From Handwara to Jaipur: The Story of a Principal Who Refused to Give Up

From Handwara to Jaipur: The Story of a Principal Who Refused to Give Up

Handwara, Sep 8: On a bright day in Jaipur, when the nation gathered to celebrate its finest educators, a name from the valleys of Kashmir echoed in the grand hall Khalid Jalal, Principal of Army Goodwill School (AGS) Budkoot, Handwara. As he stepped forward to receive the 14th Principals & Teachers Award 2025, the applause carried with it the story of resilience, courage, and unwavering belief in education.

Two decades earlier, when AGS Budkoot was established in April 2004 under Operation Sadhbhavana, it was more than just a school it was a promise of hope in a region yearning for stability. Yet, not everyone welcomed this change. Warnings came, even threats demanding that Khalid step down. But he stood firm. His answer to intimidation was simple: continue teaching, continue nurturing, continue building.

Years passed, and the school grew. Classrooms that once echoed with uncertainty now brimmed with the laughter of children. The corridors bore witness to determination both of a principal who would not give in, and of students who dreamed despite the odds stacked against them. Slowly, AGS Budkoot transformed into a pioneer institution in Handwara, known not just for academics but for instilling values of resilience and responsibility.

The jury at Jaipur recognized more than Khalid’s achievements; they saw his journey. They honored a man who chose chalk and blackboard over fear, who believed that education could be stronger than division. Describing him as a “visionary educator”, the organizers reminded the audience that the real story of Indian education often unfolds far from the limelight in classrooms where one teacher’s persistence can change countless lives.

As Khalid held the award, it wasn’t just his triumph. It was the triumph of his students, his teachers, and of a community that dared to believe in the power of learning. His journey from the quiet lanes of Rajwar and Handwara to the national stage in Jaipur tells us one thing clearly: education, when nurtured with courage, becomes a force that no barrier can silence.

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