This school is considered a pioneer of literacy in Baramulla
Majid Jahangir
Tribune News Service
Baramulla, September 18
St Joseph’s School, one of the oldest educational institutions in J&K and situated along the Srinagar- Muzaffarabad road in Baramulla district, has been witness to many upheavals during its 110-year-old history.
All through, it has withstood its ground and come out with flying colours.
The educational institution is credited with spreading literacy in the area when illiteracy and poverty ruled the region.
The school, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar, is considered one of the prestigious academic institutes of J&K. At present, it has on its rolls 3,000 students from north Kashmir, including over 1,000 students from neigbouring Sopore — a separatist bastion.
The students even travel from places close to the Line of Control to study at the school.
The school tries to be ahead in both academic and extracurricular activities. The school was the first in Kashmir to introduce satellite-linked classrooms, but that had to be discontinued due to technical reasons. The school runs language laboratory — the first in Kashmir —for improving the communication skills of students.
The students from class IV onwards are trained in communication skills. There are more than 100 teachers, a majority of them are locals.
For the students, the school has all what they expect. “It is a complete institution. Students here have not only been maintaining academic excellence, but also excelling in other activities,” said Zara Shabir, a student of class IX at the school and a resident of Sopore. The school continues to be a torch-bearer.
Principal of the school Father Johnson (41) Thomas has a doctorate in physical education. He took over the prestigious institution a few months ago and has set a clear agenda for himself.
“My aim is to ensure growth of students, be it academics or extracurricular activities. The focus will be also on sports and outdoor activities,” Father Thomas said. He added that from next year, the school would start an international cultural programme for the students.
His deputy, vice-principal Father Soosai Rajan (33) said apart from imparting quality education, they ensured that the passouts from “our school have excellent manners that make a man”.
“We also try to make students global by the use of latest technology and computer-aided education,” he added. The school’s alumni are many prominent figures, who have proved their mettle in various walks and are placed across the globe.
Founder of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Maqbool Bhat and Minister of Roads and Buildings Altaf Bukhari are also the alumni of the school.
“The significance of this institution can be gauged by the people it has produced. We have so many professionals, including renowned doctors, engineers, professors and entrepreneurs, who shaped their future while being a part of this institution,” said Bukhari.
