Srinagar, September 11 (KNS): Headquarters Northern Command on Friday commemorated ten years of educational partnership between Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) and the Bharti Airtel Foundation, highlighting the Indian Army’s continued efforts to provide quality education and create greater opportunities for the youth of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

The commemorative event was organised at Army Goodwill Public School, Pahalgam, and was attended by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command; Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co-Chairman, Bharti Airtel Foundation; and Mrs Shinei Sharma, Regional President, AWWA, Northern Command, besides senior officials of the Indian Army and the Foundation.

The decade-long association has witnessed substantial expansion in its scope and impact. From an initial engagement covering 14 schools, the partnership has contributed to educational initiatives across all 43 Army Goodwill Schools in the region.

The initiative has focused on strengthening institutional leadership, classroom practices, academic management and teachers’ capabilities, while promoting technology-enabled learning and implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

A strong emphasis has also been placed on nurturing creativity and scientific temperament among students. AGS Innovation Clubs have enabled more than 160 student-led projects, with students participating in national platforms including ISRO YUVIKA, INSPIRE-MANAK and Young Scientist India.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma shared his experience as a student and spoke about how he overcame circumstantial challenges. He exhorted the students to dream higher and remain committed to their dreams.

Rakesh Bharti Mittal, in his address, committed continued support to the Army Goodwill Schools for the next decade as well.

He also announced new initiatives by the Bharti Airtel Foundation, including books for libraries, coaching in sports, additional smart classes, scholarships for higher education and cash incentives for meritorious students of Classes 10 and 12.

Shinei Sharma, Regional President AWWA, Northern Command, motivated the students and called upon teachers and parents to support and nurture them to meet future challenges in life.

She also called upon all sections of society to come forward and focus on educating the girl child in every family, contributing towards building an inclusive society.

Northern Command remains committed to uplifting the educational ecosystem of Army Goodwill Schools and empowering the next generation through excellence in education, creativity, leadership and all-round development, thereby preparing the youth to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future.(KNS)