Jammu, Jan 8: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday launched the e-Pathshala initiative of the School Education Department, underscoring that digital platforms are intended to support classroom teaching and help bridge learning gaps, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the Union Territory.
The e-Pathshala channel, accessible on DTH Channel 53, aims to enhance home-based learning opportunities for students throughout Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated newly constructed hostel buildings and other developmental projects taken up under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, aimed at strengthening education infrastructure.
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah described the launch of e-Pathshala as the beginning of a broader vision to expand digital learning resources. He said the long-term objective is to have a dedicated educational channel for every class, allowing students to access age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned content from their homes. “This is only a small step. Our intention should be that every class has its own channel. Gradually, we will expand, and there should be a separate channel for each class,” he said.
The Chief Minister made it clear that the introduction of digital classrooms and educational channels should not be misunderstood as an attempt to replace teachers. Emphasizing the central role of educators, he said that no technology can substitute the bond between a teacher and a student. “Whether connectivity exists or not, physical teachers cannot be replaced, and we have no intention of replacing them. That relationship cannot be substituted by any device,” he asserted.
Highlighting the transformative impact of good teaching, Omar Abdullah shared a personal anecdote from his student days to illustrate how effective mentorship can help even struggling students perform well. He recalled how a dedicated teacher had helped him overcome his lack of interest and difficulty in science subjects. “A good teacher can take even the weakest students to great heights,” he remarked.
Recounting his experience, the Chief Minister said that despite doubts about his ability to pass physics and chemistry, a teacher named Sat Lal Razdan had insisted on tutoring him personally at his own residence, irrespective of seasons. Under his guidance, Abdullah said, he achieved some of his best results in science, reinforcing his belief in the power of committed teaching.
Congratulating the School Education Department and all stakeholders involved in the initiative, the Chief Minister said that if used effectively, e-Pathshala could positively impact the lives of thousands of students. He stressed the importance of regular feedback from both students and teachers to ensure that the content remains relevant, engaging and beneficial.
Omar Abdullah noted that out of the 20 districts in Jammu and Kashmir, 14 have already achieved education literacy, while the remaining districts are among the most remote and stand to gain significantly from digital learning platforms like e-Pathshala.
He also spoke about responsible use of technology, advising that mobile phones and screens should be used constructively for education and mental development, while cautioning against excessive use for gaming. Additionally, he encouraged children to cultivate reading habits by engaging with books, magazines and newspapers alongside their textbooks, saying that reading plays a vital role in shaping young minds.