North Kashmir hosts education fest, Rs 3 cr scholarships announced

Srinagar, July 25: In an effort to inspire and empower the youth of Kashmir, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the district administrations of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipora, organised the North Kashmir Education Fest 2025 at Sopore’s Subhan Sports Stadium. Themed Taleem Se Taraqee (Progress through Education), the event witnessed an overwhelming response from students and educationists alike.The fest served a platform aimed at shaping the future of North Kashmir’s youth by connecting them with premier educational institutions from across the country. More than 3,000 students participated in the event, exploring a wide array of academic disciplines including science, business, engineering, humanities, arts, and social sciences.One of the key highlights of the fest was the announcement of scholarships worth ₹3 crore for meritorious students belonging to economically weaker and tribal communities. This initiative is expected to open new academic avenues for underprivileged students in the Valley.The event also featured an extensive aptitude-based career counselling programme, providing students with valuable guidance to make informed academic and career choices. Experts and mentors from various fields interacted with students, addressing their queries and offering personalised career advice.Adding to the significance of the day, the Army also hosted a Know Your Army campaign, offering students and attendees a firsthand look at life in the Armed Forces. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the career prospects in defence services, while fostering a deeper connection between the civilian population and the Indian Army.Described as an “educational extravaganza” by organisers, the Education Fest not only showcased learning opportunities but also symbolised the spirit of hope, unity, and collaboration in Kashmir. It highlighted the Army’s continued commitment to youth development and peace-building efforts in the valley.With the resounding success of the event, the fest is being hailed as a beacon of change one that promotes self-reliance, inclusivity, and a brighter future for the Valley’s next generation.As one student from Bandipora put it “This event has shown us that we are not alone. There is support, there are opportunities, and our dreams are valid.”The Taleem Se Taraqee initiative is being seen as a major step forward in building an educated, empowered, and peaceful ‘Naya Kashmir’.