Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asserted that the onus of ensuring a safe and equitable environment for girls rests not with the victims of violence and discrimination, but with parents and society at large. Abdullah made these remarks while addressing the annual-day function, themed “Clock Tower Cosmos,” at the Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School in Srinagar’s Rajbagh. The event marked the commemoration of 250 years of the Presentation Congregation and the school’s own 90-year legacy in Kashmir, featuring a variety of cultural performances by students.
During the event, a musical skit presented by the students powerfully questioned the fairness and equity of society towards its daughters, highlighting critical social issues affecting women and girls. These included child marriage, acid attacks, female foeticide, domestic violence, and broader gender-based violence. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Abdullah particularly commended the students’ message, emphasizing that the responsibility for violence and discrimination against women cannot be placed upon the victims themselves. He stated, “It is not the girl who is responsible for what happens. It is us who have not been able to teach our sons how to be better human beings,” describing the sentiment as a significant eye-opener for the community.
The Chief Minister expressed considerable encouragement from the confidence, talent, and composure demonstrated by the students. He remarked that the exhibition of such qualities, particularly the ability to remain composed, instilled immense confidence in him. Abdullah reiterated his belief that parents and society collectively hold the responsibility to foster an environment where girls can grow up safely and equitably. He added, “I believe our girls are safe here. And I believe with such confident students of this school, the future of Jammu and Kashmir is safe with girls of this calibre.” The presence of such confident young women, he suggested, bodes well for the region’s future, indicating that Jammu and Kashmir is not only producing educated girls but also confident individuals who will secure the region’s future.
Recalling his personal connection to the institution, Abdullah shared that he began his own schooling at Presentation Convent as a kindergarten student nearly five decades ago, when the school was co-educational. This often surprises many, as the Presentation Convent in Kashmir is widely perceived as an institution exclusively for girls. He expressed his happiness at returning to his alma mater and found it particularly heartening to witness the students’ confidence, talent, and composure. He reminisced, “Fifty years ago, I was a student of this great institution.”
Abdullah acknowledged the profound history of the Presentation Congregation and the school, noting that the foundational ideals of the congregation, established 250 years ago, and the ethos behind the Srinagar school’s establishment remain vibrantly alive. Over its 90-year existence, the school has evolved from a mere educational establishment into a distinguished institution, a fact reflected in the high demand for admissions. He highlighted the school’s significant contributions to society through the alumni who have excelled as civil servants, doctors, police officers, engineers, business leaders, sportspersons, and lawmakers. Abdullah stressed that education should transcend mere academic achievement, encouraging young individuals to cultivate independent thought and the courage to voice their opinions. “We have to teach our children not just to follow, not just to obey, but to question, to ask, to demand,” he urged.
The Chief Minister extended his congratulations to the principal, faculty members, students, parents, and the entire Presentation Convent community for successfully organizing the annual-day function and for commemorating the institution’s remarkable journey. The event underscored the vital role of education in shaping confident, capable individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society and lead the way in building a secure future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.