Opinion | Operation Sadbhavana: Building Bridges Between the Army and Local Communities

Operation Sadbhavana has empowered the underprivileged, becoming a ray of hope in J&K, enabling the poorest to achieve their dreams.

The migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the valley marked a turning point for Kashmir’s education system, which began to collapse in their absence. As teachers, educators, and professors, they had been the backbone of institutions across the region. Adding fuel to this crisis, the rise of terrorism disrupted access to education, particularly for underprivileged children from below-poverty-line families. Back then, concrete construction was rare; most schools, houses, and community buildings in rural areas were made of wood. These wooden schools became easy targets for terrorists, who frequently set them ablaze. In our area, many school buildings and even wooden bridges remained half-burned until recently. While the children of perpetrators studied in elite schools in Delhi and Mumbai, the underprivileged child, constrained by financial hardships, was left to struggle, often unable to achieve his educational dreams. In that crisis and crucial situation, it was the Indian Army that stepped forward with an idea, an initiative, and a brainstorming solution—named Operation Sadbhavana.
Launched in 1998 by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir, Operation Sadbhavana was conceived to address the needs of people affected by terrorism and to “win the hearts and minds” of the local population. The operation primarily focused on rural areas, especially those near the Line of Control (LoC), which were among the worst hit by insurgency and neglect. Its key areas of intervention include education, healthcare initiatives, infrastructure development, youth engagement, and sports and cultural activities. The guiding motto of the operation since its inception has been “Jawan Aur Awam, Aman Hai Muqam”, a phrase still prominently displayed on army camp gates and walls. What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on rebuilding trust through tangible actions, creating schools, providing medical facilities, and restoring hope in areas long overshadowed by conflict. For many communities, it became a lifeline, transforming despair into progress and proving that even amid the chaos, meaningful change is possible. It would be unjust not to highlight that among all its objectives, Operation Sadbhavana has made significant contributions to education, particularly for underprivileged students who might have otherwise abandoned their studies. In the following paragraphs, I will delve into its remarkable impact on the education sector with a personal example and touch upon its influence in other domains.
The achievements and milestones that Operation Sadbhavana has reached in the field of education are truly unparalleled. It has opened doors for students to study in institutions they could scarcely have dreamed of attending. Before I share my personal connection with this initiative, I would like to highlight how the Army Goodwill Schools, established under Operation Sadbhavana, have transformed the educational landscape. These schools have not only provided quality education but have also engaged locals as teachers, administrators, and non-teaching staff, fostering community involvement. Moreover, they boast infrastructure designed for the holistic development of children while maintaining a minimal fee structure, ensuring accessibility. This is one significant way Operation Sadbhavana has contributed to the betterment of education in Jammu and Kashmir.
Coming to sponsorships and financial support, my personal story is deeply intertwined with this initiative. After losing my mother to cancer in 2015, a tragedy that drained us emotionally and financially—continuing my education seemed nearly impossible. My father, who wasn’t in a gazetted post, struggled to make ends meet. The environment at home after my mother’s demise wasn’t conducive to my studies, so I decided to appear for the entrance exam of Army Goodwill Public School Pahalgam, a residential school. Though I passed the exam, the school’s fee—around one lakh rupees—was far beyond our family’s budget. Just when all hope seemed lost, a ray of light emerged in the form of the 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit of the Indian Army in Handwara. They extended their support and sponsored me fully for four years, covering my tuition, hostel fees, uniforms, books, stationery, shoes, and more. Thanks to Operation Sadbhavana, I was able to study without financial worries, away from home, for what I now consider the golden years of my life. The education and environment at AGPS moulded me into who I am today—disciplined, committed, and focused. At AGPS, I met students who were even poorer than I was, but thanks to Operation Sadbhavana, they, too, were receiving quality education. Today, many of them have achieved remarkable milestones, proving that this initiative has truly been a lifeline for underprivileged youth.
The achievements of Operation Sadbhavana don’t stop here; the way this mission has contributed towards healthcare is exemplary. During my childhood days, around 2008 and 2009, a team of army doctors would visit our area to treat patients suffering from various ailments, all free of cost. At that time, I didn’t fully understand what it was about, but years later, I came to know it was part of the Indian Army’s healthcare initiatives under Operation Sadbhavana. The team always included a female doctor, whom our elderly women affectionately referred to as the “lady doctor.” Later, I learned she was a gynecologist. This mission still continues in rural areas, demonstrating how the army has gone beyond boundaries—not only safeguarding the nation through sacrifices but also healing its people through thoughtful schemes.
In addition to healthcare, the Indian Army has made notable strides in engaging the youth, channeling their energies into constructive activities that foster personal growth and community spirit. Under Operation Sadbhavana, numerous youth engagement programs have been organized, including career counseling sessions, skill development workshops, and educational tours to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. For many young minds from remote villages, these programs are their first exposure to opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings, igniting aspirations and dreams they never thought possible. Sports and cultural activities have also been key components of this mission, bridging divides and fostering unity. I vividly recall how the army would organize local cricket tournaments, where young boys from various villages came together to compete. It wasn’t just about the game; it was about building camaraderie and teaching the values of teamwork and discipline. Similarly, cultural events celebrating the region’s rich heritage have provided a platform for artists and performers to showcase their talent, preserving traditions while creating a sense of pride and identity. Operation Sadbhavana, through these diverse initiatives, has not only addressed immediate needs but has also sown seeds of hope and empowerment, nurturing a generation ready to dream big and work for a brighter future.
This is how Operation Sadbhavana has become a lifeline for many students and families, helping them achieve dreams that once seemed unreachable. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army has gone far beyond its traditional role, stepping into the lives of ordinary people to foster a sense of unity, equality, and belonging. Through initiatives like these, they have shown that their mission is not only to safeguard borders but also to strengthen communities and build bridges of trust. It is this connection, built on genuine care and effort, that has left a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of people in the region.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at vadaiekashmir@gmail.com