Dolphin Public School, Batargam celebrates its 8th Annual Day
31/10/2026
Kupwara, October 30 (KIP)-In a colourful celebration of learning, talent and achievement, My Dolphin Public School, Batargam, Kupwara, celebrated its 8th Annual Day 2026 with great enthusiasm and excitement. The programme provided students with an opportunity to showcase their talents, creativity and confidence through various cultural performances, sports activities, speeches and other presentations. The event was attended by prominent educationists, representatives of the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (J&K-PSA), social activists, parents, teachers and other distinguished guests.
The programme was graced by Dr. G.N. Var, Founding President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) and Chief Patron, as the Chief Guest, while Bilal Ahmad Bhat (Regd.) J&K-PSA State President, Mehboob Hussain, former Joint Secretary, School Education Department; Mir Fayaz, former Trade Union Leader and Social Activist attended as the Guest of Honour.
Other distinguished guests included Adil Habib Bhat, J&K-PSA District President Srinagar, Ms. Masooda Bano, Chairperson, My Dolphin School, Kupwara; Riyaz Masoodi, B.A. Shah, PRO, J&K-PSA; Central Coordinator J&K-PSA; Tanveer Ahmad Lone, District President PSA Kupwara; Altaf Ahmad Shah, Vice President PSA; PSA Patron, Drugmulla Zone; Mufti Ghulam Hassan; Manzoor Ahmad Lone, Zonal President, Kupwara; Riyaz Baba, Zonal President, Rajwara; Javaid Ahmad Malik, Finance Secretary, J&K-PSA Kupwara; Aijaz Ahmad, PSA Zonal Secretary, Kupwara; Master Mohammad Hassan; Principal New Dolphin School Abdul Qayoom; Aksa Khan Academy Team Lead and Moiz Mir, Circle Head Lead.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr. G.N. Var appreciated the remarkable performances of students and said that the Annual Day serves as a report card of a school's overall progress, reflecting the collective efforts of its management, teachers and students.
Dr. Var said, “An Annual Day is not merely a celebration, it is a reflection of a school's progress, the dedication of its teachers and the commitment of its management. I am delighted to see the level of talent, confidence and preparation displayed by the students of My Dolphin School. Their performances demonstrate that students in Kupwara are no less talented than those studying in reputed institutions of Srinagar and other major urban centres.”
He congratulated the school management and teaching fraternity for creating an encouraging learning environment and acknowledged their efforts in nurturing students beyond classroom learning.
Highlighting the changing educational landscape, Dr. Var stressed the importance of embracing modern technologies, innovative teaching methodologies and emerging educational practices to improve the quality of education.
He also welcomed the government's recent initiatives aimed at improving the education sector, particularly the steps towards Ease of Doing Business and reducing procedural difficulties faced by educational institutions. He expressed hope that such reforms would continue and that further measures would be introduced to strengthen the education ecosystem.
Emphasising the contribution of private educational institutions, Dr. Var said that private schools are important partners in the larger mission of nation-building and are complementing the government's efforts by providing educational opportunities to a large section of society.
“Private schools are not working against the government; rather, they are knowledge partners working alongside it and sharing the responsibility of educating our children. Our private educational institutions have produced thousands of doctors, engineers and other professionals who are making valuable contributions to society. Their role must be recognised, and their students should also be provided with equal opportunities and adequate institutional support,” he said.
Dr. Var further reiterated the association's demand that economically weaker students studying in private schools should also receive appropriate government support, including educational assistance and fee-related concessions, so that financial circumstances do not restrict their access to quality education.
He expressed satisfaction over the performances presented by the students and said the efforts of the school management deserved appreciation and encouragement.
Speaking on the occasion, J&K-PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat praised the students for their confidence, enthusiasm and impressive stage performances, saying that the programme reflected the hard work of the school's teachers and management.
Bhat said “The talent, enthusiasm and dedication displayed by these children are truly impressive. Performing confidently before such a large gathering requires preparation, discipline and encouragement. The students have demonstrated that with committed teachers and a supportive management, even children studying in institutions located in far-flung areas can achieve remarkable standards of excellence,”.
He congratulated the entire school team and expressed confidence that such initiatives would help students develop leadership qualities, creativity and the confidence required to excel in different fields.
