Poonch, July 1: In a significant step towards empowering students from remote border areas, the Indian Army has launched classes under Project Udaan, a flagship educational initiative under Operation Sadbhavana. The programme aims to provide quality coaching to talented students, preparing them for admission to some of the country's premier military and residential educational institutions.

The programme was formally inaugurated at Hari Modern Public School, Poonch, in collaboration with the school administration, marking another milestone in the Army's continued efforts to promote education, youth development, and community welfare in the border district. The initiative reflects the Army's belief that education is one of the most powerful instruments of nation-building and social transformation.
Project Udaan has been specifically designed to support students from geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged border areas by preparing them for competitive entrance examinations to Sainik Schools, Rashtriya Military Schools (RMS), Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV). These institutions are known for nurturing disciplined, academically accomplished and socially responsible future leaders.
The selection process began with a transparent, merit-based OMR examination conducted across Poonch district, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from students belonging to diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds. Following a rigorous evaluation, 30 meritorious students were selected to receive intensive, fully sponsored coaching under the programme.
The coaching curriculum has been carefully structured to strengthen students' academic foundations in English, Mathematics and General Knowledge, enabling them to compete effectively in national-level entrance examinations. Experienced faculty members are delivering comprehensive classroom instruction comparable to coaching facilities available in urban centres.
A key highlight of the inauguration was an interaction between the selected students and Commander, 93 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Sachinder Joshi. Addressing the young aspirants, Brigadier Joshi encouraged them to strive for academic excellence while embracing the values of discipline, integrity and patriotism. He also familiarised them with career opportunities in the Indian Army, the admission process and advantages of Sainik Schools, inspiring them to pursue their dreams of serving the nation. His motivational address filled the students with confidence and renewed determination to make the most of the opportunity.
Beyond academics, Project Udaan also incorporates regular personality development and motivational sessions aimed at enhancing communication skills, leadership qualities, self-confidence, discipline and overall character development. These sessions are intended to help students overcome social and geographical barriers while preparing them for future leadership roles.
The initiative has received widespread appreciation from parents, educators, local residents and community leaders, who described it as a transformative opportunity for talented students from remote areas. They observed that specialised coaching for prestigious educational institutions has traditionally remained beyond the reach of many families due to financial constraints and limited educational infrastructure. Project Udaan effectively bridges this gap by providing deserving students with equal opportunities to compete at the national level.
For many of the participants, the programme represents far more than academic coaching. It offers hope, guidance and a pathway to brighter educational and career prospects, particularly in the defence services and other prestigious fields.
Project Udaan further reinforces the Indian Army's multidimensional role in border regions. Alongside its primary responsibility of safeguarding the nation's frontiers, the Army continues to promote education, healthcare, skill development and social welfare under Operation Sadbhavana, strengthening its enduring bond with local communities.
By investing in the aspirations of young minds, the Indian Army is helping shape a generation of confident, capable and responsible citizens. Project Udaan stands as a powerful example of how education can transform lives, strengthen national integration and create new opportunities for the youth of India's border regions.