Srinagar: JKUPSA President Showkat Chowdhary, has expressed deep concern and solidarity with the Kashmir Harvard School, Srinagar, in light of recent developments.
He underscored the need to avoid drawing premature conclusions until a thorough and impartial investigation is completed by the relevant authorities. Chowdhary also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and the dangers of one-sided narratives dominating media and social platforms. “Media trials and social media campaigns can irreparably damage the reputation of institutions and individuals”.
Showkat Chowdhary emphasized that while educational institutions play a vital role in students’ academic development, the emotional and moral upbringing of a child is a shared responsibility between schools and parents.
“We must understand the limits and scope of institutional responsibility. Schools primarily focus on academics, and while we strive to support our students holistically, active parental involvement is essential for a child’s overall well-being,” he added.
Referring to the current structure under the New Education Policy, Chowdhary noted that regular assessments and Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) are held to keep parents informed about their child’s academic and behavioral progress. However, only 25–30% of parents regularly attend these sessions, which limits the effectiveness of collaborative development.
“When parents are disengaged, it becomes extremely difficult for schools to intervene meaningfully beyond the classroom. True child development demands joint responsibility,” he observed.
Showkat Chowdhary reaffirmed JKUPSA’s commitment to student welfare and disclosed that a resolution was passed to enhance counselling services in schools across the region. “We are strengthening our internal systems to better support students who may be struggling emotionally. But this effort must be complemented by proactive parental engagement.”
