Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi
The District Institute of Education and Trainings Baramulla with the able guidance of its Principle Abdul Rasid who also stands as the Chief Education Officer Baramulla has emerged a true Centre of Excellence for Professional Development across Jammu and Kashmir. One can sense the sense of clarity of vision, commitment to quality and concern for the teachers and students at the grass root level from the quality of guidance from the Principle.
What makes DIET Baramulla different is the collective responsibility on which all the members of the faculty subscribe. Each assignment taken is not just a formality but an assignment of a kind of mission. To begin with Ali Mohammad Shah Vice Principal of DIET Baramulla is a key player in the activities of the educational institution. His strategy involves reaching out spreading across and carefully following the academic path of the students. Alongside him is Javid Ahmad Lone Head of Department and former Principal HSS Bijhama an experienced person in administration as well as in academics.
Other Heads of Departments including Sajad Ahmad, Tanveer Ahmad and academician Rameez Ahmad Suddan have consistently demonstrated professional integrity and dedication. Each of them contributes with clarity of role and a strong sense of accountability. Their combined efforts ensure that training programs are relevant, updated and aligned with classroom realities. The presence of such committed professionals creates an environment of continuous learning and innovation.
One of the most impactful initiatives of DIET Baramulla is the organization of trainings at the doorsteps of teachers. Reaching areas like Uri which lies more than 55 kilometers from the district headquarters reflects institutional sensitivity and field orientation. Teachers working in remote and challenging terrains often face logistical and professional isolation. DIET Baramulla addresses this gap by taking capacity building programmes directly to them. This approach saves time, reduces stress and increases participation.
The active involvement of the Principal, Vice Principal, Heads of Departments and other officials makes these outreach programmes effective. Their physical presence in far flung Educational Zones sends a strong message of support and seriousness. They lead from the front. This leadership style builds trust and motivates teachers to engage actively in professional development activities.
Since the joining of Ali Mohammad Shah, Javid Ahmad Lone and Rameez Ahmad Suddan DIET Baramulla has intensified its focus on quality education. Their collective efforts reflect in structured trainings, timely follow ups and consistent academic guidance. They emphasize pedagogy, assessment reforms, foundational literacy and numeracy and child centered practices as envisioned under the National Education Policy 2020.
During peak academic session the DIET team has reached even the most sensitive areas near the Line of Control in Uri Sub Division. Education Zones like Boniyar, Chandanwari, Jhullah and Uri have benefited from on site academic support. Such engagement is not routine. It requires courage, planning and strong administrative coordination. These efforts have visibly changed the academic landscape in these zones by improving teacher confidence and classroom practices.
At the administrative level the role of Joint Director North Kashmir deserves recognition. His consistent visits to all three districts of North Kashmir and personal monitoring of academic processes have strengthened accountability and coordination. This top down and bottom up alignment has enhanced the impact of DIET interventions.
Baramulla is one of the largest districts in Kashmir with eighteen Educational Zones stretching from Uri to Narbal. Managing academic and training needs across such a vast geography is a challenge. DIET Baramulla addresses this challenge through teamwork and coordination. The support of Worthy Deputy Chief Education Officer Baramulla Iftikhar Bashir who remains active and responsive adds strength to these efforts. Coordination with DEPO Baramulla and other officials further ensures smooth implementation of programmes.
A major strength of DIET Baramulla is its large pool of trained Resource Persons. These professionals play a key role in cascading training and mentoring teachers at the school level. Their involvement enhances teacher capacity across all major interventions aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. Focus areas include experiential learning, competency based assessment, inclusive education and digital integration.
The impact of these initiatives is visible at the grassroots level. Teachers feel supported. Schools show improved planning and teaching practices. Students benefit from more engaging and structured learning environments. DIET Baramulla continues to shine with each passing day due to its consistent focus on quality, access and equity.
As a Master Resource Person I have personally experienced the supportive and guiding role of DIET Baramulla. I extend my special thanks to Ali Mohammad Shah, Javid Ahmad Lone and Rameez Ahmad Suddan for their constant encouragement, guidance and recognition at every level. Their leadership inspires confidence and commitment among educators. DIET Baramulla stands today as a model institution for professional development and quality education in the district.
(The author is a freelancer. He hails from Boniyar, Baramulla and can be reached at [email protected])
