Akhnoor I Jammu and Kashmir – March 13, 2025– In a remarkable display of its commitment to community development, the Indian Army has successfully concluded a 45-day computer training course under Operation Sadbhavana in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative, held at Government High School in Sunail village, targeted 20 young girls, equipping them with essential digital skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Notepad. This program, completed on March 12, 2025, underscores the Army’s ongoing efforts to bridge the technological divide in rural areas and empower the youth of #BadaltaKashmir.
Launched in 1998, Operation Sadbhavana—meaning “goodwill”—is a flagship military outreach program aimed at fostering trust and development in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in regions affected by militancy. The Akhnoor course is a testament to the initiative’s focus on education and skill-building, offering participants practical tools to enhance their future prospects. Students expressed their gratitude, with one participant, Suhani Devi, telling reporters, “This training has opened new doors for us. We learned so much about computers, and it’s all thanks to the Indian Army and our teachers.”
The program, designed to promote digital literacy, aligns with the broader objectives of Operation Sadbhavana, which include infrastructure development, healthcare, and youth empowerment. By providing hands-on training in widely used software, the Army is preparing these young women to navigate an increasingly digital world, fostering self-reliance and confidence. Another student, Sunita Bhagat, highlighted the course’s impact, stating, “These skills will help us in our studies and even in finding jobs later.”
Local educators and Army officials celebrated the initiative’s success at a closing ceremony, emphasizing its role in shaping a progressive future for the region. “This is about more than just teaching software—it’s about giving these girls the ability to dream bigger,” said an Army spokesperson. The program’s focus on young women also reflects a deliberate effort to promote gender equality in education and technology access.
Operation Sadbhavana has long been a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s efforts to win hearts and minds in Jammu and Kashmir. With over ₹450 crore invested since its inception, the initiative has supported projects ranging from Army Goodwill Schools to vocational training centers. In Akhnoor alone, this training marks a significant step toward integrating rural youth into the national mainstream, countering alienation, and building a foundation for sustainable growth.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to transform—captured in the hashtag #BadaltaKashmir—this latest chapter of Operation Sadbhavana highlights the Army’s dual role as both a security force and a catalyst for social change. With plans to expand such programs, the Indian Army remains committed to nurturing the potential of the region’s youth, one skill at a time.