SRINAGAR: A high-level delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, led by Dr Baba Nazrul Islam, participated in the 15th Annual Conference of the Private Schools and Children Welfare Association (PSACWA) held in Hyderabad from June 19 to June 22, 2026, where the Union Territory secured the first prize among participating states for its contributions to educational innovation and child welfare.
Dr Baba Nazrul Islam, who also serves as President of PSACWA Jammu and Kashmir, represented the Union Territory at the four-day national conference alongside a delegation of educationists and school leaders from across Jammu and Kashmir. The event brought together educators, policy experts, school administrators and child welfare advocates from different parts of the country.
The conference focused on emerging challenges and opportunities in inclusive and holistic education, innovative learning ecosystems, child welfare frameworks and educational leadership. Participants deliberated on strategies to strengthen educational quality and enhance student welfare through collaborative approaches and institutional reforms.
A major highlight of the conference was the recognition accorded to the Jammu and Kashmir delegation, which was awarded the first prize among participating states in acknowledgement of its educational initiatives, innovative practices and contributions during the technical sessions. The award was presented in recognition of the efforts being undertaken by private educational institutions and stakeholders across the Union Territory.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Baba Nazrul Islam expressed gratitude to the organisers and said the recognition reflected the dedication and commitment of educators and school leaders working for the welfare and development of students. He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to promote quality, equity, innovation and child welfare in the education sector.
During the concluding ceremony, delegates from various states were felicitated for their participation and contributions to the success of the conference.
The Jammu and Kashmir delegation included MY Wani, Chairman of Green Valley Educational Institute, Srinagar; Anuradha Verma of PSAJK Jammu; Er M Ashraf Baba, Chairman of Alexander Secondary School, Kupwara; M Farooq Fazili, Chairman of Dolphin International School, Pulwama; Arshid Mehraj Khan, Chairman of National Innovations Public School, Zainapora; Fayaz Ahmad, Chairman of International Delhi Public School, Bandipora; Mudassir Mushtaq, Chairman of Oxford International School; Altaf Maqbool Bhat, Chairman of Dream Valley Educational Institute, Tangdar, Karnah; Mustafa Bashir Bhat, Chairman of Al Noor English Medium Public School, Lalpora, Lolab; Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh, Administrator of Bright Career Educational Institute, Villagam; Muneer Mohiuddin Sheikh, Chairman of Abu Bakar Educational Foundation, Kralpora; and Er Nazir Ahmad Malik, Chairman of Crescent School of Learning, Kralpora.
On the sidelines of the conference, the delegation interacted with officials of Mimber Academy and visited its associated institutions in Hyderabad to study the academy’s “My Young Scientist” Laboratory Development Initiative. Members of the delegation explored the possibility of introducing similar science and innovation-based laboratory models in schools across Jammu and Kashmir. The academy also felicitated the visiting delegation.
The delegation also met the leadership of MS Academy, where discussions centred on curriculum design, future-ready learning models and educational reforms. Delegates reviewed various initiatives aimed at strengthening student-centred learning and enhancing academic outcomes.
Participants said the successful representation of Jammu and Kashmir at the national forum and the recognition earned during the conference would further strengthen the Union Territory’s contribution to educational innovation, institutional development and child welfare initiatives across the country.
