Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the Northern Army Commander, has emphasized the dual commitment of the Northern Command to ensuring security in Jammu and Kashmir while simultaneously fostering opportunities for the region’s youth. Speaking at an event held at the Army Goodwill School (AGS) in Pahalgam, located in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir, Lt Gen Sharma, who serves as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, articulated the Army’s multifaceted role in the Union Territory. He underscored the command’s dedication to nation-building as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation, assuring the people of Jammu and Kashmir of continued peace and tranquility. “Your peace is our purpose, your aspirations are our missions, and your success is our pride,” Lt Gen Sharma stated, highlighting the integral connection between the security apparatus and the local populace. This bond, he asserted, is crucial for achieving the nation’s broader developmental objectives.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that for over three decades, the formations under the Northern Command have not only maintained a stable security environment in Jammu and Kashmir but have also actively engaged with the local population. This engagement aims to build trust and create avenues for growth, thereby shaping the future of the youth and guiding them towards paths that lead to national glory. Lt Gen Sharma specifically pointed to the Army’s focus on the younger generation, identifying access to high-quality, technologically advanced education aligned with the New Education Policy as a paramount priority. He expressed considerable pride in the accomplishments of students within the Army Goodwill Schools, attributing their success to the guidance of their parents and the dedication of the teaching staff. He cited examples of AGS students undertaking internships with ISRO in Dehradun and the submission of over 1,000 projects at Innofest 2025, where AGS Hanzik secured third place and AGS Wuzur achieved sixth place nationally at the Young Scientists India 2025 competition. Furthermore, students from AGS are actively participating in prestigious programs such as ISRO YUVIKA, the Young Creators League, and various science and math competitions, alongside sporting events. The excellence of AGS Bandipora and AGS Wuzur was recognized with the Arise School Excellence Award, with AGS Wuzur most recently being acknowledged among the global top 10 schools in the innovation category.
The Northern Commander also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Bharti Airtel Foundation, noting that their decade-long partnership has been characterized by professionalism, passion, and a genuine commitment to inclusive education at the grassroots level. “Northern Command deeply values this partnership,” Lt Gen Sharma remarked, expressing confidence that this collaboration will continue to help fulfill the aspirations of children in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army’s efforts in the region are thus geared towards a holistic approach, combining security imperatives with a strong emphasis on educational empowerment and youth development, aiming to create a secure and prosperous future for the Union Territory.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.