Of Jammu and its SuperHeroes

Have you imagined, how it would feel to sing our national anthem at the LoC at dawn? Or how it would be to gaze at the stars across that ‘border’? Walk across what perhaps seems like just a piece of terrain and yet feel a palpable connection with it that leaves you teary-eyed? These are just some of the amazing moments I had the privilege of experiencing with my Billlabongers last week.

Billabong High International (Santacruz) was among the nine schools in Mumbai that had participated in a first-of-its-kind, seven-day national integration trip on ‘Know your Army’, based on the theme of “Kashmir: The crown of India – Paradise of India”. Conducted by Nagrota based White Knight Corps, the tour was sponsored by the Indian Army under its Sadbhavana Project to showcase the sacrifice and commitment undertaken by its soldiers in the state.  It saw 186 students from Grade VI to X, teachers and Principals participating and witnessing a series of planned activities aimed at motivating students to join the Armed Forces and displaying the humanitarian efforts of the Army in uniting people.

In-line with the theme, students from diverse schools across the city were randomly segregated into various contingents, bonding as a team. We watched spellbound, as the army showcased combat power, slithering, various technical aspects and air mobility capabilities of the Armed Forces. Students not only had the privilege of interacting with their counterparts from schools at Rajgouri, but also witnessed the spirit of camaraderie and Espirit de Corps of our gallant forces on the border. They got to witness first-hand the importance of having your buddy’s back through the camaraderie, trust, faith every soldier shared with the other.

In fact our learnings began even before we reached Jammu, right from the train journey we undertook - for all students it was the first one; learning about each state as they passed through - it was like a field experience, crossing many states and seeing so many different types of people, cultures, dresses, food, dialect etc. referring to maps and charting their journey!

We reached Jammu station in the dark wee hours of the morning and yet were given such a warm welcome by the soldiers who were there to escort us in a 'convoy' to our first base camp about two hours away. We felt extremely secure. Watching our jawans leading from the front showed how important it was to not only 'overcoming your own fears and demons but also a life lesson to students that as a leader you first assess and experience before you ask others to take the plunge.. of course after safely considering the calculated risks!

The tour was a spectacular experience for us. We were mesmerised by the various addresses and orientations by the different commanding officers. Every army personnel had the same passion, vigour, core values and one couldn't differentiate between their commitments. This speaks truly of the Army culture that we took back with us - every student, teacher, parent aligning to the same vision, goal & philosophy of any school thus defining A ' School culture' with its attitudes! 

Personally, I take with me a moment that will stay with me forever. I had almost quit in the last 500 meters of a 9000-feet trek. My legs hurt so much that I couldn’t think of taking another step. A soldier approached me, lent me his hand and said, "the Goal seems visible, so why would you give it up? this is just like winning at the end of it; your students look up to you for this kind of Inspiration!!”. His words motivated me to plod on and the feeling of having completed the trek, it is indescribable. I shall always be indebted to that young soldier.

I was also amazed and humbled to see the depth of character and perspectives that all students displayed during this trip. From helping each other, leading teams, eagerly soaking up all experiences, interacting with the jawans etc., our Billabongers made us proud. I am certain that just as we left a bit of our hearts at the various places we went to, each of us had brought in that much more to dwell in our hearts as well, experiences that will last for a lifetime.  My personal

For any educator, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing our students have gotten wealthier with such invaluable experiences. 

While it was fascinating to hear them tell you as to how being a principal is an equivalent of being the Army Commanding Officer or have them approach you with some conscientious work they would like to do at school, a particular remark will stay with me forever. A young one remarked profoundly that if only control for power, greed and biasedness of some people across the world could be done away with, we wouldn’t have to send so many of our men patrolling the borders, away from their families, anticipating war and brutality. Rather, we would have hundreds of such dedicated personnel focussed on building solutions to make lives better, safer. Throughout the world! I marvelled at its profundity, and wished it true upon a star that fell…even if it was one across that border.