A Teacher’s Note of Gratitude to GMS Onagam

Javaid Jawad

“I felt a quiet but profound satisfaction—not because I was remembered, but because our collective efforts had borne fruit. Responsibility, democratic values, and civic conduct had taken root. Such moments revive a teacher’s spirit more than any formal recognition.”

On 20 September, I received a video from an active and deeply concerned father whose two daughters were studying at GMS Onagam. In the video, a group of students from GMS Onagam, accompanied by some parents, could be seen waiting outside the office of the District Development Commissioner, Bandipora. A day earlier, on 19 September, I had quietly joined PM SHRI Government Secondary School Laharwalpora after my attendance was shifted—without any show, announcement, or farewell.

I had not visited GMS Onagam for over fifteen days after my deployment. Yet the students and parents, with whom I shared an emotional bond built over more than seven years of service, felt the separation deeply. When they learned about my transfer, they chose a civilised and dignified path. Instead of protest or confrontation, students and parents approached the District Development Commissioner to place their grievance respectfully.

When I came to know about this, I felt a quiet but profound sense of satisfaction for two reasons. First, our collective efforts to instil responsibility, democratic values, and civic conduct had borne fruit. The students and parents articulated their concerns lawfully and respectfully. Second, it was one of those rare moments that truly revive a teacher’s spirit—the realisation that one’s work has been acknowledged, valued, and remembered. Such moments carry a teacher forward, especially when fatigue, apathy, and indifference from various quarters often weigh heavily on the spirit.

My journey at GMS Onagam is, in many ways, a reflection of the larger story of our education system—its struggles, contradictions, quiet triumphs, unfulfilled hopes, and immense possibilities. Insha’Allah, that story will be shared at an appropriate time.

After a gap of nearly three months, I wish to place on record my heartfelt gratitude to all students, teachers, and parents who stood by me. Some supported me with affection and trust, while others challenged me through opposition, criticism, and even conspiracy. Each, in their own way, contributed to my growth. Some helped me create better platforms for underprivileged students. Others taught me lifelong lessons that remain etched in my memory—without bitterness or malice.

I sincerely thank all my fellow teachers for their cooperation, affection, and unwavering support. My deepest gratitude goes to my students, whose love and respect kept me motivated even during the most difficult phases of my service.

I am especially grateful to Mr Ghulam Rasool Sheikh (Las Kak) for his tireless efforts and consistent support of my initiatives. I thank the father of Zainab, a parent of three students, who supported my efforts wholeheartedly from the very first day. I am thankful to a courageous young mother of three students whose bold and honest criticism helped me introspect, correct myself, and grow. My gratitude also extends to the auto drivers of Onagam, who for years supported our students by providing transport at discounted rates, often without being asked.

I owe a special debt of gratitude to the mother of Khalid for her words spoken before the teachers of Higher Secondary School Laharwalpora:

“I salute the mother who has given birth to this man.”

Through her words, she honoured my beloved mother, and for that, I shall remain forever grateful.

My thanks are also due to those who filed complaints against me over the years—addressed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, the Education Minister, the CEO, the ZEO, and other available platforms. Unknowingly, they taught me how to navigate turbulent waters with patience, resilience, and self-restraint.

I thank all officers who, during my tenure, encouraged me, discouraged me, or even humiliated me. Each experience strengthened my resolve in different ways. I also extend special thanks to all the guests—young and elderly—who visited the school despite busy schedules and age-related challenges. These include Prof Mushtaq Siddiqui, former Vice Chancellor IUST; Prof Syeda Afshana; Dr Zubair Saleem; Dr Sheikh Mushtaq; Dr Raashid Fazilli; Dr Mohammad Amin Malik; Dr Shabana Khan; Dr Irfan Bandy; Mohammad Azad Reshi; Abdul Majeed (Dr); Nissar Ahmad Jan; Ghulam Nabi Zahid; Chaman Lal Bhat; Mohammad Yousuf Sofi; Ghulam Ahmad Zargar; Gayasuddin Zargar; Ghulam Mohammad Para; Mohammad Yousuf Bhat; Late Noor Sahib; Niyaz Sahib; Amir Ahmad Bhat; Khurshid Ahmad Mir; Prof Syeda Naseem; Mohammad Ismael Bhat; Mohammad Sulaiman Lone; and many others.

I am equally thankful to the institutions that hosted our students and broadened their horizons, including Moul Mouj Foundation, DPS Srinagar, Foundation World School Srinagar, District Hospital Bandipora, SKUAST, Polytechnic College Bandipora, Forest Training College Bandipora, and others. I also acknowledge the invaluable support of cooks, local shopkeepers, elders, and every individual who played a role—big or small—in making our collective efforts meaningful.

From the depths of my heart, I apologise to my students for my shortcomings, failures, and moments of negligence. I apologise to my colleagues for any words or actions that may have hurt them, knowingly or unknowingly.

Thank you, GMS Onagam, for giving me love, respect, recognition, lifelong lessons, and a platform to serve, strive, and grow.

Special thanks to Mr Javaid Ahmad Wani (Onagam), former Senior Assistant, who was instrumental in getting me transferred to GMS Onagam seven years ago—though he had failed in his earlier attempts. I also owe my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Ishrat Naz, Shahida Wani, and Rehana Mushtaq (also my student) for their thoughtful efforts in arranging lunch, tea, and refreshments on numerous occasions for me and our guests.

Love you all. 🤍

Teacher is Head of the Institution (HoI) PM Shri Government Secondary School

Laharwalpora, Bandipora