Srinagar, Feb. 3 -- As teachers, we often perceive what children cannot always articulate. We notice their listless gazes in morning assemblies, anxiety before tests, and restlessness. We often mistake these indications for indiscipline. We also observe how a relaxed child asks better questions, participates more freely, and learns with joy. These everyday classroom experiences remind us that learning is deeply connected to a child's emotional and mental state. This is a reality strongly affirmed by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Across schools in Jammu & Kashmir, teachers and students work with commitment and resilience, often under challenging circumstances. Yet, in our sincere effort to complete targets, and show outcomes, ...