Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNS): Pune-based organisation Sarhad has announced plans to establish a school in Kashmir in memory of veteran actor Nana Patekar, with its local coordinators offering land for the proposed institution.

In a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) on Saturday, Sarhad coordinators Zahid Bhat and Salim Raina said the initiative was intended to honour the actor's affection for Kashmir and fulfil his vision of supporting the education of children in the region.

The organisation said Patekar had expressed a keen interest in working for schoolchildren in Kashmir and had initiated discussions to translate the idea into a concrete educational project.

Bhat said he, along with Mayur Masurkar, Salim Raina and Raju Farande, had personally met Nana Patekar and his son Malhar Patekar to discuss the proposed initiative.

"We are confident that Malhar Patekar and his associates will make every effort to fulfil Nana's dream following his untimely demise. As a tribute to the legendary actor and his deep affection for Kashmir, Sarhad has also resolved to establish a school in his name," Bhat said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Sarhad, which has been working in Kashmir for more than four decades, currently operates two schools in the Valley, one at Dardpora in Kupwara district and another at Aragam in Bandipora district.

The organisation said its Kashmir coordinators, Zahid Bhat and Salim Raina, had offered their own land for establishing the proposed school, demonstrating their commitment to taking the initiative forward.

According to the statement, the proposed institution would focus on providing educational opportunities to children while preserving the actor's association with Kashmir through a lasting community initiative.

Sarhad said the school would serve as a tribute to Patekar's contribution and his commitment to the welfare of children.

The organisation, however, did not specify the proposed school's location, estimated cost or timeline for construction.

Bhat and Raina said further efforts would be undertaken to translate the proposal into reality and carry forward the actor's educational vision for Kashmir. (KNS)