Ikkz Ikbal, Principal, Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpara Qaziabad, Srinagar shares insights on Integrating Technology and Skills for the Future

Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your institution.

Yeah, my name is Ikkz Iqbal. I am the Principal and the Academic Head of Maryam Memorial Institute, Pandithpara. This institute is situated in a rural area of Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. Despite many challenges, we are trying to integrate technology into the school curriculum and school management so that our students are prepared for the future—the AI storm and the digital storm that are coming. Students should be ready for that.

For this, we have taken many initiatives which I believe are unique. We have a Samarth Prayer Programme initiative, where we give students something new to learn every day. That is a unique program we are running. Another initiative is titled Way to Destination, where we inculcate competition-based training in students right from Class 6, so that they become competitive and competent enough for the competitive examinations across the nation.

We are also providing vocational and skill-based training to our students so that they do not remain dependent after completing their studies, because job opportunities are getting limited. Skilled people do not need to look for jobs—the jobs will find them. That is what we are trying to achieve in our institution, and we hope the institute succeeds in this. Thank you.

You were a panel speaker today. How was your experience interacting with panelists from both school and higher education backgrounds?

It was a very good blended panel, where we had panelists from schools as well as higher education. The experience was very enriching. I got to understand the problems we are facing in the Himalayan regions and the possible solutions to them.

I believe that if these discussions do not remain only at the discussion level but are taken to the practical level, we will get real solutions. I also believe that school education and higher education will achieve equity, because equity begins with access—access to students, access to teachers, access to trainers, access to parents, and access to society as a whole. That is how we can achieve results and move towards digital empowerment. That is what Digital India is all about.

You have attended multiple panels and industry sessions today. How has your experience been so far?

First of all, the hospitality in this part of the nation—Jammu and Kashmir—is remarkable. We are very hospitable people, and thank you for appreciating that. Secondly, ArdorComm Media Group is doing a wonderful job by blending and integrating what is happening in education with technology. Thank you for giving us this opportunity and bringing these important discussions into the limelight.

I believe ArdorComm will conduct such events in Kashmir as well. We are ready to welcome you there, because we need such programs and such initiatives more than anyone else. I truly hope you will come, and we will warmly welcome you. Thank you so much.

Could you share a few lines about ArdorComm Media and give your wishes?

ArdorComm Media is doing a great job. As rightly said in the speech by the founder, there is no fixed office setup, yet the organization is working across the nation, throughout India, and that itself is a great initiative. I hope ArdorComm Media rises day by day.

The initiatives you are taking are remarkable, and you must continue with these efforts. I hope you reach the zenith, Inshallah. That is my wish. Thank you.