𝗪𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲, 𝗪𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁! Agar Tum Na Hote Yeh Namamukin Tha!……..Kids from Saujiyan Poonch !

By M S Nazki

-The Indian Army, serving under the motto “Service Before Self,” stands as the nation’s shield, protecting borders and ensuring citizens’ safety through unwavering courage and sacrifice. With over 1.4 million active personnel, it is the world’s largest volunteer army, defending India in challenging terrains and diverse conditions.

-Protection: Soldiers guard the nation’s borders 24/7 in challenging environments, from freezing Himalayan heights to hot deserts, allowing citizens to live without fear.

-Service & Sacrifice: Beyond combat, the army acts as a guardian, providing assistance during crises, natural disasters, and maintaining internal security.

-Unmatched Dedication: The forces are revered for their discipline, valor, and commitment, with many making the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

-We were all hungry! Two days of grueling patrol had almost sunk us up! It was about Seven in the morning and I knew the inmates of the house! The Company headquarters would take us three more hours to reach! I saw a smoke coming out of a mud house (in those the villagers used to have mud houses! I knew Razziya along with her mother, younger brother and a small sister would be there! She always used to be there cooking something or the other and we arrived! Thirteen of us and she along with her mother got busy! The fireplace was all about wood burning on three fire places! Modern day cooking gas stoves also have three stoves! The food being prepared was egg curry, green vegetables (Saag) picked out of the fields which were large in size! And what breakfast we had! The bread was of maize!…..Curd with jiggery was special!………It did not finish here as the story had just started about unity and brotherhood…….1993 was the year and today it is 2026………The bond between the people and the Olive Green Uniform has only increased! The wave length is buzzing and it would buzz for water……….By the way we had just asked for water and not a Dastarkhan (a traditional Persian-origin dining spread, consisting of a cloth laid on the floor, ground, or table for meals)…….But this was delicious……………….!

-Saujiyan Poonch is a remote border village located in the Tehsil Mandi area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Its history is deeply intertwined with its geographical location near the Line of Control (LoC), making it a sensitive border area characterized by both challenges and initiatives aimed at integration and development.

Key aspects of Saujiyan’s history and profile include:

-Border Conflict and Security Issues: Due to its proximity to the LoC, Saujiyan has frequently been affected by ceasefire violations and cross-border tension. Reports indicate incidences of shelling and the recovery of mines in the area, leading to disruptions in daily life and safety concerns for local residents, especially in times of escalated conflict.

-Military Presence and Civilian Life: The village has seen instances where residents have moved to safer locations due to heavy mortar shelling. It is a region where the Indian Army maintains a strong presence and works on community outreach, including providing aid during emergencies.

-Army Goodwill School (AGS) Saujiyan: The presence of an Army Goodwill School has been pivotal in the recent history of the area, providing education to children in this remote, under-developed region.

-Integration and Outreach Initiatives: To foster better connectivity with the rest of India, the Indian Army often organizes State Integration Tours (SIT) for students and residents of Saujiyan. These tours, organized under ‘Operation Sadbhavana’, take students from this border area to various parts of India, including New Delhi, to witness the nation’s progress and promote “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

-Development and Challenges: The area faces challenges related to connectivity and infrastructure, with reports mentioning the need for better snow clearance on roads to improve accessibility, especially during winters.

-Recent Developments (2025-2026): Recent activities in 2026 involve students from AGS Saujiyan visiting the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, showcasing an focus on youth empowerment and education in the area.

-In summary, the history of Saujiyan is a narrative of resilience, characterized by its residents’ survival in a high-tension border region and their ongoing integration into the national mainstream through educational and developmental initiatives led by the Indian Army.

-Army Goodwill School (AGS) Saujiyan:

Army Goodwill School (AGS) Saujiyan, located in Jammu & Kashmir’s Poonch district, is a crucial institution under the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana. It provides quality, affordable education to children in remote border areas, enhancing academic excellence, fostering national integration, building student confidence, and providing Exposure through tours.

-Key Importance of Army Goodwill School, Saujiyan:

-Quality Education in Remote Areas: The school bridges the educational gap in conflict-affected and rural border areas, offering structured, high-quality education to children.

-Operation Sadbhavana Integration: As a key project under Operation Sadbhavana, the school works to empower local youth and strengthen ties between the Army and the civilian population.

-National Integration Tours: AGS Saujiyan organizes Educational Tours, like the State Integration Tour where 33 students traveled to places like Jammu, visiting historical sites and fostering a sense of belonging to India.

-Holistic Development & Infrastructure: The school emphasizes science labs, sports, and co-curricular activities, ensuring the holistic development of students.

-Interaction with Leadership: Students get opportunities to interact with state leadership, such as Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, motivating them to dream big and serving as a platform for confidence building.

-Symbol of Normalcy and Progress: By providing a safe and progressive learning environment, these schools act as catalysts for normalcy and social development in the region.

