Bharti Airtel Foundation and HQ Northern Command’s Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) on September 11 celebrated 10 years of partnership dedicated to advancing quality education, strengthening school systems across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Established in 2016, the partnership has been renewed this year.
Over the past decade, the partnership has expanded from supporting 14 Army Goodwill Schools to driving transformation across all 43 AGS in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Progressing through three phases – School Support, System Strengthening, and Institutional and Student Transformation – the collaboration has shifted from individual interventions to sustainable systems that strengthen institutions and improve learning outcomes. Key initiatives have included leadership development for Heads of Institutions, structured academic and co-scholastic frameworks, school operating processes, and governance mechanisms that have enhanced consistency and quality across schools.
Teachers have remained at the heart of this transformation. Through continuous professional development focused on pedagogy, foundational literacy and numeracy, technology integration and NEP 2020, all AGS teachers now have lifetime free access to ongoing learning through TheTeacherApp.
The partnership has also expanded opportunities for students through exposure visits, internships, career guidance, scholarships and experiential learning programs. Innovation Clubs established across AGS have supported the development of over 160 student-led projects, with students participating in prestigious platforms such as ISRO YUVIKA, INSPIRE-MANAK, Young Scientist India, School Enterprise Challenge and Young Technology Scholars.
The milestone event, held at Army Goodwill Public School, Pahalgam, was graced by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, and Shri Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co-Chairman, Bharti Airtel Foundation and Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, along with senior representatives from the Indian Army and Bharti Airtel Foundation.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education and meaningful opportunities for growth. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the remarkable transformation of Army Goodwill Schools through stronger systems, empowered educators, innovation-driven learning, and enhanced student opportunities. Together, we remain committed to nurturing confident, capable and future-ready young citizens.”
The impact of these efforts is reflected in growing national and international recognition for AGS students and schools, including Army Goodwill School Wuzur being recognised among the World’s Top 10 Schools in the Innovation category.
Following the renewal of the partnership in 2026, Bharti Airtel Foundation and Army Goodwill Schools remain committed to strengthening schools as centres of excellence, innovation and holistic development, equipping every child with the confidence, skills and opportunities to thrive in a changing world.
Shri Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co-Chairman, Bharti Airtel Foundation and Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said, “Meaningful transformation in education requires patience, strong partnerships and a long-term commitment to institution building. Over the past 10 years, our collaboration with HQ Northern Command’s Army Goodwill Schools has evolved from strengthening schools to creating ecosystems that empower educators, inspire innovation while expanding aspirations for students to dream beyond their circumstances. As we look ahead, our shared endeavour remains focused on ensuring that every child, irrespective of their geography, has access to the opportunities and skills required to realise their full potential. Together, we hope to give the next generation the foundation they need to shape a better future.”
