Srinagar: On October 5, 2025, Srinagar’s Hotel Countryside radiated pride as the Federation of All Private Indian Schools (FAP-India), in partnership with the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) and Chandigarh University, celebrated World Teachers’ Day 2025. The FAP-India State Awards 2025 honored 300 exceptional schools, principals, and teachers from Jammu and Kashmir, with Model Public School Sopore’s Shafeeqa Shameem among the standout recipients for her remarkable contributions to education.
The event began with a traditional Kashmiri “Izzband” welcome, drawing hundreds of school leaders, educators, and students. Dignitaries from Punjab, Chandigarh, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu joined local leaders, guided by Dr. Jagjit Singh Dhuri, FAP-India President, and G.N. Var, PSAJK President.
Chief Guest Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister of J&K, praised teachers as “the true builders of our society” and pledged government support for private schools through progressive policies. Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana, a Guest of Honour, called teachers “the guiding light of the nation,” commending their work in challenging conditions.
Awards across six categories—Best School (Academic & Sports), Best Principal, and Best Teacher—celebrated luminaries like Parvez Samuel Kaul (Biscoe & Mallinson), Vijay Dhar (DPS Srinagar), and Mohammad Yousuf Wani (Green Valley). Shafeeqa Shameem’s recognition for her dedication at Model Public School Sopore was a highlight, her smile reflecting years of tireless effort. Manzoor Wangoo of NLCO was named “Green Ambassador of Kashmir” for his environmental work.
MLA Farooq Shah hailed G.N. Var’s selfless leadership, while Supreme Court Senior Counsel Zaffar A. Shah urged swift action on private schools’ legal challenges. A vibrant cultural performance by DPS Srinagar students added color to the event.
G.N. Var stressed the awards’ merit-based process, noting, “We honor excellence, but schools need urgent government support to thrive.” Dr. Dhuri called the awards a tribute to educators shaping young minds. As the evening ended with a vote of thanks, Shafeeqa Shameem and her peers stood as symbols of hope, inspiring a renewed commitment to J&K’s educational future.
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