“Our Motto … A Smile on Every Face”
“Army belongs to the people and its
Commitment will last as long as the Involvement of the people lasts” (Indian Army)
During the turmoil, schools in Kashmir were targeted by none other than Pakistani agents in Kashmir. In 1990 burning of the public property particularly schools was targeted to keep the youngster in the hell of darkness. Some past injuries would have hearted the present Kashmiri. Some past incidents and memories of demolishing Kashmiri' faces are starching the present Kashmiris. In new Kashmir, youngsters want education, peace, welfare and progress. It would be hearting to these young minds today about who allowed the burning down of public schools, bridges and hospitals in Kashmir. All this has been done under a proper set of narratives. The most dangerous were religious fanatics, in which people made hatred and violence along the communal line. Students were radicalized, and religion was misinterpreted which resulted in a huge loss of life and property.
The fact of the matter is that Indian army as a multi-tasking institution overhauls the damaged and demolished system in Kashmir. They initiated various operations first to eliminate the enemy within society and then to operate the people-centric approach; in both operations, they get success. They get also success in the elimination of enemies due to the help of some volunteers who put their life at risk for the sake of their land and provide assistance and help to the Indian armed force. Imagine! How difficult it would have been to identify the enemy out of thousands and lacks having the same culture, dress and language. Those people who sacrificed their lives and time for the promotion of goodwill need handholding and encouragement.
Slowly, the Indian army with different Initiatives to address the aspirations of people affected by scrooge of terrorism started rebuilding damaged structures in Kashmir. Besides other counter-insurgency operations, the Indian army launched “Sadbhavana” which is one of the most effective and operations in winning the hearts and minds of Kashmiris people. “Sadbhavana” literally means “goodwill among people.” In a situation where law and order were both manhandled by the militant commanders who got poor people infiltrated and took their flocks to the school and college.
Operation Sadbhavana a military strategy has paid a rich contribution to the people of remote and far-flung locales of the Kashmir region. Under this operation, various people welfare programs were initiated and the most important one was the opening of army goodwill schools across Kashmir. Army Goodwill schools (AGS) opened intending to provide schooling facilities to the rural populace with quality education. First, time schools like urban type opened by the Indian Army with modern technology.
Over years, the Indian army established more than 43 Goodwill Schools across Kashmir valley. These schools not only provide quality education but also facilitate poor students with smart infrastructural facilities. Every school comprises thousands of enrolment and all pass outs are on top positions in government and public sectors. Army in a critical situation of fear and anxiety made things favorable for the students.
In around 28 years of service in army goodwill schools in different places, people are demanding for opening more schools. These schools are registered with the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education. After getting tremendous results and huge parent response, students of these schools take a lead in admission to reputed colleges and universities at national and international levels, for this army expanded the scope of opportunities to pursue higher education on a scholarship basis.
As per the reports available under “Kashmir Super 30 (Med)” in 2018 wherein Army partnered with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) & National Integrity & Education Development Organization (NIEDO) for the preparation of students for NEET. 35 students appeared at NEET in May 2019 and 30 students cleared the exams (09 students were selected in MBBS & three in BDS in J & K colleges and 09 students took admitted to other professional colleges outside J & K). The initiative taken under Operation Sadbhavna is a novel initiative to be effective in a social setup. More educational programs need to be incorporated.

Email:--------------vadaiekashmir@gmail.com