By Mool Raj
I am not a think tank but simply a regular columnist and freelance writer who wishes to express his thoughts on the remarkable achievement of the students of Government PM SHRI Higher Secondary School, Khellani, Doda. Their outstanding success deserves appreciation and recognition, as it highlights the immense potential of young minds in shaping a sustainable future.
Before discussing this achievement, it is important to briefly highlight the history and significance of Government PM SHRI Higher Secondary School, Khellani, so that readers become aware of how this institution has evolved into a major learning hub in the heart of Doda district.
The school was established in 1935 as Government Middle School Khellani. It was upgraded to a High School in 1982 and later to a Higher Secondary School in 2005. It now functions as a PM SHRI School, showcasing the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Managed by the Department of Education, the institution is located in the rural area of Assar Block in Doda district and caters to students from Grades 1 to 12.
The school is co-educational, with English as the medium of instruction, and is accessible through an all-weather road. It has a government building with well-maintained classrooms, a separate room for the Principal, a playground, a library, computer laboratories, and modern educational facilities. The institution also houses an Astro Laboratory, Atal Tinkering Laboratory, ICT Laboratory, and STEM Laboratory, enabling students to explore science and technology through practical learning. A Guidance and Counselling Cell helps students make informed academic choices.
Over the years, the school has excelled in academics, sports, science exhibitions, model displays, essay writing, painting competitions, and various co-curricular activities. Numerous achievements have brought recognition to the institution and enhanced its reputation across the district.
Recently, students of PM SHRI Government Higher Secondary School, Khellani, participated in the District-Level Science Exhibition held on May 19, 2026, at DIET Doda. A total of 15 models were presented under seven themes. Representing their school in the category of Sustainable Agriculture, the students secured the First Position.
This victory qualified the team for the Divisional-Level Competition held on May 30, 2026, at Baba Jitto Kisan Kendra, Directorate of Agriculture, Talab Tillo, Jammu. At this level, 54 models from various schools were displayed under seven different themes. Once again, the students of Government PM SHRI Higher Secondary School, Khellani, performed exceptionally well and secured First Position in the Sustainable Agriculture category.
Based on this outstanding performance, the team has now been selected to participate in the National-Level Competition.
Main Team Members
Arun Sharma (HSP-I), son of Santosh Kumar and Sumna Devi
Arun Sharma (HSP-I), son of Ashok Kumar and Suneeta Devi
Teachers Who Guided the Team
Mr. Zia-ur-Rehman Bhatt, Teacher
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Lecturer in Physics
Escort Teacher
Mr. Davinder Kumar, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Mentor, Bureau of Indian Standards, Government PM SHRI Higher Secondary School, Khellani.
Support Team Members
Tarminder Kour (HSP-II)
Vidushi Katoch (HSP-II)
Veerta Devi
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the school, teachers, and participating students for this remarkable achievement. The award demonstrates that the younger generation is actively developing practical solutions needed for a greener and more sustainable future. At a time when climate change and soil degradation pose unprecedented challenges, such innovations offer hope and inspiration.
Mr. Zia-ul-Rehman Bhatt congratulated the students and staff for securing first rank. He stated that their innovative approach towards eco-friendly farming practices and food security is truly inspiring. According to him, this achievement proves that young minds are capable of creating practical solutions for sustainable development.
Similarly, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Lecturer in Physics, extended his warm congratulations to the students. He remarked that the winning project, “Sustainable Agriculture,” successfully demonstrated how modern scientific techniques can be integrated with traditional, chemical-free agricultural practices to create resilient farming systems.
The students confidently explained the preparation methods, economic viability, and marketing strategies associated with their project. Their presentation reflected a sound understanding of agribusiness, farm entrepreneurship, and sustainable resource management. By focusing on water conservation, organic waste recycling, and environmentally friendly agricultural techniques, they showed that sustainable agriculture is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical and achievable solution.
The achievement reflects the hard work, determination, and spirit of excellence that define the school. More importantly, it signifies a shift in educational thinking. It reminds us that education should not be limited to textbooks alone but should also nurture environmental stewardship, innovation, and problem-solving abilities among students.
Government PM SHRI Higher Secondary School, Khellani, has emerged as a thriving ecosystem where young minds are encouraged to innovate and contribute to society. Through conservation activities, scientific experimentation, and green initiatives, the school is helping students become responsible citizens and future environmental leaders.
Special congratulations are due to Principal Mrs. Nazia Munshi for her leadership and encouragement, as well as to Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Mr. Zia-ul-Rehman Bhatt, and Agriculture Extension Scientist Mr. Abrar Ahmed for their invaluable guidance and support.
The award was conferred during the inaugural ceremony of the Krishi Sammelan held at Baba Jitto Kisan Kendra on May 30, 2026, in the presence of distinguished scientists, policymakers, and progressive farmers. The team was honoured with medals, certificates, and cash prizes.
The competition provided a vibrant platform for young innovators from across Jammu and Kashmir to showcase ideas in agriculture, science, and entrepreneurship. Representing their school under the theme “Sustainable Agriculture,” the students impressed the jury with their concept, “Sustainable Agriculture for Smart Nutritional Management.”
The project focused on rapid agricultural advancement and biofortification, offering an integrated approach to enhancing nutritional security while ensuring agronomic viability. It successfully combined modern genetics, crop improvement strategies, and practical field-level applications, reflecting the school’s commitment to scientific excellence.
Principal Mrs. Nazia Munshi praised the students for demonstrating scientific innovation aligned with national priorities. Vice-Principal Mr. Ashan Ahmed Rather also congratulated the team for their dedication, teamwork, and ability to present complex scientific concepts with confidence and clarity before a divisional-level audience.
Finally, I applaud the dedicated faculty for fostering such a strong spirit of inquiry and innovation. Government PM SHRI Higher Secondary School, Khellani, has given us hope and a glimpse of a greener, more self-reliant future. Congratulations to the entire school community, especially the students whose hard work and creativity have brought laurels to the institution.
I wish the team every success in the National-Level Competition and hope they continue to make the school, district, and nation proud.
(The author is a freelance writer)
