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From shrines to bakeries, traditional ‘Routh’ makes comeback this Ramadhan

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From shrines to bakeries, traditional ‘Routh’ makes comeback this Ramadhan

Pulwama, Mar 8: The traditional Kashmiri bread “Routh” has made a quiet comeback in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, reviving memories of a delicacy that nearly disappeared from local bakeries over the years.

Once a familiar sight in bakeries across the Valley, Routh had gradually vanished as changing food habits and the growing popularity of other bakery items pushed the traditional bread into obscurity.

However, this Ramadhan, Rayees Ahmad, a baker in Pulwama decided to reintroduce it, drawing interest from customers eager to reconnect with the region’s culinary heritage.

“We reintroduced ‘Routh‘ this Ramadhan and are receiving a very good response from customers,” Ahmad said.

“Many people were surprised to see it again because it had disappeared from most bakeries for a long time,” he said.

Routh is a large, square-shaped sweet bread traditionally prepared using flour, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits.

Rich in taste and dense in texture, it was once considered a special bakery item often associated with celebrations and religious gatherings.

Elders in the area recall that Routh used to be widely consumed during weddings and festive occasions.

Families would often serve it to guests as a traditional delicacy.

The bread also had a strong association with religious sites, where devotees offered it at shrines as part of customary practices.

“In earlier times, Routh was very common,” said  Muhammad Sultan, an elderly resident of Pulwama. “People would buy it for weddings and also distribute it at shrines. It was considered a special bread.”

Despite its cultural significance, the bread slowly faded from bakery shelves over the past two decades.

Bakers say the preparation process is more time-consuming compared with other items, and declining demand had discouraged them from continuing its production.

“Making Routh requires more effort and ingredients, so many bakeries stopped baking it when customers began preferring other products,” Ahmad said.

However, the renewed interest during Ramadhan has encouraged a baker to revive the traditional recipe.

Customers visiting  the bakery during the holy month have shown curiosity about the bread, while older residents have welcomed its return with nostalgia.

Some buyers said the reappearance of the bread reflects a growing interest in rediscovering traditional foods that once formed an important part of Kashmiri culture.

If the response continues, the baker says, he may keep producing the bread beyond Ramadhan, allowing a new generation to experience a taste that was once deeply rooted in Kashmir’s culinary traditions.

Greater Kashmir

India wins 3rd T20 World Cup title

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India wins 3rd T20 World Cup title

Ahmedabad, Mar 8: Suryakumar Yadav’s team, easily India’s greatest T20 outfit ever, created history on Sunday with an unprecedented third World Cup win, clinically demolishing a lacklustre New Zealand by 96 runs with an awe-inspiring batting performance and laser-precise bowling.

Suryakumar’s men became the first men’s international team to win successive World T20 titles and also the first to claim the trophy on home turf.

Sanju Samson (89 off 46 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (52 off 21 balls) added 92 in Powerplay and 98 for the opening stand after a tactical blunder by Black Caps skipper Mitchell Santner led to a record score of 255 for 5.

Having misread the pitch, Santner brought medium pacer Jacob Duffy dropping the useful off-spinner Cole McConchie, which proved to be decisive in the final outcome.

In-front of 86,000 fans, the chase was out of question as New Zealand huffed and puffed its way to 159 all out as Suryakumar, the man from Mumbai’s Chembur, etched his name alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the record books.

“Champions! This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament. This victory has filled every Indian heart with pride and joy. Well done, Team India!” posted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X within minutes of the triumph.

No credit will be enough for mostly under-fire Gautam Gambhir, who became the first coach to guide the team to two T20 World titles.

Following the demolition act with the bat, Jasprit Bumrah’s artistry was good enough to dash any little hopes that New Zealand players might just have harboured at the back of their minds.

Bumrah was unreal as ever with figures of 4-0-15-4, adding to the mythical story of his career which will become folklore in years to come.

