SRINAGAR: A school in North Kashmir has set a new benchmark in technology-driven education, becoming the first in the Valley to integrate smartboards on such a large scale. The institution now offers live classroom access for parents and remote learning options for students, ensuring continuity in education despite disruptions.
Education has long been a pressing concern in Kashmir, one of the world’s most conflict-prone regions. Unfavorable circumstances—whether political unrest or geopolitical tensions—often force schools to shut down, leaving students at a disadvantage. Historically, the Kashmir conflict has severely disrupted academic progress.
Recent Indo-Pak tensions further exacerbated the issue, leading to week-long school closures before students could resume classes. To address these challenges, a private school in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has adopted a fully digital education model—a pioneering step in the region.
The school’s tech-enabled classrooms now feature the highest number of smartboards in Kashmir. Parents can monitor their children’s progress in real-time, while students can attend classes remotely if needed. “If students face difficulties or are unwell, they no longer have to miss lessons. They can join classes online from home. Every minute counts, and we ensure no learning opportunity is lost. Our commitment is to provide the best facilities—both online and offline,” said SRM Welkin Chairperson Baseema Aijaz.
She added, “At Welkin, we are dedicated to shaping a bright future for our students. In this digital age, embracing technology is key to unlocking their potential and fostering excellence.”
How Digital Education is Transforming Learning
Aadil Peer, a teacher at the institution, emphasized the shift, We live in a digital era. When everything around us is digitized, why should education lag behind?
“Our school is the first in Kashmir to offer this level of digital accessibility—not just for students but also for parents, who can track their child’s progress anytime, whether at home or work, he stated. We now have 74 smart panels—the highest number in any school across the Valley,” he added.
Paramjeet Kaur, an education expert, highlighted the broader impact, In Kashmir, where frequent shutdowns disrupt schooling, technology is a game-changer.
Online education isn’t just an alternative—it’s a necessity.She stressed the flexibility of digital learning, allowing students to study at their own pace, anytime and anywhere—as long as they have an internet connection.
In conflict zones, this is revolutionary, she noted. Reflecting on recent India-Pakistan tensions, Kaur added, “Even during heightened alerts, uninterrupted internet access ensured information flow and prevented panic. Technology doesn’t just fill gaps—it rebuilds broken systems.
