Kupwara, Nov 3: A series of engaging guest lectures featuring senior journalist and Chief Editor of Brighter Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Wani, was organised at three educational institutions in Kupwara, bringing students face to face with ideas on independent thinking, career opportunities, social responsibility and cultural sensitivity.

The sessions were organised at Madrassa Dar-ul-Uloom, Bait-ul-Yatama, Batergam; Government Degree College, Kralpora; and Dar-ul-Uloom Nusrat-ul-Uloom Arabia, Rehmatabad, Kupwara. The programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members and institutional management.

At Madrassa Dar-ul-Uloom, Bait-ul-Yatama, the guest lecture commenced at 10 am, with students and staff participating actively. The interaction provided an opportunity for young learners to engage with the speaker on contemporary issues and the importance of education in shaping responsible citizens.

The afternoon session at Government Degree College, Kralpora, drew particularly enthusiastic participation, predominantly from female students belonging to Kralpora and adjoining areas. Addressing the gathering, Wani emphasised the need to break stereotypical mindsets, challenge conventional thinking and explore opportunities beyond traditional career choices. He highlighted emerging prospects in print and electronic media, encouraging students to recognise journalism as a meaningful career and an instrument of social change.

A significant part of his address focused on cultural sensitivity, the dangers of ideological stereotyping and the importance of critical thinking, tolerance and informed choices. He urged students to develop independent perspectives, remain connected with their social responsibilities and respect diverse cultural viewpoints while resisting influences that discourage rational thought.

The third interaction at Dar-ul-Uloom Nusrat-ul-Uloom Arabia, Rehmatabad, Kupwara, also witnessed encouraging participation. An interactive question-and-answer session allowed students to seek clarification on various subjects and exchange views in an open and constructive atmosphere.

The guest lectures were meticulously organised under the guidance and initiative of Major Muneer, whose efforts in facilitating meaningful academic interactions were widely appreciated. He also encouraged students to consider civil services as a career option, explaining the opportunities available and motivating them to prepare for competitive examinations with discipline, confidence and determination.

The sessions concluded on an enthusiastic note, with students expressing appreciation for the interaction. The management and faculty members also welcomed the initiative and called for more such programmes in the future.

Principal Abdul Gani Kumar particularly appreciated the engagement and observed that such interactions could broaden students' horizons, strengthen their confidence and expose them to opportunities beyond conventional academic pursuits.

The central message of the engagements was simple yet powerful: education must not merely prepare students for examinations; it must equip them to question, think independently, discover opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.