Baramulla, Feb 22 — Old Town Baramulla is celebrating a remarkable turnaround, buoyed by initiatives like GAASH Academy, which marks a significant departure from its previous reputation for agitations and limited educational opportunities.
Founded by philanthropist Sheikh Mudasir, GAASH Academy offers free educational support to approximately 80 underprivileged children and orphans, from kindergarten through Class X. The academy is dedicated to channeling the energies of these children towards positivity and a modern educational framework.
On February 22, 2025, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Dagger Division, accompanied by the Baramulla Brigade Commander, visited GAASH Academy to recognize the students’ achievements and support this noble cause.
Mr. Minga Sherpa, the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, commended the young students and highlighted the collaborative efforts of GAASH Academy and the District Administration in nurturing the aspirations of the children in Old Town. Dignitaries present included Ms. Nilofar, Sr. Advocate, Mr. Altaf, ASP Baramulla, along with local Mohalla Presidents and Maulwis.
During his visit, the GOC engaged with proud parents, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Mudasir for his dedication to their children’s education and acknowledged the Army’s ongoing encouragement and support.
To further enhance these efforts, the academy received sports kits, stationery, and financial aid amounting to Rs. 4 lakh. Previously, the Army has also sponsored a computer system, generator, furniture, blankets, and various other resources to sustain this educational initiative.
Educators from various schools in Baramulla emphasized the vital role of education in fostering holistic development among children, especially in light of their outstanding performance in recent examinations. Ms. Sonabar Wani, one of the teachers present, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “All thanks to the Indian Army, today our children have this platform, where I have witnessed my students improve from 38% to 83% in this year’s exams.”
Expressing gratitude for the visit and support, Mr. Mudasir remarked, “I am deeply thankful to the Indian Army and the District Administration for their unwavering encouragement. I urge all parents to motivate their children to pursue education diligently; it is the key to a brighter and more prosperous future.” Sheikh Mudasir, a former student in early 2000s Kashmir who was once misled into separatist ideology, is now a passionate advocate for education, counseling youth in Old Town to pursue academic paths and mainstream opportunities despite facing personal challenges.
The impact of GAASH Academy is clearly reflected in the recent JKBOSE exams, where all students from the academy achieved outstanding results. The top performers are as follows:
- Mohd Riyaan: 98%
- Zainab: 98%
- Haider: 96%
- Fatima: 96%
- Arbeen Javed: 96%
- Mohd Ayaan: 96%
- Ayat Asgar: 95.2%
- Aamina Ajaz: 94%
- Mehrunisa: 93.4%
- Qurat-ul-Ain: 93.1%
- Junaid: 92.6%
- Safiya: 92.5%
- Mohd Zeeshan: 92.3%
- Manan Khusheed: 91.7%
- Tahoora: 91.5%
- Ajmal Salaam Lone: 91.5%
- Umaima Tariq: 91%
The remarkable success of these students highlights the positive influence of the GAASH Academy initiative, which channels their energy into academic excellence and personal development.
Additionally, the Dagger Division remains committed to empowering women and engaging youth through initiatives such as the Chinar YUVA Centre, a skill development hub for underprivileged youth, and the Dagger Parivaar School, the only educational and care facility for specially-abled children in the district. Parents in Old Town express their heartfelt appreciation to the Army for fostering opportunities and support for their children in Baramulla.
