Jammu, Nov 05 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said education must go beyond academic achievements and focus on producing responsible citizens equipped with independent thinking, strong moral values and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
Addressing the annual ‘Honour and Excellence Awards’ ceremony at the Convention Centre in Jammu, the Chief Minister urged students to question fearlessly, think independently and use Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly and ethically.
The ceremony recognised meritorious students for their outstanding performance in the Class X and XII board examinations, honoured employees completing 25 years of dedicated service and celebrated distinguished alumni of the Society’s educational institutions.
The Chief Minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), felicitated meritorious students, including those who secured over 99 per cent marks and also honoured employees for completing 25 years of service.
On the occasion, Omar said that the purpose of education must extend beyond academic performance and marks to the development of well-rounded individuals with strong moral values, independent thinking and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
He said while academic excellence is important, the larger objective of education should be to develop well-rounded individuals capable of contributing positively to society.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister urged during his speech urged students not to hesitate in asking questions and to develop the confidence to challenge ideas and seek answers. “There are no stupid questions, there are only stupid answers,” he said.
He encouraged the students to remain inquisitive and explore the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind things.
He said Jammu and Kashmir needs a generation that is willing to question existing practices, understand what is happening around them and explore ways to make things better.
“A generation that is happy to ask questions will make all of us answerable. And if we are answerable, Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow will be a better place,” Omar said.
Referring to the growing influence of social media and digital platforms, Omar said the present generation is navigating challenges that were largely unfamiliar to previous generations.
The Chief Minister on the occasion further said that Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Educating Society manages 24 schools across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, educating around 28,000 students and providing employment to nearly 1,600 people.
“These schools produce civil service officers, police officers, doctors and business leaders. But more than anything else, they produce successful people who remain good people,” he said.
He urged students to use technology as a learning tool rather than misuse it for cheating or outsourcing their homework and assignments.
The Chief Minister also shared his own experience of using AI tools, saying he sometimes takes assistance from ChatGPT and Gemini while preparing speeches.
He observed that technology had made life easier in several ways but had also brought new challenges, making responsible usage all the more important.
Stressing the importance of curiosity and independent thinking, Omar urged students not to hesitate in questioning things around them, saying there were no stupid questions, only stupid answers—(KNO)