As far-fetched as it might sound, the current Indian T20 team under Gambhir’s coaching has had the aura of USA’s ‘Dream Team’ filled with the biggest of NBA stars like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird that won the 1992 Barcelona Olympics gold medal.

Just like that team, this Indian T20 outfit, filled with IPL’s richest stars, has an air of invincibility around it. The side never seemed like losing the tournament in which it was the runaway favourite even before a ball had been bowled.

If the 2007 T20 World Cup victory was a watershed moment for Indian cricket, which gave birth to a behemoth like the IPL, the 2024 T20 World Cup win was a soothing balm to the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss.

The 2026 title triumph is an assertion that in talent, India are light years ahead of other teams. This edition was never about a perfect campaign but always about finding an individual who would win it for the team.

Abhishek had a very poor tournament but redeemed himself in the final. Samson’s career was on the line before he played the most defining innings of his career.

The ‘crazy diamond’ called Bumrah bowled those block-hole deliveries whenever the team asked and Axar Patel took those crazy catches which became a game-changer.

Ishan Kishan was the sheet anchor in every game and the skipper was the binding glue with Gambhir being the back-room brain that the team needed.

The team bond was evident and the players had each other’s backs when one of the mates was sinking.

Both Suryakumar and Gambhir can claim credit for taking Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s champion team to the next level.

When India batted, Samson scarred an awestruck New Zealand in the company of an equally destructive Abhishek, who saved his best for the last in India’s record-breaking total.

And if that wasn’t enough Ishan Kishan (54 off 25 balls) proved that even three can tango together as India’s top three, in a superlative display, stunned New Zealand.

Abhishek took full advantage of Mitchell Santner’s tactical harakiri with a 21-ball-52 but Samson’s muscular effort – a dazzling 89 off 46 balls, which was a union of beastly power and silken grace, will be remembered for the times to come.

There were eight sixes – a few over long-on, a couple over square leg, down the ground, and over long-off.

Samson made Rachin Ravindra’s left-arm spin, Lockie Ferguson (0/48 in 2 overs) and Matt Henry’s (0/49 in 4 overs) medium pace bowling look pedestrian. It was a massacre of a good bowling attack.

After match-winning efforts against the West Indies and England, Kerala’s favourite son finally silenced the Doubting Thomases, who questioned his credentials over the past decade.

After a series of flop shows and his place in the side being debated from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Abhishek finally came good with liberal help from New Zealand pacers, who handed the advantage to the southpaw on a platter.

An 18-ball-50 with his signature straight sixes, and familiar bat swing, the Punjab man enjoyed the rub of the green under the floodlit Ahmedabad skyline.

Jacob Duffy’s (0/42 in 3 overs) friendly medium pace became cannon fodder for Abhishek as he smashed five of his half a dozen boundaries off him.

In case of Matt Henry (1/49 in four overs), once Samson smacked him for a six slightly wide off long-on, there was no looking back. With as many as 92 runs in the powerplay, India had seized the decisive advantage.

After Rachin Ravindra (1/32 in 2 overs) removed Abhishek after a 98-run opening stand off 43 balls, Kishan kept the tempo with four sixes and as many boundaries.

 

 

 

Greater Kashmir

Equity mutual fund investments surge among Indian women

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Equity mutual fund investments surge among Indian women

New Delhi, Mar 8: Indian women investors are increasingly shifting towards equity mutual funds, with allocations rising sharply from about 10 per cent to 32 per cent over the past five years, according to a report released on Sunday.

The report by wealth management firm Equirus Wealth noted a significant change in investment preferences, as allocations to traditional fixed deposits declined from around 45 per cent to 20 per cent during the same period. At the same time, exposure to alternative investment assets such as Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) increased from about 3 per cent to 7 per cent.

The findings are based on interactions with nearly 55,000 women investors and more than 100 relationship managers across different age groups. The report indicates a growing shift from conventional investments like fixed deposits, gold and property towards diversified portfolios aligned with long-term financial goals.