Bhat also welcomed the appointment of Shamima Firdous as the new Education Minister and expressed hope that the positive initiatives undertaken during the previous tenure would be carried forward, while addressing the longstanding issues confronting private schools, including registration and other pending NOC-related matters.
Mehboob Hussain, former Joint Secretary, School Education Department, also appreciated the school's achievements and gave special credit to its teachers for nurturing students' academic abilities and extracurricular talents.
He observed that the performances reflected the dedication of the teaching staff and the commitment of the management, particularly the Chairperson, Principal and other members of the institution.
Hussain said “The real strength of any educational institution lies in its teachers. The talent and confidence we witnessed among these children are the outcome of consistent efforts by their teachers and the management. A school can progress only when it has dedicated teachers who are encouraged, respected and provided with a conducive working environment”.
He also expressed concern over the growing influence of excessive mobile-phone usage, lack of parental supervision and emerging social challenges affecting children. He urged parents to devote quality time to their children, monitor their activities and work closely with teachers to ensure their academic, emotional and moral development.
J&K-PSA District President Srinagar Adil Habib Bhat congratulated the Chairperson and the entire school team, expressing admiration for the students' performances. He also appealed to private school managements to extend a helping hand to underprivileged children.
He said “Every child deserves an opportunity to receive quality education, irrespective of their financial background. As schools prepare for the new admission session, I appeal to all school leaders to identify deserving children, particularly orphans and students from economically weaker families and extend admission support to them. No child should be deprived of education merely because of poverty”.
Chairperson New Dolphin School Kupwara Ms. Masooda Bano welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed gratitude to the J&K-PSA leadership, educationists and other participants for attending the celebration and encouraging the students.
Masooda said the theme of the Annual Day was centred on the idea of nurturing talent and bringing out the hidden potential of children. She reaffirmed the school's commitment to providing quality education and building a competitive academic environment where students could develop their abilities and achieve excellence.
She said “The encouragement and appreciation extended by our distinguished guests have further strengthened our resolve to work harder. Our objective is to provide students with an environment where they can discover their potential, develop confidence and prepare themselves for future challenges”.
Social activist and former Trade Union Leader Mir Fayaz appreciated the efforts of smaller private schools, particularly those operating under challenging circumstances and said their contribution to the educational development of the region deserved recognition.
Mir Said “Education is education, irrespective of where it is received. The contribution of smaller private schools, especially during challenging times, has been remarkable. However, a child's development cannot be left to teachers alone. Parents, teachers, school managements and the administration must work together. A child's future is our greatest responsibility and every stakeholder has an important role in shaping it”.
He also urged parents to maintain a healthy relationship with teachers, respect their contribution and ensure that children remain away from drugs, unhealthy influences and harmful habits.
PSA District President Kupwara Tanveer Ahmad Lone appreciated the school's consistent efforts in strengthening educational standards in the district and said that such platforms provide students with valuable opportunities to showcase their abilities and build confidence.
Lone Said “The performance of the students at the 8th Annual Day reflects the dedication, discipline and commitment of the entire My Dolphin School team. Institutions in districts like Kupwara have immense potential and the achievements of these children demonstrate that talent is not confined to any particular city or institution. With proper guidance, quality teaching and encouragement, our students can compete at every level”.
He congratulated Chairperson Ms. Masooda Bano, Principal Abdul Qayoom and the teaching staff for their contribution towards creating a positive and competitive educational environment.
PSA Vice President Kupwara Altaf Ahmad Shah also lauded the school's efforts, highlighting the importance of providing students with opportunities beyond conventional classroom teaching.
Shah said “Education must go beyond textbooks and examinations. Activities such as cultural programmes, debates, creative performances and other extracurricular engagements help children discover their abilities, develop confidence and become responsible individuals. The performances witnessed today are a testament to the hard work of the teachers and the vision of the school management”.
He stressed that schools should continue to focus on academic excellence, moral values, discipline and the overall personality development of students.
The programme commenced at 11:00 AM and continued until midnight, featuring colourful cultural performances, speeches and sports activities by students. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the presentation of mementoes to distinguished guests and certificates of appreciation to guests and students in recognition of their contributions and achievements.