Nestled high in the Himalayas along the Line of Control in north Kashmir, the Gurez Valley remains one of India’s most remote and beautiful regions. Heavy snowfall, landslides and the long closure of the Bandipora Razdan Pass for nearly half the year isolate the valley from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir. For decades, these geographical and climatic barriers limited educational opportunities, modern healthcare and economic growth for the local population mostly Dard-Shin communities with a rich cultural heritage. Against this backdrop, the Indian Army has played a remarkable developmental role. Among its most impactful initiatives is the establishment and sustained operation of the Army Goodwill School Dawar, which has become a symbol of hope and empowerment for the people of Gurez.
The Army Goodwill School programme was launched by the Indian Army in the 1990s to address educational deficits in conflict-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir. AGS Dawar came into existence in May 2004, starting humbly with just two teachers and thirty-eight students in classes Lower Kindergarten and Grade-I. The vision was straightforward yet ambitious: to provide quality, modern education at nominal or no cost to children who would otherwise have had to travel dangerous mountain tracks or forego schooling altogether. Over two decades, the school has grown into a full-fledged secondary institution up to Class X, offering a robust curriculum that blends state-approved syllabi with English-medium instruction. The Army’s continued administrative and financial support has ensured that fees remain affordable and that no child is turned away for want of resources. Running a school in Gurez is not merely about hiring teachers and providing classrooms; the terrain demands ingenuity and persistence. The Indian Army has overseen the construction of a modern campus in Dawar, featuring:
Spacious Classrooms and Laboratories Science and computer labs allow students to engage in practical, hands-on learning rarely available in such remote settings. Library and Audio-Visual Rooms A well-stocked library and Audio-Visual aids expose students to global ideas and interactive teaching methods. Playground and Sports Facilities Despite the short summer, the school maintains a playground that hosts cricket, football and athletics, encouraging physical development and team spirit. Maintenance during the harsh winter months when heavy snow can damage roofs and cut off supply lines is handled directly by the Army’s engineering units, ensuring that the school remains operational year-round.
Another critical challenge has been attracting qualified educators to an isolated border valley. The Army, often in collaboration with the local civil administration, recruits trained teachers from across Jammu and Kashmir and provides incentives such as secure accommodation, reliable rations and timely salaries. Teachers are given periodic training workshops to update their skills in digital education, new pedagogical techniques and child-centered learning. These efforts maintain academic standards on par with urban schools. From its early years, AGS Dawar has emphasized not only literacy and numeracy but also holistic development. The curriculum follows the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education pattern, enabling students to appear in board examinations and pursue higher studies anywhere in India. Regular inter-school debates, science exhibitions, art competitions and sports meets are organized, many in partnership with other Army Goodwill Schools.
Students have consistently performed well in board examinations, with a growing number qualifying for higher secondary schools and professional courses in Srinagar, Jammu and beyond. Alumni have gone on to careers in teaching, medicine, engineering and public service, creating a cycle of aspiration for younger children. The Indian Army ensures that AGS Dawar nurtures values of discipline, national integration and social responsibility:
National Cadet Corps and Scouts Activities instill leadership and teamwork. Cultural Programmes Annual day celebrations and regional festivals keep local Dard-Shin culture alive while fostering unity across religious and linguistic lines. Motivational Talks and Career Counseling – Serving Officers from the Army in the Gurez Sector and visiting professionals expose students to career options that extend far beyond the valley. These activities bridge the gap between the military and civilian population, creating mutual respect and trust. Active participation of students in civic action and nation building programme.
Taking active part in air show in local language transmitted through Community Radio Station. Gurez, showcasing role of students in shaping Gurez future. The impact of AGS Dawar radiates well beyond its gates. The Army leverages the school as a hub for community development initiatives, including: Medical Camps and Health Awareness Periodic health camps provide free check-ups, vaccinations and dental care to students and villagers, addressing the scarcity of medical facilities in the valley. Training sessions on computer literacy, handicrafts and eco-tourism have been offered to parents and youth, supporting livelihoods.
Environmental Campaigns The school participates in plantation drives and cleanliness campaigns that promote environmental stewardship in this fragile Himalayan ecosystem. By involving parents and local leaders in school activities, the Army strengthens community ownership and reduces the sense of remoteness. Perhaps the most striking demonstrations of the Army’s commitment is witnessed during the six winter months, when Razdan Pass is blocked due to heavy snow and temperatures falling below freezing point. Roads become impassable and essential services can falter. In such times, the Army ensures that the school receives heating fuel and medical support. It has even air-lifted critical study materials and evacuated sick students or staff when emergencies arise.
These efforts reassure families that their children’s education will not be interrupted, reinforcing the credibility of the institution. The ripple effects of AGS Dawar are evident across the valley: Rising Literacy Rates Gurez, once lagging behind state averages, now records steadily improving literacy, especially among girls. Employment Opportunities The school provides direct jobs for teachers, administrative staff and ancillary workers and indirect benefits to local suppliers and transporters. Tourism and Civic Pride Educated youth are better equipped to guide trekkers, run homestays and promote the valley’s natural beauty, linking education with eco-tourism. Integration with the Mainstream By offering English-medium education and exposure to modern technology as per latest education policy and inclusivity, AGS Dawar has emerged as hall marks for students to imbibe nationalism, reducing the isolation that once defined Gurez.
In a sensitive border region, trust between the military and local population is critical. The success of AGS Dawar has become a living symbol of goodwill, proving that the Army’s role extends beyond security. Parents see soldiers not only as protectors but also as partners in their children’s future. This mutual confidence contributes to long-term peace and stability.
Running a high-quality school in the remote, snowbound Gurez Valley is a formidable task, yet the Indian Army’s sustained efforts at AGS Dawar show what commitment and empathy can achieve. From humble beginnings with a handful of students to a thriving institution shaping the Gurez Valley’s next generation, the school reflects the Army’s broader philosophy of “Winning Hearts and Minds.” By providing education, infrastructure, and community support, the Army has not only opened doors of opportunity for the children of Gurez but has also strengthened the social fabric of the region.
In many ways, AGS Dawar stands as a beacon illuminating how education can bridge geographic isolation, how partnership can overcome adversity, and how a disciplined force can become an agent of development and hope. For the people of Gurez Valley, the school is more than an educational institution; it is a testament to resilience, cooperation and the enduring belief that even in the most challenging landscapes, the light of learning can shine bright.