It also highlighted growing resilience among women investors, with nearly 75 to 90 per cent holding their investments during market corrections instead of exiting in panic. Around 55 per cent of investors even add capital selectively during market dips, reflecting stronger conviction in long-term investing.

 

Greater Kashmir

Corruption eradicated from Govt processes: LG Manoj Sinha

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Corruption eradicated from Govt processes: LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Mar 8: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called upon the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to ensure that each decision, investigation and prosecution stands firm under scrutiny of the courts and must harness the authority granted by the nation’s constitution to expose injustice, eradicate corruption entirely, and earn the trust of the people.

“Jammu Kashmir no longer settles for mediocrity or the ordinary. It now dares to dream big. Among our people, a firm belief has taken root that a golden future lies ahead. Fulfilling this vision is also the responsibility of the officers and staff at the Anti-Corruption Bureau,” LG Sinha said while  addressing the inaugural ceremony of ACB Headquarters building at Sidhra, Jammu, and ACB APKS Branch, Awantipora.

He said that the two buildings inaugurated on Sunday were not merely structures of steel, glass, and concrete.

“They stand as a bold declaration of transparency in public life and a corruption-free J&K,” the LG said.

“Today, J&K stands at a pivotal juncture. Over the past 5-6 years, we have ushered in transformative changes, rendering the system transparent and dedicating it to public service. Entire machinery now operates not for the benefit of a select few, but for every individual across J&K. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have established a faceless mechanism to eradicate corruption from government processes, eliminate delays, and deliver all services directly to ordinary citizens,” he said.

LG Sinha said that the speed of project execution has accelerated significantly over the past few years.

“Revolutionary progress in industry, infrastructure, agriculture, self-employment, health, power, and rural development across nearly every sector stemmed from a transparent and accountable governance model,” he said.

The LG asked the ACB officers to conduct a daily self-audit of their work to strengthen the hard-earned credibility.

“Your efforts should thrive on maximum collaboration. In today’s interconnected world, corruption knows no borders, and data scatters across various networks. Information held by one agency might form the crucial final piece in another’s probe, so genuine and timely cooperation is essential wherever needed,” he said.

LG Sinha called for speedy investigation, observing that delayed justice does not merely deny society its due but it actively undermines outcomes in corruption cases. He stressed on cultivating a work culture that eliminates all delays in delivering justice.

The LG said that corruption was not merely a loss of public money but it an opportunity stolen from youth.

“It is the security snatched from a family, it is the injustice inflicted on an elderly member of society,” he said.

“We must recognize that corruption is no abstract offense committed solely against the public exchequer but a direct assault on the lives of living human beings. The ill effects of corruption extend far beyond economic damage; it scars the lives of multiple generations. We must work together to build corruption-free J&K,” LG Sinha said.

The newly established APKS Branch at Awantipora will cater to the ACB Police Station Anantnag, which has jurisdiction over all districts of south Kashmir.

The facility is expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve accessibility, and facilitate timely handling of complaints and investigations in the region.

Director ACB Shakti Kumar Pathak briefed about the functioning of the ACB and the salient features of the newly constructed buildings.

He said that the enhanced infrastructure woud provide a conducive working environment and strengthen field-level vigilance operations.

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; ADGP Headquarters, M K Sinha; Principal Secretary to LG, Mandeep Bhandari; Commissioner Secretary, General Administrative Department, M Raju; Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; IGP Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, and Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Rakesh Minhas attended the inaugural ceremony.

 

 

 

 

Greater Kashmir

Schools, colleges to reopen today

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Schools, colleges to reopen today

Srinagar, Mar 8: All the schools and colleges would reopen on Monday and resume the routine class work for the students.

Secondary and senior secondary schools besides universities across Kashmir were closed on March 1, 2026, due to the situation following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid West Asia tension.

Elementary level schools were scheduled to reopen on March 2, 2026, after over two months of winter vacation.

