After 35 years, the Arya Samaj reopened one of its oldest schools in the Maharaj Gunj neighbourhood of the old city of Srinagar.
This educational institution ceased operations in the 1990s, and its premises were taken over by a local individual in 1992, who established a private institute named Naqshbandi Public School. However, the Arya Samaj Trust has successfully regained possession of the school and resumed its educational activities.
Samina Javed, the school’s principal, explained that before the 1990s, several Arya Samaj Schools were operational in the Valley, but most had to shut down, with only two exceptions: Dayanand Arya Vidyalaya (DAV), or DAVP Rainawari, and DAVP Wazir Bagh.
“The reopening of this third school in Maharaj Ganj was a response to the demand of local residents,” she said.
She said that the Naqshbandi School had been operating from the premises unlawfully, which led to the school building being returned to Arya Samaj. Consequently, it has been reopened under the name DAV Public School, aligning with the naming convention followed by Indian schools associated with the Arya Samaj.
“The school currently serves around 35 students from the laborer class who face transportation challenges. We are committed to providing these students with quality education, proper guidance, and a positive path forward,” she said.
She said the support of parents and locals has been instrumental in making the reopening of the school possible. She said the school intends to introduce modern teaching methods, including smart classes, in the future and “offers affordable tuition fees without admission fees,” she said.
Javed also highlighted their commitment to teacher training and the promotion of extracurricular activities alongside academic pursuits.
One of the students, Owaise, expressed satisfaction with the education and sports opportunities provided by the school. He shared his aspiration to become both a sportsperson and a scientist in the future.
