Pahalgam, Sep 11: The Principal of Army Goodwill School Pahalgam, Ila Upadhyay, has highlighted the academic, sporting and professional potential of students studying at the school, saying children must be guided according to their individual abilities rather than being forced into a particular career.
Speaking during an interaction at the school, Upadhyay said the institution currently has around 300 students from Classes 6 to 12 and is affiliated with the CBSE. She said the school provides education in both medical and non-medical streams at the senior secondary level.
Emphasising the role of teachers in shaping young minds, she said every child possesses different qualities and requires the right guidance to identify and develop those strengths.
“Children are the future of the country,” she said, stressing that students should be given opportunities to grow according to their interests and abilities.
Upadhyay, who joined the school in 2021 and hails from Amritsar, Punjab, said her experience at Pahalgam had been deeply positive. She described the students as smart, intelligent, energetic and talented, with strong interests in academics, sports and other activities.
She said her relationship with the students goes beyond that of a principal and students, describing herself as their “Principal Mama”. She added that the students of the school hold a special place in her life.
Highlighting the achievements of former students, Upadhyay said Army Goodwill School Pahalgam has produced students who have gone on to serve in the Army, police and JK Police, besides becoming doctors, engineers and professionals in different fields.
She also expressed gratitude after receiving an Army commendation, saying the recognition belonged to the entire school team, including staff members, the School Management Committee, the Army and, most importantly, the students who worked hard to bring recognition to the institution.
Addressing Kashmiri students, she urged them to remain confident regardless of marks or the outcome of competitions.
She said students should not lose hope if they do not achieve success immediately, stressing that everyone gets an opportunity at the right time if they continue working hard.
She invited people to visit Pahalgam and interact with the students, saying the school represents the potential and aspirations of young people in the region.
Upadhyay said the achievements of Army Goodwill School students across different professions reflected the impact of sustained education, guidance and opportunities.
