Confident Girls Give Me Confidence in J&K’s Future’: Omar Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said educational institutions are not merely producing educated girls but are nurturing confident young women whose confidence gives him hope for the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Omar was addressing the Annual Day function, titled ‘Clock Tower Cosmos’, organised by Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Rajbagh, Srinagar.
The school is also celebrating 250 years of the Presentation Congregation and 90 years of its own journey in Kashmir.
Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Provincial Leader-North India Sister Gleetus Rani, Principal Mary Jarsi, faculty members, parents, students and other dignitaries attended the function.
‘We Are Producing Confident Girls’
Reflecting on the institution’s role in shaping generations of students, Omar Abdullah said the school was helping young girls develop confidence alongside academic knowledge.
“We are not just producing educated girls. We are producing confident girls. And this confidence gives me the confidence that the future of Jammu and Kashmir will be secure,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the confidence, talent and composure displayed by the students during the programme were particularly encouraging.
“The talent that we saw here, the confidence, but also the ability to not get shaken, gives me immense confidence,” he said.
Omar Recalls His School Days
Omar Abdullah also recalled his personal connection with Presentation Convent, saying he began his schooling at the institution as a kindergarten student nearly five decades ago.
He noted that the school was co-educational at the time, something that may surprise many people because Presentation Convent has long been known as a girls’ school in Kashmir.
“Fifty years ago, I was a student of this great institution,” he recalled.
Expressing happiness at returning to his alma mater, Omar said it was particularly heartening to see the confidence and talent displayed by students today.
He also fondly remembered the school grounds, where students would assemble and march to music, as well as the teachers and Sisters who guided the institution over the years.
School Celebrates 90 Years in Kashmir
Omar Abdullah acknowledged the long history of the Presentation Congregation and the school in Srinagar.
He said the values with which the congregation was founded 250 years ago, along with the vision behind the establishment of Presentation Convent in Kashmir, continue to influence the institution.
Over nine decades, he said, the school had grown from being simply an educational institution into a highly respected centre of learning.
“Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School is one of those institutions where people seek recommendations for admission. That is a testament to the success that Presentation Convent School has been able to attain in its 90 years of history here,” he said.
‘Education Must Teach Children to Question’
The Chief Minister stressed that education should go beyond academic achievement.
He said students should be encouraged to think independently, question existing ideas and speak up when necessary.
“We have to teach our children not just to follow, not just to obey, but to question, to ask, to demand,” Omar said.
He said developing independent thinking was an important part of preparing young people for the challenges of the future.
Students Highlight Issues Facing Women
The cultural performances at the Annual Day function also addressed several important social issues affecting women and girls.
Omar Abdullah particularly praised a musical skit that questioned whether society was truly fair and equitable towards its daughters.
The performance highlighted issues including child marriage, acid attacks, female foeticide, domestic violence and gender-based violence.
The Chief Minister appreciated the students’ message that responsibility for violence against women should not be placed on victims.
“It is not the girl who is responsible for what happens. It is us who have not been able to teach our sons how to be better human beings,” he said.
He described the message as an important and eye-opening one for society.
‘Future of J&K Is Safe With Confident Girls’
Omar said parents and society as a whole had a responsibility to ensure that girls grow up in a safe, fair and supportive environment.
“I believe our girls are safe here. And I believe with such confident students of this school, the future of Jammu and Kashmir is safe with girls of this calibre,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the confidence shown by the students was a positive sign for the region’s future.
Cultural Performances Celebrate School’s Legacy
Earlier, students presented a series of cultural performances showcasing the history and 90-year journey of Presentation Convent in Kashmir.
The programme also highlighted the legacy of Nano Nagle, the founder associated with the Presentation Congregation, and its contribution to education.
The performances combined music, dance, drama and storytelling to portray the institution’s journey and its contribution to Kashmiri society.
Omar Abdullah congratulated the Principal, faculty, students, parents and the entire Presentation Convent community for organising the Annual Day programme and celebrating the institution’s remarkable journey in Kashmir.
