Srinagar, Apr 15: “The more children read, discuss and understand the contributions and ideals of role models, the more they get inspired. The idea is that the good work already done can be carried forward and improved upon by learning from it,” Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters at IIMUN’s Role Models Series – Srinagar Edition, the DC said it is important to learn from past role models. “Whether it’s a civilisation, a country or even as global citizens, there are individuals who have made the world better through their work. Their contributions continue to inspire,” he said.
Recalling a personal experience, he added, “I met former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam when I was in Class 10. It’s been over a decade, but every word he said remains vivid in my memory. Such interactions can deeply inspire children and offer them meaningful exposure.”
Responding to a question about whether the new generation is forgetting older role models and whether it is important to remember them, Khan said, “I think it is absolutely necessary to remember that—whether it’s a civilization, a country, or even when we look at global citizens—many individuals have made the world a better place and inspired others through their work.”
He added, “Their contributions and ideals—the more we read about them, discuss them and understand them—the more we get inspired. Especially when we talk about children, even small opportunities can be incredibly impactful.”
The DC termed the IIMUN’s event as an “important” one, saying IIM has been inspiring children for many years now. “It is a Model United Nations concept in which children are in different committees, they get an opportunity to learn about international fora, to meet different people with different personalities, to ask questions. As a student, when we were in school, we would also look up to the conferences of IIMUN,” he said.
I’m sure this event will again be inspiring to all the children who are attending this event. “I got to know Kiran Bedi ma’am is also here. She has also been a huge inspiration for us who are in the civil services. I am also very excited about it,” Khan said. “So I think it is a good opportunity that the children get good exposure, they get a chance to interact. So it’s really good.”
Responding to a question on why the government doesn’t hold such initiatives, DC Kulgam said, “No, that’s not true. There are many initiatives from the government as well. If you look at it, from the education department, other departments as well, even from the youth sports department, if you look at it, from time to time, the big icons of youth sports come and interact with the children. This is a continuous process.”
He said the events that take place through private, civil society or non-profit organisations—be it TEDx events, be it Josh Talks events, be it IIMUN conferences— also have a very important role.
About his own role model, Athar said, “There are many. My biggest role model has been my grandfather. Whenever I get a chance, he has inspired me. Though he is not much educated, I have seen so much passion in him. I have seen him study and write. I have seen so many values in him. Since childhood, the day I was born, he has brought me up, so he has inspired me every day. There are many people like this.”
DC Khan added, “Every day, we see—yesterday in Kulgam district, when the results of the assistant professor exam came out—we have a girl here, 100% visually impaired. She qualified for the examination. When I heard her talk and saw her point of view, I was really inspired. So you get inspired every day.”
