Doors Open After Three Months of Snow and Silence
Srinagar, March 08, 2025 – After a three-month winter hiatus, schools across the Kashmir Valley reopened today, welcoming back students with the promise of a fresh academic start. The break, which began in December 2024 due to harsh winter conditions, saw temperatures plummet below freezing and snow blanket the region. Around 10,000 government and private schools resumed classes, marking the end of a seasonal pause that kept students indoors since early December.
A Perfect Coincidence with Women’s Day 2025
The reopening aligns beautifully with International Women’s Day 2025, casting a spotlight on the countless young girls stepping back into classrooms. As they don their uniforms and sling backpacks over their shoulders, these girls are not just returning to school—they are stepping toward futures as leaders, entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, sportspersons, and more. The day buzzed with excitement, with students greeted by teachers offering chocolates and warm smiles, a fitting celebration of potential on this global day of empowerment.
Little Girls, Big Dreams
“So many little girls are in the process of becoming the future,” said a local educator in Srinagar, echoing the sentiment felt across the Valley. From the bustling streets of Srinagar to the remote villages of Kupwara, the sight of girls heading to school painted a picture-perfect scene of hope and ambition. Parents and teachers alike expressed pride in the resilience of these young minds, who braved the cold months and now return eager to learn and grow.
Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Opportunities
The reopening wasn’t without hurdles. Originally slated for March 1, the resumption was delayed by a week due to inclement weather, with heavy snowfall in areas like Gurez Valley pushing vacations to March 8. Despite such challenges, the spirit of education prevailed. “These girls are unstoppable,” remarked a school principal in Bandipora. “They’re not just here to study; they’re here to change the world.”
A Vision for Tomorrow
On this Women’s Day, the reopening of schools in Kashmir symbolizes more than just the end of winter—it’s a testament to the power of education in shaping a generation of women who will lead with courage and innovation. As the Valley thaws, so too does the path for these young dreamers, proving that even the coldest winters can’t dim the light of their aspirations.