However, in wake of the situation last week, the reopening of these schools got delayed by a week.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo said that all the schools and colleges would reopen on Monday across Kashmir.

“The government has decided to reopen the educational institution from Monday in view of the peaceful situation,” she said.

On March 1, the educational institutions were closed for two days and later the closure of schools and colleges besides the universities was extended up to March 7, 2026.

Besides the closure of educational institutions for academic activities, the university examinations scheduled from March 2 to 7 were postponed as well.

Following the decision to reopen the schools, Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani extended a warm welcome to students from Classes 1st to 8th, who will be attending school on Monday, the first day after the winter break.

He emphasised the importance of a positive start to the academic session and directed all Heads of Institutions (HOIs) besides the teaching staff to receive students warmly.

“Ensure that the reopening day is conducted in accordance with the previously issued guidelines and instructions,” Wani said.

The schools have been instructed to ensure that reopening day is conducted in a warm, welcoming, and festive manner.

The schools have been asked to ensure that students are greeted cordially on the first day, and institutions may arrange a child‑friendly ambience including welcome assemblies, motivational interactions, and distribution of candies as a gesture of encouragement to create a joyful and stress‑free atmosphere.

The Director School Education Kashmir earlier said that 2026 would be a year of academic excellence and instructed HoIs to make attendance of secondary class students obligatory in the schools.

The  Directorate of  School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has also prepared an academic planner for the session 2025-26 in line with the implementation framework of the National Education Policy (NEP)  2020.

“A uniform calendar for all government and recognised private schools  of the Kashmir division has been devised for advance academic planning, ensuring uniformity and coherence in academic planning and classroom practice,” the official document reads.

The schools have been asked to lay emphasis on promoting formative assessment dedicated to encouraging the shift from summative to more formative assessment practices.

“Each teacher will design one Holistic Progress Card (HPC) activity, and the best activity will be displayed on the school board throughout the year,” the document reads.

Cluster Heads have been asked to conduct  sessions on HPC and innovative pedagogical approaches besides focusing on HPC based  formative assessment.

The schools have been asked to follow NEP-2020 in letter and spirit besides the National Curriculum Framework Foundational Stage(NCF-FS).

“National Curriculum Framework – School Education(NCF-SE), should  be the guide of the competency based teaching-learning process and assessment,” it reads.

The teachers have been asked to conduct assessment strictly as per the NEP-2020 and maintain the HPC of students as well.

DSEK has said the morning assemblies should be tapped for imparting moral education by means of stories on moral education and participation of students in different activities reflecting morals.

“Also morals should be taught across curriculum – teaching of moral education through academic subjects and above all teacher being a role model should reflect morals so that students catch the reflection,” it reads.

Schools have been also directed that Parent Teacher Meeting (PTM) must  be conducted once a month (26th of every month) to restore public faith in the system and to have feedback.

 

 

 

Greater Kashmir

Srinagar-Jammu National Highway open for 2-way traffic

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Srinagar-Jammu National Highway open for 2-way traffic

Ramban, Mar 8: The National Highway 44, which connects Srinagar and Jammu, remained open on Sunday for two-way movement of light, medium and heavy motor vehicles, though traffic flow was reported to be slow at several stretches due to single-lane road stretches and due to four-lane construction works between Ramban and Banihal sectors.

Traffic authorities said that, subject to fair weather , the Srinagar-Jammu highway to remain open on Monday as well for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs).

Officials reported that traffic movement remained sluggish at multiple locations between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather due to single-lane stretches and ongoing four-laning construction works along the Ramban–Banihal sector. The breakdown of a few heavy vehicles also contributed to temporary bottlenecks. Despite these challenges, hundreds of private cars and light to medium passenger vehicles travelled on both sides of the highway throughout the day.

