Aasima Jan: Govt teacher inspiring minds, transforming communities

Baramulla, Oct 08: Aasima Jan, a government teacher at High School Binner in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, exemplifies unwavering dedication to education and an unbridled passion for teaching.
Born and raised in the culturally rich land of Bandipora, Aasima’s educational odyssey commenced at Iqbal Memorial School, where she received her foundational schooling.
Her love for literature and a thirst for knowledge propelled her towards achieving a Master’s degree in English literature, further fortified by a slew of certifications, honing her expertise in the subject.
Aasima’s life took an unexpected turn when an opportunity to teach presented itself while she was pursuing an engineering degree. This serendipitous moment proved to be a defining juncture, revealing teaching not merely as a profession but her true calling.
Inspired by her late mother, a revered educator in Bandipora, Aasima embraced this unforeseen path with open arms.
Aasima told Rising Kashmir that teaching is not just a profession for her but it’s a calling deeply rooted in her family’s legacy of molding young minds.
Her journey as an educator has been a dedication to the cause of education and a quest to ignite a love for literature in her students.
“Teaching is my passion, and this recognition fuels my dedication. It is always heartening when your department acknowledges and appreciates your achievements,” she says.
Aasima Jan’s outstanding contributions to education and her innovative teaching methodologies received the recognition they truly deserve.
She was honored with the prestigious Best Teacher Award at the Union Territory level, presented by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, and Director of Education.
One of the hallmarks of Aasima’s career is the ‘Shrug Off Fear: School is Here’ project.
As the pandemic cast its shadow, Aasima observed her students grappling with depression and various pressures.
She noticed their hesitancy to open up, whether it stemmed from fear or shyness remained uncertain.
A playful game of hopscotch (saz kater) unexpectedly evolved into a channel for students to share their thoughts and concerns. This seemingly simple interaction laid the foundation for the ‘Shrug Off Fear: School is Here’ project. It’s primary goal? to create a school environment where students could return without fear and with a genuine eagerness to embrace learning once more.
“The results were nothing short of remarkable. This project not only dispelled students’ fears and anxieties but also fostered trust and solidarity within the school community,” she said.
Aasima further said that students felt heard, valued, and supported, leading to improved academic performance and a renewed passion for learning.
Aasima’s commitment extends beyond the classroom. She has actively engaged in intensive enrollment drives for the past 15 years across various schools. Her personal visits to students’ homes, her connections with community leaders, and her unwavering dedication have significantly boosted student enrollment in government institutions, promising a brighter future for the youth.
She has also authored the documentary program ‘Nature Trials,’ broadcasted on DD National.
Aasima doesn’t stop at academics. She actively addresses community issues, including drug addiction. Her counseling and support have played a pivotal role in the recovery of individuals battling addiction.
“I write on topics like female infanticide, organizing programs for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), combating dowry-related issues and advancing women’s empowerment,” she said.
She also actively serves on the Internal Complaints Committee, working to address crucial community concerns.
Moreover, Aasima is a staunch advocate for menstrual hygiene, women’s empowerment, and various social causes.
She champions cultural programs as a means to unite communities and foster togetherness.
Aasima envisions a future of education emphasizing inclusivity, digital literacy, and a holistic approach. She sees herself as a facilitator and advocate for these essential changes.
Her advice to aspiring educators is, “Your small efforts can create significant impacts. Connect with students on their level, for it’s by meeting them where they are that you can elevate their potential.”
For Aasima, her journey as an educator is an ongoing commitment to empowering students with not just academic knowledge but also essential life skills. She’s passionate about mentoring fellow educators, promoting equal access to quality education, and addressing pressing social issues in her community.