It is about helping children dream of a better life where there is harmony, opportunity and progress. These schools are changing lives in places that were once affected by violence and fear.
For many years children in border and mountain areas of Jammu and Kashmir could not get good education. Many schools were far away and some areas did not have schools at all.
The Indian Army saw this problem and decided to help. So in 1998 the Army started Operation Sadbhavana to give quality education to children in far off villages. The aim was to bring happiness, learning and confidence to young boys and girls. Today there are 46 Army Goodwill Schools in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. These schools teach around 14000 students and give jobs to more than 1000 local teachers and staff. The Indian Army also helps about 1900 government schools by building classrooms providing furniture libraries and other facilities. Every year about 1500 poor but deserving students get scholarships to continue their studies. More than one lakh people have already benefitted from this wonderful program.
Army Goodwill Schools are not only about studies. They also focus on sports discipline manners and confidence. The schools have computer labs science labs libraries and playgrounds. Students take part in cultural programs debates sports competitions and national level exams. Many of them have passed board exams with 100 percent results. Showing that with hard work and good guidance children from remote villages can shine bright. Programs like Kashmir Super 50 for engineering, Kashmir Super 30 for medical students have also helped many poor students achieve success. In one year 30 out of 35 students cleared NEET and got admission in MBBS and BDS courses across India. These success stories show that Army Goodwill Schools are giving real opportunities to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
These schools are also helping to build a better society. They teach students to be honest disciplined and kind. Many students from these schools have gone on to join the armed forces become doctors engineers teachers and officers. They are making their families and their villages proud. Parents also feel safe sending their children to these schools because they trust the Army to provide both good education and security. There are many inspiring stories of students from Army Goodwill Schools.
In Pahalgam 15 students of Army Goodwill Public School took part in a 17 kilometre marathon from Aru to Pahalgam led by their Principal Mrs Ila Upadhyaya.
The event called the Lidderwat Trail Run 2025 was organized by the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports with the support of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism and Civil Administration.
The students showed courage teamwork and physical fitness. From AGS Wayne Sohail Khan a student of Class 12th brought pride to his school by winning a Gold Medal in the Inter State Athletics Tournament held in Jammu. He will now represent Jammu and Kashmir at the National Level. His success shows how these schools encourage sports and help students reach their goals.
In Kupwara Faika Farheen a student of Ashutosh Army Goodwill School has been selected to represent Jammu and Kashmir at the National Science Model Exhibition for her project Drug Detection Device for Safer Communities. Her innovation shows that Army Goodwill Schools are not just teaching from books but are encouraging creativity and practical knowledge. In Bandipora students from Army Goodwill School Bandipora won five medals four gold and one silver in the District Bandipora Badminton Championship 2025.
Another student Farhan Faroz won a bronze medal in the Inter District Judo Competition held in Srinagar. In Lolab Army Goodwill School Chandigam won first position in the Inno Fest 2025 and the Rockstar Achiever Award for their project on Water and Trash Management. The project was guided by their Principal and teacher Mr Javeed Ahmad Dar. These success stories from different corners of Jammu and Kashmir show how Army Goodwill Schools are bringing change giving children confidence and reforming the society.
The Indian Army has made sure that these schools are not only about education but also about care and community. They employ local teachers give jobs to youth and help women through vocational training programs. Parents feel safe and proud because their children are learning in a secure and respectful environment.
Recently Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha praised the Army Goodwill Schools during an event at Army Goodwill School Balapur Shopian. He said that earlier some people tried to stop others from sending their children to Army schools but today those same schools have become places of hope. He said if our brave soldiers can protect our borders why can’t they help educate our children. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the Indian Army for not only protecting the nation but also for changing society through education.
Moreover, in a significant stride towards empowering the youth of border regions, the Ace of Spades Division, under the banner of Operation Sadbhavna, has launched Phase II of the “Super 30 & Best Five” initiative.
This noble program is aimed at guidin talented students from border areas for admission into prestigious institutions such as Sainik Schools, Military Schools, and the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) Dehradun.
Following the successful completion of the online phase, Phase II (Offline) commenced at the Army Goodwill Public School (AGPS) Rajouri. A total of 27 bright and motivated students have been selected to undertake a month-long training program.
This program is designed to sharpen their knowledge, discipline, and confidence. The initiative focuses on turning youthful aspirations into real achievements and preparing students to excel in national-level military institutions.
This effort reflects the commitment to the youth of Jammu Kashmir building confidence, encouraging ambition, and providing the right platform.
Indeed, the Indian Army has gone beyond its duty. It is not only guarding the borders but also shaping the future of thousands of children. The Army Goodwill Schools are helping to build a Jammu Kashmir one where peace and education walk hand in hand. These schools are turning fear into faith and despair into dreams.
Now as Jammu Kashmir continues its journey toward peace and progress. There is a strong need to open another Army Goodwill School in Tehsil Haveli Poonch.
Jawans and Awaam of Poonch stood shoulder to shoulder to defend the nation. A school in their name would be a great way to honour their courage and sacrifice. This school would not just be a building it would be a symbol of unity courage and respect. It would offer modern education with digital classrooms science labs libraries and sports facilities. It would give the children of Tehsil Haveli the same opportunities as students in other parts of the Union Territory. Such a school would strengthen the bond between the Army and the people. It would keep alive the spirit of Operation Sindoor where soldiers and civilians stood together for India.
It would teach students to love their country respect each other and work hard to build a better future. The Army Goodwill Schools have already proven that education can heal societies broken by conflict. From the snowy hills of Kupwara to the green valleys of Anantnag from the plains of Jammu to the borders of Rajouri and Poonch these schools have spread light where there was once darkness. They have shown that when the Army teaches with love and the people respond with trust miracles can happen.
The story of these schools is the story of a changing Jammu and Kashmir. It is a story of young boys and girls who now dream big of teachers who work with dedication and of soldiers who not only protect borders but also protect the future of our children. Every achievement whether in studies science or sports proves that education is stronger than violence and that knowledge is the real key to peace. The Army Goodwill Schools are more than just schools they are symbols of hope peace and reform.
Through these schools the Indian Army has given the greatest gift of all education. Education builds minds connects hearts and strengthens the nation. It is now time to take this mission further. Building an Army Goodwill School in Tehsil Haveli Poonch dedicated to the heroes of Operation Sindoor would be a true tribute to the Jawans and Awaam who fought together for India.
It will stand as a reminder that real victory is not only won on the battlefield but also in classrooms where young minds learn the values of courage peace and unity. The Army Goodwill Schools have already changed thousands of lives.
With continued support care and vision, they will keep building bridges of peace and friendship one child and one classroom at a time. They show us that education is the light that never fades even in the highest mountains of Jammu Kashmir.