The Traffic Department issued a fresh advisory stating that, weather and road conditions permitting, light, medium and heavy vehicles will continue to ply from both sides towards Srinagar and Jammu on Sunday. Until the filing of this report, the highway witnessed a steady movement of vehicles, mainly load carriers, passing through the Ramban–Banihal stretch. Authorities attributed the slow movement primarily to narrow road stretches between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather and the breakdown of heavy vehicles along the route.

Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake travel only during daytime hours. Night travel has been discouraged due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. Commuters have been advised to confirm the latest road status with the Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Ramban before planning their journeys. Meanwhile, National Highway 244, which connects Kishtwar with Sinthan Top and Anantnag, was reopened.

Authorities said subject to fair weather and good road conditions and after getting green signal from NHIDCL only passenger light motor vehicles, private cars would be allowed to from both sides viz Kishtwar towards Srinagar and vice-versa via Sinthantop. These vehicles shall be allowed from Police Post Parana towards Anantnag and from Police Post, Daksum towards Kishtwar between 9am to 3pm. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing.

 

 

Greater Kashmir

Women Entrepreneurship, SHG Mela organised in Ganderbal to mark Int’l Women’s Day

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Women Entrepreneurship, SHG Mela organised in Ganderbal to mark Int’l Women’s Day

Srinagar, Mar 8: To commemorate International Women’s Day, a district-level Women Entrepreneurship and Self Help Group (SHG) Mela was organised at the lawns of Mini Secretariat, Ganderbal.

The event witnessed active participation from hundreds of women from the district as well as involvement of several departments including Social Welfare Department, District Employment and Counseling Centre Ganderbal, Agriculture, Health, Education, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Handicrafts, Industries and banking institutions.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore presided over the event as chief guest, while Additional District Development Commissioner, Manzoor Ahmad; Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Assistant Director Employment, Lead District Manager, Cluster Head J&K Bank and other officers and officials were also present on the occasion.

The DC visited stalls set up by several departments including Agriculture, Jal Shakti, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Health, Handicrafts & Handloom, along with agencies such as the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (UMEED), Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Rural Self Employment Training Institutes, District Employment and Counselling Centre and District Industries Centre.

Greater Kashmir

India bulldoze New Zealand in final, defend T20 World Cup title

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India bulldoze New Zealand in final, defend T20 World Cup title

Ahmedabad, Mar 08: India produced a batting spectacle of rare ferocity to overwhelm New Zealand by 96 runs in the summit clash and defend the T20 World Cup title after posting a record total here on Sunday.

Powered by a blazing 89 from Sanju Samson and explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma (52) and Ishan Kishan (54), India’s top order went on a six-hitting spree to leave the New Zealand bowlers shell-shocked in the title clash, posting a massive 255 for five.

The total was the highest ever posted in a T20 World Cup final, capping a dominant display by the defending champions on the biggest stage of the tournament. India also became the first team to win the tournament.

The scoreboard pressure got to the Black Caps who desperately went after the Indian bowlers and ended up losing three quick wickets initially.

Their biggest hope Finn Allen (9) and the dangerous Glenn Phillips (5) perished early and with that New Zealand’s chances of putting up a decent fight went up in smoke.

Axar Patel (3/27) and Jasprit Bumrah (4/15) had bulldozed the Kiwi innings and with the departure of Tim Seifert (52 off 26), the contest was reduced to a formality.

Invited to bat, Samson and Abhishek went on the offensive, tearing into the Kiwi attack with audacious strokeplay.

The duo hammered boundaries at will and raised a breathtaking 98-run opening stand in just 7.1 overs, setting the tone for a massive total.

Batting with sheer authority and least respect for the Kiwi bowlers, India crossed the 200-run mark in 15 overs.

However, New Zealand succeeded in putting the brake on the run flow by dismissing Samson, Kishan and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (0) in a space of six balls. Pacer James Neesham took all three wickets in the 16th over to somehow stop the game from slipping away.

Hardik Pandya (18) did not last long but Shivam Dube (26 not out) provided a flourishing finish, creaming off 24 runs in the final over from Neesham.

