Ganderbal, Sep 5: The Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) on Saturday celebrated Teachers’ Day through online mode, paying tribute to the teaching fraternity and highlighting the vital role of educators in nurturing responsible, enlightened and socially conscious citizens.

The programme, organised by the School of Education, focused on the evolving responsibilities of teachers in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital learning and rapidly changing educational needs.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath conveyed Teachers’ Day greetings from Chancellor and Governor of Bihar, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain. He said the occasion should recognise not only formal teachers but also parents, society and nature as sources of learning.
He emphasised that higher education must go beyond imparting knowledge and focus on transforming knowledge into wisdom while preparing students to become responsible contributors to society. He called for greater emphasis on multidisciplinary education, innovation, experiential learning and stronger collaboration with industry and communities.
Prof. Nath said universities must evolve from traditional “temples of learning” into centres of excellence where knowledge and intellectual property contribute to economic empowerment and social development.
Delivering the keynote address on “Role of Teachers in Building a Nation,” COO and Academic Director of AIMST University, Malaysia, Dr. Kerron G. Reddy described teachers as “nation builders” and said meaningful nation-building was impossible without their contribution.
She urged educators to perform their responsibilities with passion, commitment and affection, particularly in helping students identify their aptitude, skills and aspirations and make appropriate career choices.
Dr. Reddy said the advent of AI had not reduced the importance of teachers but had increased their responsibilities. With information readily available at students’ fingertips, she said, educators must continuously update their knowledge, adapt their teaching methods and make learning creative, relevant and engaging.
She also stressed the importance of personal connections between teachers and students, observing that even a simple smile, greeting or conversation can leave a lasting impact.
In his special remarks, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shahid Rasool said the traditional role of the teacher as the primary source and authority of knowledge was undergoing a profound transformation with the emergence of digital natives and artificial intelligence.
He said that although AI can perform many tasks traditionally undertaken by teachers, educators would remain central to education and the meaningful transmission of knowledge.
Earlier, Dean School of Education Prof. C. Naseema, in her welcome address, said Teachers’ Day was not merely a celebration but an opportunity for reflection, gratitude and reaffirmation of the profound responsibility shouldered by teachers.
She said a teacher’s influence may often remain invisible but can shape a student’s life for decades. “We do not simply teach subjects, we touch lives and build confidence,” she said, emphasising the role of educators in helping young people discover their potential and face an uncertain future with resilience, confidence and compassion.
Deans of Schools, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, faculty members, research scholars and students participated in the online programme.
Sr. Asst. Prof. Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal conducted the proceedings, while HoD, Department of Education, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani proposed the vote of thanks.