Opinion | MEI Pampore – A Fountain of Affordable Quality Education!

‘’The heights by great men reached and kept Were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night.’’

“The students of MEI Pampore consistently excel in every board exam. Their latest achievement occurred on June 9, 2023, when JKBOSE announced the results of the class 12th board exams. MEI Pampore proudly obtained an astounding total of 91 distinctions and secured two remarkable positions. Afreen Shafi secured the 7th position in the Science Stream with an impressive score of 490 marks, while Qurrat Ul Farooq achieved the 7th position in the Commerce Stream with a score of 485 marks.”
Education is often likened to light, illuminating the path towards knowledge , wisdom and understanding. It is a fundamental requirement for personal growth and development, a privilege that not everyone has access to. Education is not merely a mundane task but a mark of distinction, a badge of honor that distinguishes individuals who have embraced the opportunity to learn. It adds a certain charm to one’s personality, enhancing their overall appeal. Furthermore, education serves as a means of earning, opening doors to various career opportunities. It empowers individuals with the ability to perceive the world with a broader perspective, granting them two more invisible yet perceptive eyes that can decipher the information inscribed on the pages of books and documents. In summary, education stands as the ultimate differentiating factor between human beings and animals.
According to a recent report, the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir boasts an impressive number of approximately 30,000 schools, each dedicated to nurturing the minds of countless children of the said region. These institutes  strive to provide the best education within their means, but amidst them stands a truly exceptional institute —MEI Pampore. This unique school shines brightly amidst its peers, offering affordable yet quality education to children hailing mostly from lower-middle-class and impoverished families. Mr G M Bhat, a respected local resident, serves  as the chairman of this esteemed institute and Mr Bashir Ahmed Masoodi is  the dedicated secretary who breathes life into the very essence of this  fascinating institute.  Mr Gh Mohd Lone serves as the executive secretary, working tirelessly alongside the chairman and the secretary to ensure the continuous flow of intellectual nourishment at MEI Pampore. A key figure in the school’s administration is Mr Tariq Ahmad Bhat, the devoted coordinator, who plays a crucial role in maintaining the school’s operations. Ms Zeenat Shah, Mr Syed Shabir Ahmad, and Ms Tahira serve as principals, each leading different wings of the institute, ensuring quality education for the students. Lastly, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Malik undertakes the important responsibility of being the Controller of Examination, ensuring fairness and accuracy in evaluating the students’ academic progress. With the help of over 200 teaching and non-teaching staff, this remarkable institute currently imparts education to 2500 students, quenching their thirst for knowledge and nurturing their intellectual growth.  With an unwavering commitment to excellence, MEI Pampore employs an exceptional teaching faculty that embodies the true spirit of selfless dedication. Motivated not solely by monetary gains, these teachers find pleasure in teaching, driven by a sense of service to the higher power, God. MEI Pampore embraces children of all faiths and backgrounds, casting aside distinctions based on color, creed, or religion. In fact, individuals such as Mr. Rajendra Singh Bali, Rakesh Raina, Raju Rana, and Aman Rana, who do not identify as Muslims, have wholeheartedly offered their honest services to this remarkable institute. Their positive contribution to MEI Pampore will never be forgotten. It stands as an inspiring embodiment of democratic values, fostering a sense of unity in diversity  and promotes  communal harmony.  Demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, the school reserves vacancies in both teaching and non-teaching positions for impoverished, widowed and divorced women, and underprivileged men within the local community. MEI Pampore’s impact transcends education alone, for it provides not just intellectual nourishment but also avenues for livelihood to talented individuals who find themselves unemployed and jobless. The presence of a few more schools like MEI Pampore would undoubtedly propel the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to unprecedented academic progress and intellectual prosperity.  MEI Pampore is , indeed, a fabulous fountain of affordable quality education.
History of MEI Pampore
MEI Pampore has a rich history that dates back to before 1970 CE. Initially, the school operated from a rented property owned by Mr. Deen Mohd Banday for a period of three years. However, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Management, faculty, and parents, the school managed to construct four classrooms on state land in 1974 CE. This marked a significant milestone in the school’s journey.
Under the able chairmanship of Mr. Deen Mohd Banday, MEI witnessed remarkable progress by 1992 CE. The school expanded to 15 classrooms and extended its academic offerings up to the 8th grade, accommodating a growing student population of 400.
In 1994, MEI Pamporeunderwent a transformative change under the leadership of Mr. Ali Mohd Masoodi, with Mr. Bashir Ahmed Masoodi serving as secretary. This new Managing Body played a pivotal role in propelling the institute to unprecedented heights, which the school proudly boasts of today.
Their tireless efforts bore fruit as MEI  Pampore flourished and continued to grow. In 1996, the school achieved another significant milestone by upgrading to the 10th grade, offering education in 25 classrooms to a student body of 700. The Managing Body’s dedication remained steadfast, and in 2002, MEI  Pampore further expanded its academic scope to include the 12th grade. The school now boasted 45 classrooms and catered to a student population of 1100.
In 2008, MEI Pampore underwent a partitioning process that resulted in the establishment of separate wings for boys and girls. This restructuring facilitated a more conducive learning environment, and the school saw an increase in enrollment. With 75 classrooms, two large examination halls, and a growing student body of 1500, MEI  Pampore was thriving.
Today, MEI Pampore stands as an institution with four expansive buildings that house over 120 classrooms. Its fleet of more than 25 vehicles ensures efficient transportation for its 2500 students. With over 200 dedicated employees, the school continues to provide quality education and serve as the main centre of learning at saffron town Pampore.
MEI Pampore stands as a beacon of excellence, nurturing and shaping countless professionals across various fields. Its track record of producing successful doctors, engineers, advocates, and other professionals is no longer a secret. With consistent representation on merit lists of board exams, the institute ensures academic excellence while also fostering achievements in co-curricular activities. Its students frequently win  trophies in various sports competitions.   Undoubtedly, MEI Pampore must be  a source of immense pride for the people of Pampore and they should extend their unconditional support in every possible way to this institute of theirs. I admit that my words fall short in describing the greatness  of MEI Pampore. The institute’s accomplishments are truly beyond measure. In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Afreen Shafi, Qurrat Ul Farooq, and all the other outstanding students who achieved distinctions in the recent class 12th board exams. I express my sincere prayers for the good health of the  Managing Body and the dedicated employees of MEI Pampore !I pray that God Almighty protects this wonderful institute  from every evil eye and keeps it progressing by leaps and bounds till eternity!

– The author lives at Lethpora Pulwama. His books are available on Amazon, Flipkart etc. He can be reached at sahilsharifdinenglish@gmail.com