Bandipora, Oct 29 (KNS): Long known across Kashmir as a bastion of traditional knowledge or ‘ilm’, north Kashmir Bandipora district has in recent years found itself lagging in the race for modern, innovative education hampered in part by its relative remoteness and a narrow, congested highway that often discourages specialised educators from venturing here.

Now, challenging this status quo is the Dubai Grand International School (DGIS), which has set up a branch in the Sonerwani village of Bandipora, aiming to blend the district’s historic legacy of learning with contemporary, creative teaching methods.

For years, students and educationists in Bandipora have voiced concern over the gap between the district’s rich intellectual history and the slow adoption of tech-enabled, skill-oriented learning. The single-road connectivity to Srinagar, they say, has compounded the isolation making officials “reluctant” to introduce educational innovations here.

“Bandipora has always been an epitome of knowledge, but it now needs a strong push toward creative and innovative learning,” Chairman of Dubai Grand International School, Mohammad Haneef, said. “That is the motive with which we opened our branch in Bandipora so that children here can also excel in a competitive world.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”

The school promises smart classrooms and activity-based learning modules seldom available in most local institutions. Haneef said the initiative is aimed at ensuring students “don’t have to travel outside for quality modern education”.

“Parents should see what DGIS is implementing, a friendly yet competitive environment where children learn by experimenting and creating, not just by rote,” he added. “We urge them to admit their wards so that the young generation of Bandipora can script a new chapter of success without leaving their roots.”

Local residents have welcomed the move, expressing hope that such initiatives can help Bandipora reclaim its position as an educational hub. “Our children are talented, but they need exposure to new-age learning tools. This is a promising start,” said Rayees Ahmad, a parent.

While infrastructure and connectivity remain challenges, educators say the arrival of institutions like DGIS could prompt a broader shift, helping Bandipora’s famed ‘ilm’ evolve into 21st-century innovation.