Opinion | Community Perceptions of the Army: Voices from Local Youth

Through consistent engagement in education, health, sports, and employment, Indian Army has redefined its relationship with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Army has emerged not only as a guardian of national security but also as a crucial pillar in youth development and community welfare. Over the past few years, a growing segment of the local youth has come to view the Army not just as a security force but as a positive agent of change — supporting education, skill development, healthcare, and nation-building. The Indian Army has launched numerous Civic Action Programs (CAPs) under its Sadbhavana initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the armed forces and the civilian population. These programs, rooted in compassion and outreach, focus heavily on the younger generation. Skill development centres, computer literacy classes, sports tournaments, and cultural exchange programs have opened new avenues for youth engagement across the Kashmir Valley.

One flagship initiative is the Chinar Corps’ Army Goodwill Schools — over 45 such institutions serve thousands of students in remote parts of Kashmir. These schools offer quality education, especially in areas where government educational infrastructure is sparse. According to reports by the Ministry of Defence, the pass percentage in board exams for these schools has consistently exceeded 90%, a figure that reflects the commitment to academic excellence.One of the most successful models of youth development has been the Chinar YUVA Centre in Baramulla, supported by the Indian Army, ONGC, and NGOs like the Aseem Foundation. The centre trains young men and women in various skills such as hospitality, IT, tailoring, and entrepreneurship. Hundreds of youth have already graduated and found placements in local industries and national-level companies, empowering them with a sense of purpose and economic independence.

Sports outreach is another key area where the Indian Army has successfully connected with Kashmiri youth. From football tournaments like the Chinar Premier League to martial arts training camps and snow cricket competitions in Gurez and Kupwara, the Army has helped create a vibrant, energetic youth culture that emphasizes discipline, fitness, and team spirit. These events regularly draw large audiences and encourage young athletes to dream of representing India on the national and international stage.

Notably, many local youth from Kupwara, Baramulla, and Anantnag have gone on to join national-level sports academies, aided by Army-sponsored scholarships and training programs. Several now serve in the Indian armed forces and police as well, demonstrating how military-civil partnerships can uplift communities and transform lives.Beyond education and sports, the Indian Army plays a critical role in humanitarian services. During the 2014 Kashmir floods, the Army launched one of the largest rescue operations in the region’s history, saving thousands of lives. In remote villages cut off by snow, especially in Kupwara, Gurez, and Machil sectors, Army medical camps offer free check-ups, medicines, and emergency aid. These services are especially crucial in areas with limited healthcare access.

In 2022, Army medical teams helped contain disease outbreaks in Tangdhar and Lolab valleys, providing vaccinations and emergency surgeries in areas unreachable by road due to winter blockades.Interacting with local youth from Kupwara and other border districts reveals an increasing sense of belonging to India and trust in its democratic institutions. Young Kashmiris, especially first-generation learners and job seekers, speak of the Army in high regard — not as a distant force but as a friendly presence in their neighborhoods.

“I used to see the Army as separate from us,” said Bilal Ahmad, a 22-year-old from Handwara. “But after getting trained at the Chinar YUVA Centre and seeing how they helped my village after a landslide, I feel they are here for us, not against us.” In an area where development has often been disrupted by weather and geography, the Indian Army has played a constructive, dependable, and human-centered role. Through consistent engagement in education, health, sports, and employment, it has redefined its relationship with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The Army’s efforts are a living testament to how security and development can go hand in hand — ensuring that the youth of Kashmir grow up not in the shadow of conflict, but in the light of opportunity, unity, and national pride.

India’s strength lies not just in its democracy or military prowess but in the ability to connect with every citizen, especially the youth. And in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army stands as a powerful symbol of that connection — compassionate, disciplined, and always forward-looking.

Author can be reached on syedjahanzeeb2@gmail.com