Title: A Trophy, A Town Hall, and a Thousand Dreams: My Journey to the Best Centre Director Award
By: Manzoor Lone, Centre Director, Right Click Institute
Location:Town Hall, Kupwara
There are moments in life that stop you mid-stride. For me, that moment happened last week at the Town Hall in Kupwara.
As I stood on that familiar stage—where so many government announcements and public meetings have taken place—I wasn't just receiving a certificate. I was holding years of struggle, sacrifice, and silent prayers. The Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Kupwara, had just announced my name for the "Best Centre Director Award," and for a few seconds, the applause faded into a soft hum in my ears.
The Stage Was Set
The Town Hall looked regal that evening. Rows of chairs filled with educators, students, and parents. The podium decorated simply but with dignity. The event was organized under the supervision of the ZEO office to recognize outstanding contributions to education and skill development across the Kupwara.
When the ZEO called my name, I walked up slowly—not out of hesitation, but because I wanted to remember every step. Every step that began years ago when Right Click Institute was just a small room with five second-hand computers.
The Moment That Mattered
The ZEO handed me the memento and said words I will never forget:
> "This award is not for great infrastructure. It is for a great heart. This Centre Director has transformed digital education in a border district. Students here are now competing with Delhi and Mumbai. That is real leadership.*
I bowed my head, not just in respect, but in gratitude. In that moment, I realized: Recognition from your own education department feels different. It feels like home.
What This Award Means to Me
Let me be honest. This was never about awards.
Six years ago, a young boy named Aasim came to my center. He couldn't afford the full course fee. He sat in the last row, quiet but focused. Today, he works as a data entry operator in Srinagar. Last month, he sent me a photo of his first salary slip. That, for me, was my first award.
This recognition from the ZEO is validation that the Right Click Institute model—affordable fees, practical training, and personal mentorship—actually works. It tells me that small efforts, when consistent, create big ripples.
The Backbone of This Achievement
No director wins an award alone. This belongs to:
- My trainers, who stayed back after class to help weak students.
- My students, especially the girls from far-off villages who walked miles to learn Excel and Tally.
- My family, who tolerated late nights and empty weekends.
- CT University, for believing that private institutes can be genuine partners in government's education mission.
A Promise from the Town Hall Stage
After receiving the award, I was given two minutes to speak. I kept it short:
> This award is fuel. Not furniture. It will not sit on a shelf. It will push me to work harder. By this time next year, I want Right Click Institute to be a name that every parent in Kupwara trusts blindly. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Kupwara.
What Changes Now?
For students and parents reading this blog, here is my commitment:
- Scholarships for 20 meritorious students from low-income families starting next month.
- Free career counseling sessions every Saturday at the institute.
- A new advanced lab with updated software and high-speed internet.
This award is not the destination. It is simply the universe whispering: You are on the right track. Keep going.
A Final Word of Gratitude
To the Kupwara – thank you for looking beyond fancy buildings and recognizing real impact. To my students – you are my true judges. To everyone who has ever referred a friend to Right Click Institute – this award has your name on it too.
If you are in Kupwara and have a dream but no direction, come meet me at the center. Let me show you what a small institute with a big heart can do for you.
With gratitude and fire,
Manzoor Lone
Centre Director
Right Click Institute
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