In pandemic, open-air classes gain momentum in Kashmir
In most cases, education being imparted free of cost
As Kashmir continues to reel under lockdown necessitated by the alarming increase in the number of Covid-19 deaths and positive cases, the holding of open-air classes for students forcibly kept away from schools for more than a year now is gaining momentum across the Valley.
Private teachers and tutors are organising such lessons in batches for students from primary to higher secondary classes, at least, at a couple of dozen places in various districts of the Valley. In most cases, the education in the time of pandemic is being imparted to these students free of cost. In remaining instances, mohalla (locality) or village welfare committees or charitable organisations are funding the pursuit.
The trendsetter of this unique exercise is Muneer Aalam, an engineerturned-teacher from Srinagar. He had in view of the slow 2G Internet speed debilitating the online classes launched for students by their respective institutions in the Valley earlier, started free open-air coaching classes at Srinagar’s Idgah grounds in June “to ensure the students don't fall behind their school or college syllabi. His “Minaz Zulumaat-i-Ilan Noor”from darkness (of ignorance) to the brightest light (of knowledge)endeavour not only continues but it has also inspired many people here and elsewhere in the Valley and is being widely appreciated in Kashmir and beyond.
40-year-old- Aalam relocates to the spacious Idgah grounds with the break of dawn to start his tuition classes for nearly eighty male and female students
in batches. These students pour in from different parts of Srinagar and neighbouring townships, carrying their foldable chairs or mats to attend the classes. “We strictly adhere to the COVID-19 SOPs and guidelines and take all necessary precautions which include students sitting at distances and wearing facemasks throughout.”
Last week, when Srinagar received rains after a long time, these classes were held on the porch of Aali Masjid, which is part of the historical Idgah where Muslims offer special Id prayers twice in a year, instead. “For the first time in the last fifty day, we took the classes a few metres away from our open-air classroom on the veranda of Aali Masjid. The management of the mosque, the second largest in Kashmir, readily agreed to it,” he said.
He added, “It was raining like cats and dogs but I decided to look for an alternative place to hold the classes so that the students who come from near and far off places are not disappointed.”