GAASH Academy spurs educational change in Baramulla

SRINAGAR: Once known for its agitations and limited educational opportunities, Old Town Baramulla is now witnessing a remarkable transformation, thanks to initiatives like GAASH Academy.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 19 Infantry Division in Baramulla, Major General Rajesh Sethi, SM, VSM, visited GAASH Academy to honour students who excelled in the JKBOSE 10th Results 2024 and to encourage the institution’s efforts.

GAASH Academy, run by philanthropist Sheikh Mudasir, provides free educational assistance to around 80 underprivileged children and orphans from kindergarten to Class X. The academy focuses on steering these children towards positivity and modern education.

During his visit, Maj Gen Sethi, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Paramjit Sethi, interacted with the students’ proud parents. They expressed their gratitude to Mr Mudasir for his dedication to their children’s education and thanked the Army for its consistent support. Brigadier Rajat M. Bhatt, the Baramulla Brigade Commander, also attended the event.

To further support the academy’s efforts, the Army presented sports kits and stationery and provided financial aid of Rs 3 Lakhs. Previously, the Army had sponsored essential items like a computer system, generator, furniture, and blankets.

Maj Gen Sethi highlighted the crucial role of education in the holistic development of children and praised their outstanding exam performance. He emphasized the importance of education in shaping a prosperous future for Kashmir.

Brigadier Bhatt commended GAASH Academy for its efforts in educating the children of Old Town Baramulla. Mr. Mudasir, reflecting on his past as a former separatist who now advocates for education, expressed his deep gratitude for the Army’s unwavering support. He urged parents to encourage their children to pursue education diligently, seeing it as the key to a brighter future.

GAASH Academy’s impact was evident in the recent JKBOSE Class 10th exams, where all students passed with flying colours. The top scorers included:

1. Zaid bin Firdous: 99%

2. Arbeen Javid: 96%

3. Mohd Hassan: 96%

4. Arooba Jaan: 95.85%

5. Izhai Hassan: 95.5%

6. Ayat Jaan: 95%

7. Hurmat Showket: 93.8%

8. Mohammad Fazil: 92.2%

9. Zainab Jaan: 92%

10. Shoib Ahmad: 91.86%

11. Adeefa Tanveer: 90.1%

This success highlights the positive influence of GAASH Academy in channelling the children’s energies towards academic excellence and personal growth.

The Dagger Division continues to focus on initiatives like women empowerment and youth engagement in Baramulla. Notable efforts include the Chinar YUVA Centre, a skill development hub for underprivileged youth, and the Dagger Parivaar School, the district’s only educational and care facility for specially-abled children. Parents in Old Town are particularly thankful for the Army’s support, which has provided their children with encouragement and opportunities.

Other commendable students from GAASH Academy include:

12. Mohammad Ayan: 87.14%

13. Safiya Ishfaq: 83%

14. Anus Suhail: 80.1%

15. Mohammad Zaid Shah: 80.6%

16. Sehrish Mumtaz: 78%

17. Mohammad Zaid War: 75.02%

18. Saika Sadeeq: 74.4%

19. Ahmad Tariq Mir: 71.9%

20. Abrar Khan: 73%

21. Qurat ul Aain: 71%

22. Fatima Zahoor: 71.4%

With continued support and dedication, GAASH Academy is set to keep transforming the educational landscape of Old Town Baramulla.