J&K L-G urges integration of climate resilience, values and technology in education

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while addressing a Teachers’ Day event in Srinagar on Friday, emphasized that educational institutions must strengthen early warning systems and collaborate with local communities to develop nature-based solutions for disaster management and climate resilience.

The Lieutenant Governor paid tributes to renowned educationist and former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and felicitated award-winning teachers from across Jammu and Kashmir.

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Highlighting the importance of education for sustainable development, Sinha said the education system must promote a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of existence among the younger generation.

“The balance between economic growth and environmental protection is the key to prosperity and social equity. Our education system should emphasize that natural resources are finite and that youth must work to preserve ecosystems, biodiversity, and protect the environment,” he said.

“The world is facing increasing natural calamities, causing loss of lives, damage to infrastructure, and serious social impacts,” he added.

Sinha directed the School and Higher Education Departments to link students with the Green Jammu–Kashmir Drive for field experience, along with curriculum changes.

“We should revive the age-old tradition of living in harmony with nature. Climate change should be taught as a compulsory subject through both classroom learning and fieldwork,” he stressed.

Acknowledging the dual impact of new technologies and rising natural disasters, Sinha said: “While new technologies are reshaping industries and social norms, the fury of nature is also increasing. Youth must take on the responsibility of creating a balance between development and the environment.”

The Lieutenant Governor called upon teachers to cultivate life skills, critical thinking, creativity, scientific temper, curiosity, teamwork, and perseverance in their students.

“On Teachers’ Day, my message is that once the pursuit of excellence becomes deeply rooted in your mind, your greatest aspirations and dreams will become reality. A teacher must inspire students to dream big, build their character, and, along with science, teach values to help them develop their unique personalities. The ultimate goal is to ensure students are fully prepared to face life’s challenges and adapt to rapid changes in the world,” he said.

Underscoring the irreplaceable role of teachers, Sinha remarked: “Teachers cannot be compared with AI tools because teaching is not merely about data and information but about wisdom and experience. The most special quality of a teacher is their ability to bring a human touch to the classroom. Only a teacher can give students a real experience of education and facilitate experiential learning.”

He added that artificial intelligence and machine learning are reshaping industries and education, and teachers must reimagine the education system accordingly. “Teachers should not compete with technology; instead, they should focus on using it for the benefit of students. Technology will serve as a virtual assistant, strengthening the education system and helping us prepare future human resources.”

The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to those who lost their lives in the recent natural calamities in Jammu and Kashmir.