Shabir Ahmad
The initiatives by the Indian Army are quietly transforming opportunities for the next generation. Through a network of Army-run schools and carefully curated National Integration Tours, the forces are fostering education, discipline, exposure, and a broader sense of national belonging among students from diverse and often isolated communities.
Army-run educational institutions form a strong foundation in this effort. Jammu and Kashmir hosts several Sainik Schools, including the prominent Sainik School Nagrota, established in 1970 as a residential public school with English-medium instruction.
These institutions, part of the nationwide Sainik Schools Society, prepare boys — and increasingly girls — for leadership roles, with many alumni pursuing careers in the armed forces.
The emphasis on rigorous academics, physical training, and character building equips students with skills suited for competitive examinations and service-oriented lives.
Complementing these are numerous Army Public Schools managed by the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES). Schools such as Army Public School Ratnuchak, Army Public School Jammu Cantt, and others in Akhnoor, Udhampur, and various cantonments follow the CBSE curriculum while instilling values of discipline and patriotism.
In border and remote regions, the Indian Army operates Goodwill Schools — 45 such institutions under Northern Command currently educate nearly 15,000 children. These schools provide quality education in areas where access to formal schooling was previously limited, offering free or subsidised learning, modern facilities, and a nurturing environment that prioritises holistic development.
These educational platforms go beyond classrooms by opening doors to the wider world through National Integration Tours (NITs), organised regularly under initiatives like Operation Sadbhavana. These tours bring students from Jammu and Kashmir’s border districts — Rajouri, Poonch, areas near the Line of Control, and remote parts of Ladakh — on multi-day journeys across India.
Recent examples illustrate the impact. In November 2025, the Indian Army arranged a tour for 20 students and four teachers from Rajouri and Poonch to Pune, visiting premier institutions such as the National Defence Academy, Armed Forces Medical College, Armoured Corps Centre & School, and leading universities. Participants gained firsthand exposure to India’s technological advancements, educational excellence, and cultural diversity. Similar tours have taken groups to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Dehradun, where students explore historical landmarks like the National War Memorial and India Gate, interact with top military academies such as the Indian Military Academy and Rashtriya Indian Military College, and experience institutions like the Forest Research Institute and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.
Special focus has been given to inclusive participation. Tours have included specially abled children from Ladakh, providing platforms for cultural exchange, inclusive learning, and building self-confidence. In one instance, President Droupadi Murmu personally interacted with such groups at Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting the tours’ role in motivational outreach.
The objectives remain consistent: to broaden horizons for youth in remote and border areas, instil a sense of unity amid India’s vast diversity, promote patriotism, and inspire aspirations toward higher education, professional careers, and national service. By exposing students to governance structures, military traditions, scientific research, and regional customs, these programmes counter isolation and encourage informed perspectives on citizenship.
Local communities have responded positively, with increased enrolment in Army-run schools and enthusiastic participation in tours. Parents and educators note improved confidence, discipline, and ambition among returning students, who often share stories that motivate peers. In many cases, these experiences spark interest in joining the armed forces or pursuing fields like medicine, law, and administration.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues its journey toward greater stability and development, the Indian Army’s dual approach — through quality schooling and experiential national tours — stands out as a sustained commitment to empowering the youth. By investing in education and integration, these efforts aim to nurture a generation equipped not only with knowledge and skills but also with a deep appreciation for the nation’s shared heritage and future potential.
