Debates, discussions augment academic atmosphere: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Aug 8 : The Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari Tuesday said that efforts are on to revive the culture of debates and discussions in schools across the State as it is essentials for overall personality development of students and to improve academic scenario.
Bukhari was speaking as chief guest during the formal inauguration of inter-school debate at Burn Hall School here today in which students from 10 private schools from Kashmir region participated. Senior Journalist and Srinagar Correspondent for BBC, Riyaz Masroor was the guest of honour.
The Education Minister said that encouraging students to take part in debates and discussions will promote a healthy academic environment and also provide an opportunity for students to put forward their issues, concerns and opinion in a civilized manner and would act as a step towards cultivating young leaders.
“These type of events encourage critical thinking and clear, logical representation of thoughts, and I look forward for more such events in the future,” he added.
He said that inter-school activities should be encouraged for promotion of a more holistic approach to learning.
On the occasion, two students from each school spoke on the theme ‘Reservation system at Professional level – Injustice with the future progress of our country’. As per the format, one student talked in support of reservation system and other opposed it.
The performance of the students was adjudged by team of four judges which include The Hindu’s Kashmir Bureau Chief, Peerzada Ashiq; Cultural Officer Students’ Welfare, Kashmir University Dr Shahid Ali Khan; Renowned speaker and Director Crown Carpets, Zubair Ahmad; and Riyaz Masroor.
Students from Burn Hall School, Delhi Public School (Srinagar), Delhi Public School (Budgam), Tyndale Biscoe School, Mallinson Girls School, Woodland House School, Iqbal Memorial School, Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Army School and Green Valley School participated in the debate.
The Minister congratulated the Principal Burn Hall School, Father Sebastian Nagathunkal for organizing such programme in their school. Bukhari said that Private schools are playing a great role along with the Government schools in functioning of education system in the State.