Srinagar: The result of the JEE (Mains) 2016 competitive examination has brought great cheer to the engineering aspirants of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Kashmir valley. 15 students of the state coached under the Super 30 programme sponsored by the Indian Army, as a part of its two and a half decade old welfare initiative - Operation Sadbhavna, have cleared this prestigious examination.
This initiative by the Indian Army was launched in 2014. It is based on the model of the Super 30 in Bihar that has attained global recognition. The Kashmir Super 30 is being run in partnership with the Centre for Social Responsibility and Leadership.
The initiative was launched in a modest manner with less than 30 students in the first year. Care was taken to select those who were from the lower strata and had the requisite academic acumen to be able to take on the challenge with necessary coaching. Of these, one cleared the IIT-JEE Advanced examination and as many as 17 found seats in other prestigious Engineering Colleges, an impressive beginning by all standards.
Buoyed by the success, the army selected 36 students in 2015. Three cleared the IIT entrance and 27 more were eligible for admission in various Engineering Colleges within and outside the state.
The impressive tally of the current year reflects the dedication of those who are imparting training and the hard work put in by the selected students.
"The result gives a clear indication that students from Jammu and Kashmir, especially so the Kashmir valley, have the capacity to compete with the best in the country and come out victorious. What is important is to provide to them the right platform. A salute to the Indian army for supporting such a noble cause," said Colonel (Retired) Jasbir Sarai, a functionary of AAP party from Chandigarh who takes keen interest in the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir
Over the years, the Army has, under the ambit of Operation Sadbhavna, expanded the scope of its education initiative. What started as provision of primary education in Army Goodwill Schools has now expanded to the professional level with initiatives like the Super 30. Many other similar initiatives have led to admissions of Kashmiri students in educational institutes across the country. The army is making a tremendous effort to help students pursue higher education outside the state. Most of the students studying in Army Goodwill Schools under scholarship are being assisted in obtaining admission in institutes outside Jammu and Kashmir.
The Super 30 this year was conducted by the Dagger Division of the Army located at Baramullah,Kashmir. The division held a felicitation ceremony for the successful students in which Major General JS Nain, General Officer Commanding of the Division lauded the perseverance and hard work put in by the students.