Sweeps National Challenge with 5 Medals
Suhail Khan
Sopore, August 11: In what is being hailed as one of the most remarkable achievements by a school from the Valley, SRM Welkin Higher Secondary School, Sopore, has scripted history by securing a perfect 100 per cent podium finish at the prestigious Young Entrepreneur of the Year Challenge (YEY’26) in Amritsar — leaving 59 competing teams from across the country trailing in their wake.
Details available with Kashmir Convener, the two-day national-level event, hosted by Invictus International School on August 10-11, witnessed fierce competition among 64 teams representing schools from diverse states. But it was the contingent from this sleepy Kashmir town that emerged as the undisputed champion, with all five teams securing top-three finishes — bagging two Gold and three Silver medals — in a feat that has set a new benchmark for the competition and sent ripples through the academic community.
What makes the achievement particularly significant is that SRM Welkin stood as the solitary representative from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, carrying the hopes of the region on its shoulders. Against formidable competition from prestigious schools across the country, the students not only rose to the occasion but dominated proceedings with remarkable poise.
The first day of the event set the stage with workshops conducted by ATLAS, UPES, and Plaksha University, alongside interactive sessions including a Memory Shot challenge. Cultural presentations and a keynote address by the Director added to the learning experience. The highlight came on day two when students presented their entrepreneurial ideas before a distinguished jury panel, following an engaging interaction with Aman Gupta, Co-founder of boAt, whose entrepreneurial journey inspired the young minds.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, SRM Welkin Vice Chairperson Baseema Aijaz attributed the success to the institution’s unwavering focus on holistic development and called it a defining moment for the school.
“We were the only school from Jammu and Kashmir to participate. Imagine competing against 64 teams from all corners of the country — from the South to the North and everywhere in between,” she said. “But our students have proven that talent knows no boundaries. This is not just about medals; it’s about setting a precedent. When children from Kashmir compete and win at national platforms, it sends a powerful message.”
She further emphasised the school’s commitment to going beyond conventional academics: “Extracurricular activities are not optional anymore — they are essential. We have always strived to provide the best platforms for our children to gain exposure. Seeing them shine at the national level with such remarkable results is a proud moment for all of us. This achievement will set a mark and become inspirational for others to follow, fostering a healthier environment besides their education” .
For the parents whose children brought glory to the region especially to Baramulla district the victory was deeply personal.
“We never imagined our children would compete against schools from metros and come back with gold,” said Ghulam Nabi, whose daughter was part of one of the winning teams. “This is proof that if given the right platform, our children are second to none. The way the school has nurtured their confidence is commendable” .
Another parent, whose son secured a silver medal, added “The exposure these children have received is invaluable. They have interacted with students from across India and presented their ideas before industry experts. This is the kind of education that prepares them for the real world” .
Another parent expressed gratitude to the school management “We are proud not just of our children but also of SRM Welkin for believing in them and providing this opportunity. This victory belongs to the entire Sopore”.
Adil, a faculty member at SRM, told the Kashmir Convener that the students’ ability to identify real-world challenges, develop viable solutions, and present their ideas with clarity and conviction impressed the jury panel, which comprised experts from diverse fields.
He added that the event also featured a Talent Show, providing participants with exposure to entrepreneurship, leadership, and creative communication.
For the SRM Welkin community, this victory transcends the medal tally. It reaffirms the belief that education must extend beyond classrooms and textbooks, nurturing future leaders and changemakers who can think independently and compete fearlessly on national platforms, he said.
He further added that the achievement strengthens the school’s conviction that platforms such as YEY’26 enable students to innovate fearlessly and develop the confidence to become future leaders.
Another faculty member who accompanied the students in Amritsar said that as the students return home with their laurels, they carry not just medals but also the aspirations of a region that is steadily making its mark on the national stage.
He said that for SRM Welkin Higher Secondary School, Sopore, this is another significant milestone in its continued pursuit of excellence — a journey that shows no signs of slowing down.
With this historic performance, he said, the school has not only brought glory to itself but has also firmly placed Sopore on the national academic map, proving that when it comes to nurturing young talent, Kashmir can compete with the best in the country.
