Army Goodwill Schools: A legacy of fostering educational excellence J&K and Ladakh
11/09/2026
Srinagar, September 11 (KIP)- Headquarters Northern Command commemorated ten years of a significant educational partnership between the Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) and the Bharti Airtel Foundation, underscoring the Indian Army’s continued endeavor 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, Shri Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co-Chairman, Bharti Airtel Foundation and Mrs Shinei Sharma, Regional President AWWA, besides senior officials of Indian Army and the Foundation.
The decade-long association has witnessed a 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 endeavor has focused on strengthening institutional leadership, classroom practices, academic management and teachers’ capabilities, while promoting technology-enabled learning and implementation on NEP 2020.
A strong emphasis has also been placed on nurturing creativity and scientific temperament among the 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.
While addressing the audience, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma shared his experience as a student and how he overcame circumstantial challenges. He exhorted the students to dream higher and remain committed to their dreams.
Shri Rakesh Bharti Mittal during his address committed continued support to AGS for the next decade as well. He also announced new initiatives by Bharti Airtel Foundation to include books for library, coaching in sports, additional smart classes, scholarship for higher education and cash incentive to meritorious students of class 10th and 12th.
Mrs Shinei Sharma, Regional President AWWA, Northern Command motivated the students and called upon teachers and parents to support the students and nurture them for future challenges in life. She called upon all sections of society to come ahead and focus on educating girl child in each family and contribute towards inclusive society.
Northern Command remains committed in uplifting the educational ecosystem of AGS 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.