Dr.Ratan Bhattacharjee
It is a journey of resilience and renewal. The echoes of conflict have long shaped the socio-political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, often leaving its most vulnerable—children, especially girls—at the margins of development. In the wake of Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Army in May 2025 as a retaliatory strike against terror infrastructure following the Pahalgam attack, the region has witnessed both devastation and a surprising surge of hope. Among the most poignant transformations is the renewed focus on girl child education, a movement that is slowly redefining the future of Kashmir’s daughters.
On May 7, 2025, India initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This was in response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, including tourists and students. The operation, though military in nature, triggered a cascade of social and emotional responses across the country. In Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, 17 newborn girls were named “Sindoor” as a tribute to the operation, symbolizing courage and national pride1. The Operation Sindoor is a turning point .
But in Kashmir, where the brunt of the conflict was felt most acutely, the aftermath was more complex. Shelling in border districts like Poonch and Rajouri led to school closures, displacement, and tragic losses—including the deaths of young twins Urwa Fatima and Zain Ali in Mandi. Their story became emblematic of the cost of conflict and the urgency of protecting and educating children.
The military action and subsequent shelling disrupted education across several districts.Institutions in Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Rajouri, and Poonch were shut down due to safety concerns. Universities like Kashmir University and Cluster University delayed examinations, affecting thousands of student .Heightened security measures created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, particularly for girls who already face mobility and safety challenges.These disruptions compounded existing barriers to girl child education, including poverty, conservative social norms, and limited infrastructure.
Despite the turmoil, Operation Sindoor catalyzed a wave of support and reform.Post Operation Sindoor sowed seeds of hope.Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Poonch on June 24, 2025, marked a turning point. Moved by the tragedy of Urwa and Zain, he pledged educational and financial support for 30 children affected by the shelling. This promise was not just monetary—it was symbolic, affirming the right of every child to learn and thrive, even amid adversity. Community mobilization is very important at this stage. Local communities, inspired by national solidarity, began grassroots efforts to keep girls in school. Teachers volunteered to conduct home-based classes, NGOs distributed learning materials, and parents—many of whom had lost loved ones—committed to continuing their daughters’ education as a form of resistance and remembrance.The Jammu and Kashmir administration, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, rolled out emergency measures: Mobile learning units through equipped vans brought education to displaced children in remote areas. There is also scholarship expansion and the existing schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao were extended to cover conflict-affected zones. Mental health support was introduced in schools to help children cope with trauma and counseling services are the need of the hour.
The girl child in Kashmir on the one hand takes the challenges and on the other hand nourish their aspirations by overcoming the social and cultural barriers.In many parts of Kashmir, girls face entrenched gender biases. Early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and conservative norms often curtail their educational journeys. Conflict exacerbates these issues, as families prioritize safety and survival over schooling.Exposure to violence and displacement leads to anxiety, PTSD, and depression among children. Girls, in particular, internalize fear and loss, which can hinder their academic performance and self-esteem.Yet, stories of resilience abound. Girls like Afreen Akram, whose father was grievously injured in the shelling, continue to attend school despite personal loss. For many, education is not just a path to employment—it is a declaration of identity, agency, and hope. Symbolism of Sindoor is a new narrative . The name “Sindoor,” traditionally associated with marital commitment and feminine strength, has taken on a new meaning. In Kashmir, it now symbolizes sacrifice, courage, and the promise of a better future. Girls named Sindoor are growing up with a legacy of resistance and pride, embodying the spirit of a region that refuses to be defined by conflict alone.
To sustain the momentum, several long-term strategies are essential for building a resilient educational ecosystems.:Infrastructure development includes 1) rebuilding damaged schools with safe, gender-sensitive facilities 2)Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene products 3)hiring female teachers to encourage girl enrollment.4) training educators in trauma-informed pedagogy 5) expanding internet access and digital literacy programs. 6) providing tablets and e-learning platforms tailored to local languages and curricula. 7) strengthening laws against child marriage and gender discrimination. 8) creating accountability mechanisms to monitor girl child enrollment and retention.Operation Sindoor, though born of tragedy, has sparked a quiet revolution in Kashmir’s educational landscape. The renewed focus on girl child education is not merely a policy shift—it is a cultural awakening. As families name their daughters Sindoor and send them to school with pride, they are rewriting the narrative of Kashmir from one of loss to one of resilience. In the words of a grieving father who buried his children in the backyard: “Let their memory be a light for others.” That light now shines in classrooms across the valley, where girls learn, dream, and rise—undaunted and unafraid.
The writer of the article is APJ Abdul Kalam Awardee Multilingual writer Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee a Former Affiliate Faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University , USA., can be reached at profratanbhattacharjee@gmail.com