India managed 52 in last five overs, thanks to Dube’s fiery knock.

Brief Scores:

India: 255 for 5 in 20 overs. (Sanju Samson 89, Ishan Kishan 54, Abhishek Sharma 52; James Neesham 3/46).

New Zealand: 159 all out in 19 overs. (Tim Seifert 52, J Bumrah 4/15, Axar Patel 3/23).

Greater Kashmir

‘Sufficient fertilisers now, but problems may arise if West Asia conflict prolongs’

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‘Sufficient fertilisers now, but problems may arise if West Asia conflict prolongs’

Kochi (Kerala), Mar 8: India currently has sufficient availability of fertilisers, but prolonged conflict in West Asia could pose problems, said a top official of Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), the largest supplier to South Indian states.

FACT, a public sector company, relies on raw materials such as rock phosphate and phosphoric acid exported from several countries in West Asia and the Middle East, and they are brought via the sea route.

The prolonged conflict could cause significant damage to the global economy, according to analysts.

Currently, there is no harvest season in India; it will begin after July, the Kochi-headquartered FACT’s Managing Director S Sakthimani told PTI, when asked about the potential impact of the current global situation on fertiliser production in the country.

“We have sufficient urea available. We hope that things (the war situation) will probably be resolved within a month. We have sufficient urea available for our Kharif season. We will not have any problems,” he said.

“But, if the situation continues for the next six months, problems may arise. It could cause problems in the next crop season, that is the Rabi season, and appropriate steps are being taken to address it,” he added.

India has two main cropping seasons – Kharif and Rabi. Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the monsoon in June–July and harvested around September–October, while Rabi crops are planted in October–November and harvested by April–May. Urea is widely used across the country to boost yields in both seasons.

Sakthimani said that companies like FACT not only source gas from the Middle East, but also from Australia.

“There are no problems with the gas line in that area right now. There is instability in some places, but that is not a problem for the fertiliser sector,” he said.

The central government has procured stocks of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and double super phosphate (DSP) from (various) companies, and this will not cause any problems, the official pointed out.

The FACT will ensure to fulfil every fertiliser requirement of the farmers, he said.

“We will supply. It is our duty, and we will do it,” the official added.

Agriculture and allied sectors are one of the largest sources of income in India and depend heavily on the fertiliser industry.

Referring to the global situation, Sakthimani said, “This is a temporary phase. There is no need to panic. With the support of the government, we will be in a position to supply whatever farmers need.”

 

Greater Kashmir

Schoolgirls visit Usman Memorial on LoC

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Schoolgirls visit Usman Memorial on LoC

Rajouri, Mar 8: As culmination of various run up events of International Women’s Day celebrations, Jhangar Battalion organised an educational and motivational visit for school girls to the historic Usman Memorial and its library facilities located in border village.

The visit aimed to inspire young minds by connecting them with the legacy of courage, sacrifice and the importance of education.

During the visit, the students were briefed about the historical significance of the Usman Memorial, which commemorates the valour and supreme sacrifice of Brigadier Mohammad Usman, one of India’s most revered military leaders.

Army personnel shared stories of bravery and patriotism associated with the memorial, encouraging the young visitors to imbibe values of dedication, resilience and national pride.

The students were also introduced to the library facilities established by the Indian Army at the memorial site. The library, equipped with a diverse collection of educational books and reading materials, serves as an important resource for students in the border areas, promoting a culture of learning and academic growth.

The interaction provided the girls with an opportunity to explore the facilities, engage with Army personnel and understand the significance of education in shaping their future. The initiative also aimed to empower young girls by motivating them to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.

The visit concluded with an interactive session and group photographs, leaving the students inspired and appreciative of the Army’s efforts in supporting education and community development in remote border regions.

Such initiatives by the Indian Army continue to strengthen the bond between the Armed Forces and local communities while promoting education, empowerment and awareness among the youth, especially young girls.

 

Greater Kashmir

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