Aritra Banerjee
For over two decades, the Indian Army has been quietly reshaping the future of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh-with education, healthcare, and opportunity. Operation Sadbhavana, launched in 1998, is not just a military outreach initiative but a sustained effort in nation-building, bridging gaps between security forces and civilians through welfare and development projects.
Education: A Lifeline for the Next Generation
One of the most impactful components of Operation Sadbhavana is its Army Goodwill Schools (AGS)-a network of 45 institutions that has educated nearly 15,000 students across the region. These schools provide children, particularly those from border and insurgency-affected areas, a stable learning environment, shielding them from the disruptions of conflict.
Their success speaks for itself: in 2019, AGS students achieved a 100% pass rate in CBSE Class 10 examinations. Additionally, inspired by Bihar’s Super-30 initiative, the Army’s Super-40 programme has helped young aspirants from J&K secure seats in India’s premier engineering institutions. In 2017, nine students cracked IIT exams, and in recent years, over 80% have cleared JEE Mains, proving that given the right opportunities, the youth of the region can excel.
Beyond formal schooling, the Army provides books, uniforms, and technology-driven education support, ensuring that remote communities-often neglected due to logistical challenges-have access to quality learning resources.
From Skills to Self-Sufficiency
Operation Sadbhavana has gone beyond education to focus on economic empowerment, particularly for women. More than 80 community centres now provide training in tailoring, information technology, and entrepreneurship. Many women have leveraged this support to start small businesses, including bakeries, tailoring units, and craft enterprises-fostering financial independence and boosting social mobility.
The Army’s role in setting up these centres extends beyond providing skills; it actively facilitates procurement of equipment, market linkages, and mentorship, enabling participants to turn training into tangible career opportunities.
Harnessing Sports and Culture for a Brighter Future
Sport is emerging as a powerful tool for transformation under Operation Sadbhavana. The Indian Army has established over 100 Khelo India Centres, training young athletes in archery, boxing, and athletics. Leh’s Centre of Excellence is taking this further by providing high-performance training, ensuring that local talent gets the same opportunities as their counterparts elsewhere in India.
Events like the Khelo India Winter Games and cultural exchange tours offer young people an escape from conflict narratives, fostering a sense of national pride and unity. These initiatives not only build confidence but also offer viable career paths in sports and related fields.
Connecting Communities Through Radio
In a move to bridge communication gaps and build trust, the Army launched Radio Baramulla 89.6 FM and Radio Uri 90.0 FM in June 2024. These community radio stations go beyond entertainment, serving as platforms for government outreach, local talent promotion, and social cohesion.
For years, external narratives and misinformation have influenced public perception in J&K. These radio stations are redefining the information ecosystem, fostering dialogue and countering divisive rhetoric.
Beyond Aid: A Path to Self-Reliance
Operation Sadbhavana is no longer just about providing relief; it is now about ensuring long-term stability and self-reliance. The initiative has transformed the Indian Army’s role in the region-from a force ensuring national security to a partner in development, empowerment, and progress.
As J&K and Ladakh continue to evolve, the challenge now is to build on this momentum, ensuring that education, employment, and infrastructure gains translate into sustainable growth. With continued engagement and a focus on youth-led development, the Army’s goodwill mission is setting the foundation for a more secure, empowered, and hopeful future for the people of the region.
(The author is a Defence, Foreign Affairs & Aerospace Columnist)
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