Suhail Rather
Srinagar, April 26 (KNS): In an era where personal success often eclipses collective responsibility, some individuals choose a different path — one paved with empathy, courage, and a deep sense of duty. Among them is Ghulam Nabi Tantrey, a son of Kashmir’s Bandipora district, whose remarkable journey from a prosperous contractor to a devoted educationist continues to inspire hope in the Valley.
Tantrey's story is not merely about founding a school; it is about sowing seeds of change, nurturing dreams, and reshaping futures — one child at a time.
Born and raised in Bandipora, a region affectionately known as the land of Alim (knowledge), Adab (culture), and Aab (water), Tantrey achieved the aspirations many dreams of. By the early 1990s, he was a successful government contractor, enjoying financial prosperity, professional acclaim, and widespread social respect. His future seemed comfortably mapped out.
But fate and a restless conscience had different plans.
In 1992, a series of encounters with orphaned and destitute children opened his eyes to the silent suffering that thrived alongside his own success. "What is the value of my wealth if I cannot uplift even a single soul?" Tantrey often reflects when speaking of his turning point.
Moved by a profound sense of responsibility, Tantrey made a decision that stunned many around him — he walked away from his flourishing business. Turning his back on personal gain, he chose instead to invest his time, resources, and heart into a mission he believed was greater: providing free education to Kashmir's most vulnerable children.
Thus was born Doon International Public School — an institution in name, but a sanctuary in spirit.
While its name might conjure images of elite private schooling, the school operates with an entirely philanthropic heart. From its inception, the doors of Doon International were thrown open to the orphaned, the needy, and those marginalized by society’s indifference.
Education Without Barriers
What sets Tantrey’s school apart is its holistic vision of care. Students not only receive completely free education, but are also provided with free textbooks, uniforms, school supplies, and nutritious meals. In an environment where basic needs often go unmet, these gestures remove critical barriers to learning.
"Education must be a right, not a privilege," Tantrey says, emphasizing the core belief that underpins his efforts.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Modern classrooms, safe drinking water, hygienic sanitation, and well-maintained play areas further create an environment where children can grow without fear or stigma. Special attention is paid to emotional and psychological well-being — an often neglected aspect of underprivileged education.
A Personal Mission
Unlike many founders who remain distant figures, Tantrey is a daily presence at the school. He walks among the students, listens to their stories, shares in their laughter, and offers quiet counsel. For many, he is a second father — a steady hand in a life often marked by instability.
"He is not just our principal. He is our mentor, our guardian," says Aamir, a student who dreams of becoming a doctor. “He shows us that we matter.”
The curriculum at Doon International balances academic rigour with practical skill development, preparing students to thrive not just in exams but in life. Workshops in arts, crafts, sports, and vocational training empower students with confidence and resilience.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Tantrey's ultimate goal is nothing short of transformative. By equipping children with education and life skills, he hopes to break the generational cycle of poverty that ensues so many in Kashmir.
"Our vision is to create a society where no child is left behind simply because of circumstances of birth," Tantrey explains. "Every child deserves a fair chance at a future full of dignity and opportunity."
His work stands as a powerful counter-narrative to the turmoil that has long gripped the region. Where violence and uncertainty have left scars, Tantrey plants hope and possibility.
An Enduring Legacy
Today, hundreds of students have passed through the gates of Doon International Public School, carrying with them not just certificates, but dreams kindled by compassion and opportunity.
Ghulam Nabi Tantrey’s story reminds us that true wealth lies not in what we accumulate for ourselves, but in what we give to others. Through his unwavering dedication, he has built more than a school — he has built a legacy that will illuminate countless lives for generations to come.
In the valleys and mountains of Kashmir, his message rings clear: "Change begins with one child, one dream, and one act of courage."(KNS)