouragement of his class teacher. “We can give food and clothing, but only a teacher can give wings to a child’s mind,” he says. Such stories remind us that the role of teachers cannot be measured merely in test scores but in the lives they reshape daily.
The future of education in Kashmir will rely heavily on the continued strength and adaptability of its teachers. With government initiatives expanding digital infrastructure and private institutions introducing new curricula, the teacher remains the central pillar. From nurturing first-generation learners in rural belts to guiding research scholars in universities, their work spans the entire spectrum of education. The challenges are many, but so is the dedication. On this Teachers’ Day, the Valley pays tribute not only to individuals but to an entire tradition of mentorship.
As the day draws to a close, one is reminded of the timeless Kashmiri saying: “Akh ustad hazar kitab”—one teacher is worth a thousand books. In every classroom, be it in a bustling city or a quiet village, teachers continue to embody this truth. They are the light that illuminates young minds, the strength that shapes communities, and the legacy that endures beyond generations. Their story is the story of Kashmir’s hope.

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