Jammu, Feb 14: The Indian Army on Friday marked a significant day of academic, social and community outreach initiatives across Jammu & Kashmir, reinforcing its sustained commitment to education, skill development and grassroots welfare under various civic action programmes.
An official spokesperson said in a landmark moment in the history of Sainik School Nagrota, the Annual Academic Trophy was formally institutionalised on February 14, 2026.
The trophy was presented by Lieutenant General P K Mishra, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, General Officer Commanding of the White Knight Corps.
Instituted as an annual rolling trophy, it will be awarded each year to the House securing the highest overall academic average, reinforcing the centrality of scholastic excellence in shaping future military leaders.
On arrival, the General Officer was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the cadets.
Addressing them, he emphasised that academic excellence forms the bedrock of character and leadership, exhorting cadets to pursue excellence with humility, uphold integrity in thought and action, and recognise that true leadership is built upon knowledge, discipline and moral courage.
For the Academic Year 2025–26, Chenab House created history by becoming the first recipient of the trophy, while Jhelum House was declared runners-up.
The institutionalisation of the award marks the beginning of an enduring tradition aimed at fostering healthy competition and academic rigour.
In Poonch district, the Indian Army undertook multiple initiatives under Operation Sadbhavana. At Pine Wood School, Sabra—an Army Goodwill School—fresh books, stationery and school uniforms were distributed to students ahead of the upcoming academic session.
With final examinations approaching, the initiative aimed to equip students with essential academic resources and enhance their confidence for the next session.
The children received the items with enthusiasm and expressed gratitude, reflecting the Army’s continued focus on empowering young minds in remote areas and strengthening bonds with local communities.
Further extending its outreach in Poonch, the Indian Army conducted the closing ceremony of Stitching and Tailoring Classes for women at Loran in coordination with the National Skill Development Corporation under Operation Sadbhavana.
The vocational training programme provided hands-on instruction in stitching, cutting, garment designing and basic embroidery techniques.
Participants learned to operate sewing machines efficiently and gained the confidence to undertake tailoring assignments independently, encouraging self-employment and home-based income generation.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to successful trainees, while sewing machines were also handed over to enable them to immediately apply their newly acquired skills.
Spokesperson said the initiative not only enhanced technical capabilities but also fostered entrepreneurial thinking and economic independence among local women.
Meanwhile, in Kishtwar district, the Indian Army organised a comprehensive medical and veterinary camp in the remote village of Dadpeth.
A medical team comprising an Army doctor and paramedical staff conducted free consultations, health check-ups and distributed essential medicines and nutritional supplements to residents. Awareness sessions on personal hygiene and preventive healthcare were also held.
In addition, veterinary specialists from the District Veterinary Department conducted health check-ups, vaccinations and deworming for 43 livestock, alongside educating villagers on disease prevention and improved animal husbandry practices.
The camp benefited 67 residents and 43 animals, underlining the Army’s sustained efforts to support both community health and livestock welfare—critical to rural livelihoods in the region.
Collectively, these initiatives across Nagrota, Poonch and Kishtwar reflect the Indian Army’s holistic approach to nation-building—promoting academic excellence, enabling women’s empowerment, strengthening education in remote areas, and ensuring healthcare access for underserved communities across Jammu & Kashmir. (PIB)
Comments are closed.