Pulwama, September 2, 2025 – In a heartwarming ceremony that highlights the Indian Army’s commitment to nurturing talent in remote and challenged areas, the 42 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit felicitated a young tribal student from Tral in Pulwama district for successfully cracking the highly competitive National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2025. The achievement of this 18-year-old aspirant, hailing from the Gujjar-Bakarwal nomadic community, has been hailed as a beacon of hope for tribal youth in the region, overcoming socio-economic barriers and security-related disruptions to secure a spot in a prestigious medical college.The felicitation event took place at the Army’s forward post in Tral, a town in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district often in the news for its sensitive location along the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Commanding Officer of 42 RR, Colonel Vikram Singh, personally honored the student—whose name has been withheld for privacy reasons—with a cash prize of Rs 50,000, educational materials, and a certificate of appreciation. The young achiever, who prepared for NEET through self-study and online resources despite limited access to coaching centers due to his tribal background and the area’s intermittent internet connectivity, scored an impressive 620 out of 720 marks, qualifying for MBBS seats under the reserved category for Scheduled Tribes (ST).
“This young man’s success story is a testament to the resilience of Kashmir’s tribal communities. The Army stands with the youth of J&K, providing not just security but also opportunities for education and empowerment,” Colonel Singh stated during the event, attended by local sarpanch, teachers from Government Boys Higher Secondary School Tral, and fellow community members. The 42 RR, part of the Chinar Corps responsible for counter-insurgency operations in south Kashmir, has a long history of community outreach through its ‘Sadbhavna’ (goodwill) initiatives. These include skill development programs, sports events, and educational scholarships, particularly targeting underprivileged groups like the Gujjars and Bakerwals who often migrate seasonally for livelihoods.The student’s journey resonates deeply in Tral, a picturesque yet volatile area surrounded by orchards and apple groves, where youth aspirations are frequently overshadowed by conflict. Coming from a family of shepherds in the nearby forests of Yusmarg, he balanced studies with helping his family during migrations, often studying under torchlight during power outages.
“Cracking NEET was my dream to become a doctor and serve my community. The Army’s support has motivated me further,” the youth shared, expressing gratitude for the felicitation which he said would help cover coaching fees for his peers.This event aligns with the Indian Army’s broader efforts in Jammu and Kashmir to promote education amid ongoing challenges. Earlier this year, in April 2025, the Army organized similar felicitations for NEET toppers in Kupwara and Baramulla districts. The NEET 2025 results, declared on June 4, saw over 13 lakh candidates qualifying, with a special focus on diversity and inclusion for remote areas. In J&K, the exam’s conduct was smooth despite weather disruptions, thanks to coordinated efforts by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and local authorities.District authorities in Pulwama have commended the Army’s role, with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Raghav Langer noting, “Such initiatives bridge gaps and inspire more tribal youth to pursue higher education.” As the student prepares to join AIIMS or a similar institution, his story is set to motivate hundreds in Tral and beyond, reinforcing the narrative of hope and progress in Kashmir.
