In a significant milestone for education reform and Indo-UAE collaboration, the newly transformed Middle School block at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS), Kothibagh, Srinagar, will be officially inaugurated on 27th October 2025 by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha.
The transformation is part of the visionary DREAM School Project, a flagship initiative of the Faizal & Shabana Foundation (FSF), which brings the successful Nadakkavu School model from Kerala to the heart of Kashmir. The initiative, implemented under the PRISM framework, focuses on holistic child development, modern infrastructure, teacher training, and deep community engagement to revitalise government schools.
The project was committed by Mr. Faizal E. Kottikollon, Chairman of the UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC–UC), during a high-level UIBC-UC delegation visit to Srinagar in 2023, when the groundbreaking of the Emaar Mall of Srinagar also took place.
Today, Faizal Kottikollon called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha in Srinagar to invite him to inaugurate the middle block of the school on 27th October. The meeting reflects the deepening India–UAE ties and stands as a testament to Shri Manoj Sinha’s pivotal role in advancing education in the region. Mr. Kottikollon was also accompanied by Kshitij Korde, Head of Corporate Affairs, UIBC–UC, underscoring the strengthened India–UAE brethren and the shared vision behind this initiative.
During their conversation, Faizal Kottikollon and Shri Manoj Sinha also discussed the role of philanthropy in education and community development and explored various opportunities in J&K across health, education, and holistic wellness. Faizal apprised the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor about his latest project, Tulah Wellness Sanctuary, a pioneering initiative focused on integrative well-being.
With the strong support of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and collaboration between local authorities and UAE-based leadership, the DREAM School is poised to become a replicable model of public school excellence for the entire region.
“We are humbled to contribute to the future of Srinagar’s youth through the DREAM School. Education is the most powerful form of investment in human capital. This collaboration reflects the spirit of the UAE-India partnership, innovative, inclusive, and impact-driven. I would especially like to thank Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha for his unwavering support, vision, and leadership in making this initiative a reality,” said Mr. Faizal E. Kottikollon, Chairman, UIBC–UC and Founder, FSF.
The DREAM School Project at GGHSS Kothibagh is rooted in over a decade of success. The PRISM initiative, launched in 2013 in Kerala by FSF, has revitalised more than 900 government schools across India. Its proven approach integrates academic excellence with infrastructure transformation and has been instrumental in elevating Nadakkavu Government School to one of the top three Government Day Schools in India over the past five years.
Adapting this transformative model to the unique context of Jammu & Kashmir, the Kothibagh initiative represents a comprehensive overhaul of educational infrastructure and pedagogy. The transformation includes the integration of digital classrooms, smart libraries, and modern IT labs to enhance learning outcomes and digital literacy. The newly constructed Middle School block, built to global standards, further elevates the physical learning environment. Over 90 teachers from both Kashmir and Kerala have undergone intensive training to foster cross-regional collaboration and professional growth. Community engagement has been strengthened through initiatives like the North-South Dialogue and Theme-Centric Interventions (TCI), creating platforms for shared learning and inclusivity. Complementing these efforts, continuous capacity building for government officials and school leadership ensures sustainable impact and systemic improvement.
Project offices established at the Directorate of School Education and within the Kothibagh campus ensure continuous coordination, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.
“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. It stands as a testament to the UAE-India partnership, championed through platforms like UIBC–UC, which are fostering high-impact collaborations in sectors beyond business into education, culture, and community development,” added Mr. Kottikollon.
As the school opens its doors on 27th October, it also opens a new chapter in reimagining public education in Jammu & Kashmir, one that values equity, innovation, and hope.
