In the serene yet resilient town of Sopore, nestled in the lush valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, one name stands out as a beacon of hope and education: Ms. Sufeena Bano. A multi-award-winning educator whose dedication to shaping young minds has earned her widespread acclaim across the region, Sufeena has traversed a remarkable path through the corridors of learning. From her early days at MS Chinkipora to her impactful stints at BHS Jamia Qadeem, Girls Higher Secondary School Sopore, and Boys Higher Secondary School Sopore, she now serves as a pillar of inspiration at BMS Arampora. With over a decade of selfless service, Sufeena Bano embodies the true essence of a teacher—not just an instructor, but a lifelong guide, mentor, and guardian angel to her students.
Sufeena’s tryst with education began not in a formal classroom, but in the quiet corners of her own home, where guidance was scarce. Growing up without the privileges many take for granted, she found solace and purpose in tutoring underprivileged children in her neighborhood. This act of kindness, born out of passion rather than obligation, ignited a fire within her. “Education was my escape and my empowerment,” she often reflects. It was this personal conviction that propelled her into the noble profession of teaching, where she vowed to be the guiding light she once yearned for. Today, her story resonates deeply in a region where access to quality education can be a game-changer, especially for girls and marginalized youth.
Throughout her career, Sufeena has been a tireless advocate for girl child education, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity in every classroom she enters. Her innovative teaching methods, blending empathy with rigor, have not only elevated academic standards but also instilled values of resilience and self-belief. Her contributions have been repeatedly honored by esteemed figures in the community. On International Girl Child Day, the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla personally commended her for her commitment to empowering young girls and awarded her. At the Republic Day celebrations in 2023, BJP Secretary and Chairperson Block Development Officer Dr. Farida Khan lauded her as a “trailblazer in education” and honored her with momento. Zonal Education Officers in Sopore have showered praise on her during numerous events, recognizing her as a catalyst for positive change. These accolades are mere reflections of her profound influence, which extends far beyond awards to the lives she has touched. And in addition to her immeasurable contribution as teacher, RP, e- content creator, writer, escort teacher to mega events, promoter of inclusivity among CWSN, community mobiliser, social awareness compaigner , such type of tireless services has brought her dozens of prestigious awards including NAEE, IRSD Teaching Excellence, Inspire Award, and The Best Teacher -UT J&K 2023 Award.
At the heart of Sufeena’s legacy lies her groundbreaking initiative, RIPPLE RISE—a visionary project designed to create ripples of knowledge and opportunity across generations. Under this banner, she has woven an intricate web of collaboration among students from various educational stages and a cadre of enthusiastic volunteer teachers. The initiative transforms surplus resources into treasures: used books, stationery, and magazines are repurposed to establish community book banks, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial constraints. Participants share not just materials but invaluable learning experiences, offering mutual guidance, technical assistance, and even lending libraries that bridge gaps in access to knowledge.
But RIPPLE RISE is more than a resource-sharing network; it’s a holistic empowerment movement. Sufeena envisions providing comprehensive career counseling and personality development workshops to bolster students’ confidence and equip them for the challenges ahead. “In a world that often overlooks the quiet aspirations of rural youth, this initiative fosters a sense of belonging and possibility,” she explains. Her ambitious goal is to evolve RIPPLE RISE into a mega mission, attracting stakeholders from across Jammu and Kashmir to establish a free e-library and social library tailored for aspirants of competitive exams like NEET, JEE, and civil services. “Imagine a digital haven where dreams take flight without the burden of cost,” she says with characteristic optimism. Already, the project is gaining momentum, with early adopters reporting enhanced academic performance and a newfound zeal for learning. By nurturing these connections, Sufeena is not just building a book bank; she is constructing a foundation for societal upliftment, one ripple at a time.
What truly sets Sufeena apart, however, is her profound personal investment in her students’ futures. Beyond the classroom, she has quietly extended financial support to dozens of boys and girls, funding tuition fees, books, and even coaching classes from her own modest salary. This act of generosity came to light during heartfelt interactions with some of her grateful alumni. Kaiser Zahoor, Iftisam Jan, Arjumand, Zeeshan and Abid Ahmad Bhat shared emotional testimonies, referring to her affectionately as “Sufi Ma’am.” “She has been our silent savior,” Kaiser recounted. “Out of her pocket, she provided for our needs when no one else could. Sufi Ma’am leaves no stone unturned—financially, emotionally, or otherwise—to transform lives.” Iftisam added, “To us, she is an angelic figure, a teacher who deserves our eternal gratitude. Whatever we have achieved is because of her boundless love, kindness, and masterful guidance.” These stories paint a picture of a woman who views teaching as a prophetic calling, dedicating her life to sowing seeds of success in fertile young hearts.
Colleagues, Heads of Institutions, and parents echo this sentiment with unanimous admiration. During recent interactions, they highlighted how Sufeena has set unparalleled yardsticks in pedagogical excellence while serving as an emotional and psychological anchor for her students. “She doesn’t just teach subjects; she teaches life,” remarked one principal. Parents hold her in high esteem, crediting her strong alumni network for fostering a supportive community that extends beyond school walls. In a region grappling with socio-economic challenges, Sufeena’s holistic approach—addressing academic, financial, and emotional needs—has created a ripple effect of positivity, inspiring other educators to follow suit.
As Sufeena Bano continues her mission at BMS Arampora, her vision for RIPPLE RISE promises to illuminate even brighter horizons. In an era where education is often commodified, she reminds us that true teaching is an act of profound humanity. Her story is a testament to the power of one individual’s passion to uplift an entire community, proving that with empathy and innovation, even the smallest ripples can spark a wave of transformation. Sufeena Bano isn’t just a teacher; she is a revolution in human form, and her legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
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