Srinagar, Nov 6 : Former Chief Minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said that while education has improved in society, moral upbringing and values have weakened over time.
He said that true progress lies in balancing academic learning with good manners, discipline, and respect for elders.
Speaking at an event, Azad said that earlier generations may have been less educated but possessed stronger moral character and social values.
“Our elders had little formal education but were well-mannered and respectful. Today, our children study in London and America, yet they do not know how to greet or speak politely. They have degrees, but they have lost manners,” Azad said as per KNS.
Recalling his own upbringing, he said, “Even when I was Chief Minister or a Union Minister, I never sat cross-legged in front of my father. But today, many young people sit before their parents with their feet stretched toward them. That shows what has changed in our upbringing.”
Azad said education, organisation, business, and moral training are equally important pillars of a balanced society. “If we only emphasise education and ignore moral upbringing, frustration will follow. Parents also share responsibility for the growing lack of discipline among youth,” he said.
He also linked rising stress and suicides among students to excessive pressure from families. “Many young boys and girls complete MA or PhD degrees, but their parents push them to become doctors or engineers. When they fail, they feel lost. Every job whether a lawyer or a labourer deserves equal respect,” he said.
Paying tribute to Rashiduddin Sahib, Azad praised his lifelong commitment to education. “After the founder of Aligarh, if there was anyone who gave real strength to education, it was Rashiduddin Sahib. He made education the foundation of progress at a time when others failed to see its importance,” Azad said.
He urged the community to focus on both learning and moral discipline to build a responsible generation.
“Education, organisation, business, and moral upbringing all are essential. Education alone cannot build good human beings,” he added.(KNS)
