DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
Poonch, Oct 1
As part of its ongoing efforts to engage with local communities and promote education, the Indian Army organized a special Summer School for children from the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities at Dhok Satharban in the Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative aimed to bridge the educational gap for children in these migratory communities, who often face challenges in accessing consistent education due to their nomadic lifestyle.
The Gujjars and Bakarwals, who have historically been one of the weaker sections of society, migrate to the higher reaches of the mountains during the summer months. Their nomadic way of life has made it difficult for their children to receive formal education. Recognizing this challenge, the Indian Army took the proactive step of organizing a Summer School to ensure that these children receive academic guidance and support, even while living in remote areas.
The Summer School was designed to highlight the importance of compulsory education as a cornerstone for the development of the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. The Army battalion that organized the program emphasized that education is the backbone of any community’s socio-economic progress. By providing a platform for learning, the Summer School not only offered academic instruction but also sought to raise awareness among the parents and community members about the long-term benefits of education.
Living in isolated and often inaccessible regions, many children from these communities lack basic educational resources. The Indian Army’s Summer School initiative addressed this issue by bringing education directly to the children in their temporary settlements. The school was equipped with essential educational materials and conducted by a team of dedicated instructors who were committed to ensuring that the children received quality education.
The curriculum was tailored to meet the specific needs of these children, taking into consideration their unique challenges.
The local community expressed immense gratitude for the Indian Army’s efforts. Both the children and their parents were appreciative of the initiative, recognizing the transformative impact that education could have on their future.
Many community members acknowledged that this initiative would help improve their children’s prospects and contribute to the overall development of the Gujjar and Bakarwal populations.
This Summer School initiative is part of the Indian Army’s broader mission to foster peace, stability, and development in the region by supporting educational opportunities for all, especially those in remote and underserved areas. Through programs like these, the Indian Army continues to play a vital role in the socio-economic upliftment of marginalized communities, helping to ensure a brighter future for the next generation.
