Srinagar, Mar 09: Schools across the Kashmir Valley reopened on Monday after a prolonged winter break, with students returning to classrooms as teachers greeted them with flowers and distributed chocolates at school gates.
According to the academic calendar followed in the Valley, students from Classes 1 to 8 reported to their respective schools as educational institutions resumed functioning after the long winter vacation break.
School authorities in several districts said necessary arrangements had been made ahead of the reopening, while teachers prepared to restart regular classes following the prolonged closure.
The reopening marks the resumption of academic activities for younger students after the annual winter vacation observed in the Valley due to harsh weather conditions.
During the winter months, heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures often disrupt normal life in Kashmir, prompting authorities to suspend school activities to ensure the safety and convenience of students.
Officials said schools witnessed the return of students on Monday morning as children resumed their studies after the extended break. Teachers noted that the initial days following the reopening are generally used to help students readjust to classroom routines and revise earlier lessons before moving ahead with the syllabus.
Parents also welcomed the reopening, saying the return to classrooms would help children regain academic discipline after the winter holidays.
With schools reopening, the usual morning activity around educational institutions also returned, as students assembled for prayers and began regular academic sessions.
Earlier, educational institutions in Kashmir had remained closed until March 7 after authorities extended the shutdown in view of protests following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The closures, initially announced for two days, were later extended up to March 7 as demonstrations were reported in several areas, particularly in localities with a significant Shia population.
Meanwhile, students expressed enthusiasm about returning to school after the long break.
“I have come to school after a gap of nearly three months. It feels good to meet my friends, teachers and classmates again,” said Irtiaqa Salam, a student.
She added that teachers welcomed the students on the first day, and many shared their experiences of how they spent their winter vacation during classroom interactions.
Gulzar Ahmad, a parent, said the reopening day was warmly celebrated by the school authorities. He said that when he dropped his children off at school, teachers welcomed the students with flowers at the entrance.
“The teachers greeted the children warmly and showered flowers on them as they entered the school premises. They also distributed chocolates and toffees to the students at the school gate, which made the children very happy,” Ahmad said.
