SRINAGAR: The second day of the week-long “Shiksha Saptah” celebrations witnessed an inspiring series of events across the SCERT Divisional Offices in Kashmir and Jammu, under the dynamic leadership of Director SCERT JK, Professor Dr. Parikshat Singh Manhas.
In Kashmir Division, a mega event took place at the SCERT Divisional Office, where Professor Dr. Parikshat Singh Manhas joined the celebrations virtually. He expressed satisfaction over the dedication and enthusiasm displayed by SCERT JK and its faculty members. He urged them to maintain the same momentum in future activities, reinforcing the commitment to the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Joint Director SCERT Central and Joint Director SCERT Kashmir Division, Shri Hem Raj Pakhru, who also joined virtually, expressed optimism that SCERT KD would accomplish the tasks of Shiksha Saptah in letter and spirit.
The event featured an impressive showcase of publications, documentations, and other allied activities by different departments of SCERT KD. Academic Unit Head II & III, Mohd Sultan Khan, reviewed the stalls installed by various departments, appreciating the efforts and the quality of the work presented.
In Jammu Division, the day was dedicated to celebrating Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) Day. Under the esteemed guidance of Joint Director, Professor Dr. Sindhu Kapoor, the day’s proceedings began with an FLN Pledge, followed by the screening of FLN-themed movies. The highlight of the day was a panel discussion moderated by Bindiya Balwal, focusing on strategies to achieve FLN goals, insights into various directions, and innovations in FLN.
Panelists, including Aarti Gupta, Dr. Sanjeevani Sharma, Geeta Bharti, and Deepak Sharma, discussed challenges in the implementation of FLN programs, the necessity of robust monitoring, assessing high-quality FLN instruction, and the need for qualified teachers. Joint Director Dr. Sindhu Kapoor emphasized the role of SCERT in achieving FLN goals and highlighted the potential impact of the BALA concept. Additional insights were provided by Shazia Koser, Rajesh Hali, and Anil Sharma, focusing on teacher preparation, the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE), and robust monitoring mechanisms.
The celebration, expertly orchestrated by Mr. Sheik Gulzar, Senior Academic Officer and event coordinator, featured a day-long seminar and exhibition that brought together all nine departments of SCERT. This collaborative effort highlighted the organization’s holistic approach to education, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.
Sheik Gulzar’s presentation provided a compelling overview of the department’s achievements over the past four years. His report served as a testament to the significant progress made in foundational literacy and numeracy, inspiring confidence in SCERT’s ability to drive educational reform. Another notable contribution came from Mr. Shabir Hussain Shabir, who presented the FLN materials at his stall, offering attendees valuable insights into the innovative educational resources developed by SCERT. The Department of Education in Languages showcased a range of resources for FLN, including activity books in Urdu and English, a handbook titled “Bright Beginnings,” and materials from the “Viksit Bharat” modules.
The event’s seamless flow was ensured by the skillful anchoring of Ms. Anjali OM Raina, a senior faculty member specializing in Education in Languages. Her eloquent management kept the proceedings engaging and well-coordinated throughout the day. As the celebration drew to a close, Syed Haamid Bukhari delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the individual contributions that made the event a resounding success.
The success of this event demonstrates SCERT’s crucial role in implementing the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat). By involving all DIETs of the Kashmir division to celebrate FLN day and visit schools, clusters, and complexes, SCERT is ensuring widespread awareness and implementation of this vital national initiative.
Director Dr. Parikshat Singh Manhas and Joint Director Shri Hem Raj Pakhru expressed their satisfaction with the high energy levels and enthusiasm demonstrated during the celebrations. They conveyed their expectations for maintaining this momentum throughout the remaining days of Shiksha Saptah, reflecting the UT’s commitment to enhancing teaching-learning processes and implementing innovative educational practices.

KR Desk