Need to protect youth from academic overburden: CM

Jammu, Dec 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday highlighted the immense pressure faced by the younger generation, particularly the unrealistic expectations of achieving academic excellence, which, he believed, steals their childhood and leaves little room for joy.
Speaking at Amar Ujala’s Bhavviya Shatra Samman event held at the Convention Center in Jammu, he called for a balanced approach to life, urging students to embrace learning, engage in physical activities, and prioritize reading beyond textbooks.
The event, organized to honor meritorious students from high school and intermediate classes, saw participation from Ministers Javed Ahmad Rana and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Principal Secretary of School Education, Executive Editor of Amar Ujala Indu Shekhar Pancholi, senior officials, students from various institutions, and their parents.
“For us, our time is passing. But life is a continuous journey of learning,” said Omar Abdullah, the chief guest of the event.
He emphasized that education is not confined to academic institutions but is also drawn from life’s experiences, urging the youth to learn from others’ mistakes and guidance.
He personally handed certificates and medals to the awardees and underscored the importance of resilience.
“Nothing in life is permanent—neither bad times nor good times. What truly matters is how we use the present moment. Learn from the past, prepare for the future, and live in the now,” he advised.
Touching on societal pressures, Abdullah expressed concern over the extreme academic cut-offs, often exceeding 98%, which, he said, were creating unhealthy expectations.
“This unrealistic pressure steals your childhood, something you can never get back. We, the older generation, must ensure we don’t prematurely take away your innocence and joy,” he remarked. The Chief Minister also urged students to find time for playing and outdoor activities, emphasizing its impact on health and academic focus.
Encouraging children to inculcate the habit of reading books, he highlighted its role in broadening perspectives and relieving stress. Omar Abdullah did not shy away from pinpointing challenges such as drug addiction among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
While celebrating the achievements of the awardees, he pointed to the alarming rise in addiction cases.
“Addiction is not a habit or a weakness; it is a medically recognized disease. It is only by God’s grace that you have stayed on the right path. But we need your help to save others. If you see someone struggling, encourage them to seek treatment,” he urged.
On climate change, the Chief Minister reflected on his childhood memories, contrasting them with the present-day reality of erratic weather patterns.
“The world we inherited from our ancestors was far better than the one we’re passing on to you. We have a responsibility to act now, to begin reversing the damage we’ve caused. I hope that when you stand in my place decades from now, you won’t feel the same regret I do,” he said. Concluding his address, Omar Abdullah shared a simple yet powerful lesson: Never give in.
“No matter how difficult or dark things may seem, you must persevere,” he advised, sharing examples from his political career to inspire resilience among the students.
The event ended on a high note, with the chief minister Omar Abdullah expressing his heartfelt congratulations to the students and their parents for their hard work and achievements, while encouraging them to strive for a balanced, fulfilling life.