-In summary, AGS Saujiyan acts as a beacon of education, fostering a sense of unity, confidence, and national pride among the children of border regions.

-The lines which we got to write this story was: 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗞𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝘀 | 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 |𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵! From remote areas of 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗷𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗻, 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗵, 𝟯𝟯 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟰 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 from Army Goodwill School, Saujiyan, embarked on a transformative journey under the aegis of 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗞𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝘀. The tour included their first train journey and exposure to 𝗦𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗿 and 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗺𝘂. Interaction with senior Army leadership, a meeting with the 𝗛𝗼𝗻’𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿, a tank ride and visits to iconic locations turned curiosity into confidence and aspirations into purpose. The students returned with brighter smiles, stronger beliefs and dreams that soared higher, reflecting the Indian Army’s commitment to nation-building and youth empowerment.

-Sawjian, a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district located near the Line of Control (LoC), is a picturesque yet challenging place known as the “Gulmarg of Poonch” for its beautiful meadows and alpine scenery. It is characterized by high-altitude, mountainous terrain (6000-11000 ft), featuring summer pastures for nomadic tribes like Gujjars and Bakerwals. The area has often suffered from lack of basic infrastructure, poor connectivity, and security incidents.

-A Story of Survival and Beauty in Sawjian

-Scenic Beauty and Nomadic Life: Located 36 kilometers north of Poonch town in Mandi Tehsil, Sawjian is known for its stunning natural spots, high-altitude pastures (Dhoks), and forests. It is a traditional destination for shepherds and nomadic tribes like Gujjars and Bakerwals who migrate here in the spring.

-The Struggle of Isolation: Life in Sawjian and neighboring villages like Paralkot is defined by isolation. A narrow road connects it to the mainland, often intended only for military access. Residents face immense difficulties, including poor, often non-existent, telecom connectivity, forcing them to travel several kilometers for a single phone call.

-Life on the Edge of Conflict: The village lies near the Line of Control (LoC). Residents live in a “twilight zone,” facing the constant threat of cross-border shelling and security issues. This precarious, often dangerous situation has resulted in a long history of casualties and the loss of lives in accidents, such as the 2022 mini-bus crash that claimed several villagers’ lives.

-A “Cursed” Narrative: A profound challenge lies in nearby Paralkot village, an hour-long trek from Sawjian. Due to severe isolation and genetic isolation, over 80% of the residents in Paralkot suffer from hearing and speech impairments, a devastating issue often overlooked by authorities.

-A Story of Resilience: Despite these hardships, the village is not just a tale of despair. Stories of resilience, such as a recent medical case involving the healthy birth of triplets in the area, highlight the community’s determination…………!

-Key Aspects of Saujiyan, Poonch:

-Location & Geography: Situated in the border district of Poonch, part of the Jammu region, it is often referred to as a border village near the Mandi sector.

-Army Presence & Development: The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps actively operates in the area, providing infrastructure support, running the Army Goodwill School, and organizing educational/integration tours for local students.

-Community & Economy: The population is largely rural, with the community engaging with security forces for local development and safety initiatives, including recruitment as porters.

-Infrastructure: The region has often been cited as needing further investment in infrastructure to fully tap into its potential.

-Recruitment & Support: The Army maintains a strong community engagement presence, conducting porter recruitment drives.

-Strategic importance:

Saujiyan, located in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, holds immense strategic importance primarily due to its close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). It is a critical, rugged border area that plays a vital role in India’s border security, operational preparedness, and surveillance against infiltration.

-Frontline Defense and Infiltration Control: The 220-kilometer section of the LoC starting from Sunderbani in Rajouri and ending at Saujiyan in Poonch is a critical sector often targeted for terrorist infiltration. Saujiyan acts as a vital point in this security grid, requiring constant vigil to prevent infiltration from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

-Infrastructure Connectivity: The vital Saujiyan-Khet Road is crucial for both local civilians and defense forces, allowing for better movement of troops to forward locations along the LoC.

-Preventing Territorial Breakthroughs: The area’s geography makes it a focus for maintaining defense against attempts by Pakistan to disrupt communication lines and threaten the hinterland.

-Surveillance and Operational Preparedness: Due to its proximity to the LoC, the Indian Army regularly assesses and strengthens defense infrastructure in the area to address security challenges posed by infiltration.

-Regional Security Context:

-Poonch has a history of conflict dating back to 1947–48, and its location makes it critical for maintaining a defensive buffer to prevent infiltration into the Jammu region. The security forces, including the Romeo Force, are actively involved in this area to maintain operational readiness.

-The last few lines: Sawjian, a remote border village 36 km north of Poonch town, is characterized by picturesque, terraced Kashmiri-style houses surrounded by lush meadows, acting as a serene yet complex landscape near the Line of Control. Life here often revolves around agricultural hardships, with many youths seeking work as porters. The village, often called the “Gulmarg of Poonch,” has been a historical site of conflict since 1130 AD, when a minister named Sujji conducted a successful night operation to capture invaders!……..!