Srinagar, Sep 11 (NVI): The Indian Army and Bharti Airtel Foundation on Friday marked 10 years of their partnership aimed at strengthening the educational ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh through Army Goodwill Schools (AGS).
The commemorative event was held at Army Goodwill Public School, Pahalgam, and was attended by Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Bharti Airtel Foundation Co-Chairman Rakesh Bharti Mittal and Regional President, AWWA, Northern Command, Shinei Sharma, besides senior Army and foundation officials.
The partnership, which initially covered 14 schools, has expanded its initiatives to all 43 Army Goodwill Schools in the region, the Army said in a statement.
The collaboration has focused on strengthening institutional leadership, classroom practices, academic management and teachers’ capabilities, besides promoting technology-enabled learning and implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The initiative has also sought to promote creativity and scientific temperament among students. According to the Army, AGS Innovation Clubs have facilitated more than 160 student-led projects, with students participating in national platforms such as ISRO YUVIKA, INSPIRE-MANAK and Young Scientist India.
Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Sharma shared his experiences as a student and spoke about overcoming challenges, exhorting students to aim high and remain committed to their goals.
Mittal assured continued support to the Army Goodwill Schools for the next decade and announced initiatives including additional library books, sports coaching, smart classes, scholarships for higher education and cash incentives for meritorious Class 10 and 12 students.
Shinei Sharma urged teachers and parents to support and nurture students to help them meet future challenges. She also called for greater focus on educating the girl child and promoting an inclusive society.
The Northern Command reiterated its commitment to strengthening the educational ecosystem of Army Goodwill Schools and empowering the youth through education, creativity, leadership and all-round development.—(NVI)
