Srinagar: In a landmark event symbolizing the power of cross-border collaboration and philanthropy, the newly transformed Middle School Block at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS), Kothibagh, was officially inaugurated today by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha.

The transformation is part of the DREAM School Project, a flagship initiative of the Faizal & Shabana Foundation (FSF), led by Dubai-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Mr. Faizal E. Kottikollon, who is also the Chairman of the UAE India Business Council - UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC). Both he and his wife, Mrs. Shabana Faizal, were present at the opening along with members of the UIBC-UC delegation.

In addition to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor’s presence, the event was attended by several prominent business leaders and dignitaries from the UAE and India, reflecting the deepening partnership between both nations. Distinguished guests included Mr R N Sharma, Secretary, School Education Department, J&K, Dr. Itoo, Director General, School Education, Kashmir, ⁠Dr. Aman Puri, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, and Amb Sunjay Sudhir, former Indian ambassador to the UAE. 

Also in attendance were Maj. Gen. Sharafuddin Sharaf (Retd.), Vice-Chairman, UIBC-UC and Vice Chairman, Sharaf Group UAE, Mr. Akram Thumbay Moideen, Thumbay Group, UAE, Mr. Ajmal Habeeb, Yenepoya Group, and Mr. Moidu KE, PK Group

Representing the core UIBC-UC team were Kshitij Korde, Head of Corporate Affairs, and research specialists Neha Sahni and Simar Kaur.

Bringing the proven success of Kerala’s Nadakkavu Model to the heart of Kashmir, the DREAM School marks a pioneering step in revitalizing public education through a blend of world-class infrastructure, progressive pedagogy, and community integration. The project is implemented under FSF’s acclaimed PRISM framework, which has already transformed more than 900 government schools across India.

Lt. Governor, Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha extended his heartfelt appreciation to Faizal, Shabana, and the Faizal & Shabana Foundation for their exemplary commitment to transforming public education in Jammu & Kashmir. He said this was just the beginnning of the transformation journey of the education sector in J&K and added that the initiative reflects how visionary leadership, compassion, and collaboration can reshape the trajectory of government schooling. The project has not only revitalized the learning environment at Kothibagh but has also sparked new hope among students, teachers, and the wider community. It stands as a shining example of how design, innovation, and empathy can elevate education to global standards.

“We are humbled to contribute to the future of Srinagar’s youth through the DREAM School. Education remains the most powerful investment in human potential, and this initiative reflects the spirit of the UAE-India partnership, one that is innovative, inclusive, and driven by impact,” said Mr. Faizal E. Kottikollon, Chairman, KEF Holdings and UIBC-UC and Founder, FSF. 

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in bringing this initiative to life.”

The DREAM School project in Kothibagh was initiated following Mr. Kottikollon’s 2023 visit to Srinagar as part of a UIBC-UC delegation, where he committed to transforming the school during the same landmark visit that saw the groundbreaking of the Emaar Mall of Srinagar. The project has since emerged as a cornerstone of Indo-UAE socio-developmental cooperation. 

Now, in continuation of that vision, Shri Manoj Sinha has inaugurated the newly completed school block. This event marks a significant milestone not only for the Faizal and Shabana Foundation but also for UIBC-UC’s broader cross-border commitment to fostering harmony and strengthening relations between India and the UAE, reflecting the shared ethos of giving back to the community that underpins the vision of all its members.

On the sidelines of this significant event, Shri Manoj Sinha also launched a UIBC-UC research paper titled “Bridging Horizons: UAE-India Partnership and Future of Education-led Development.” The paper underscores education as a catalyst for socio-economic development and explores how UAE-India collaboration through philanthropy, CSR, and knowledge exchange can strengthen India’s education and skill development ecosystem. It includes a special regional focus on Jammu & Kashmir and highlights the pivotal role played by Shri Manoj Sinha and the J&K Government in supporting this initiative and UIBC-UC’s broader mission.

India, home to the world’s largest youth population with over 600 million under the age of 25, has one of the most extensive education systems globally comprising nearly 1.5 million schools, 10 million teachers, and around 247 million students. As highlighted by the UDISE+ 2024–25 data, government schools account for nearly 69% of all institutions, serving just under half of total enrolments, while private schools, representing about 23% of all schools, attract nearly 39% of students. This contrast reflects the growing demand for quality education and the immense opportunity to strengthen the public-school ecosystem in India.

“The DREAM School is a flagship example of how cross-border philanthropy, strategic diplomacy, and shared values can come together to build a better future,” added Mr. Kottikollon. “It is a powerful testament to what is possible when nations collaborate not just in commerce, but in community development and human empowerment.” 

The transformation includes a newly constructed Middle School block featuring global-standard infrastructure such as smart classrooms, modern IT labs, and a digital library designed to enhance digital literacy and student engagement. More than 90 teachers from both Kashmir and Kerala have undergone intensive training through the Faizal & Shabana Foundation’s cross-regional pedagogy enhancement program, promoting professional excellence and collaborative learning. Community engagement is a core element of the project, with initiatives like North-South Dialogues and Theme-Centric Interventions (TCI) fostering inclusive participation, cultural exchange, and shared ownership among stakeholders. To ensure sustainability and real-time oversight, dedicated project offices have been established both at the Directorate of School Education and within the Kothibagh campus, enabling seamless coordination, monitoring, and long-term governance.

The initiative reflects not only a philanthropic commitment but a broader vision for Jammu & Kashmir’s socio-economic upliftment. During a meeting ahead of the inauguration, Mr. Kottikollon and the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor also explored opportunities in healthcare, education, and integrative wellness, including discussions on Tulah Wellness Sanctuary, Mr. Kottikollon’s new venture focused on holistic well-being. As the school opens its doors, it symbolizes a powerful narrative shift, from underinvestment to innovation, from division to dialogue, and from limitation to limitless opportunity.