Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: In a historic move symbolizing gender equality and empowerment, the Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first all-girls Sainik School, named Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School, in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, on January 1, 2024. This landmark institution, hosting approximately 870 students, marks a significant stride in India’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for girls in the field of defence education.
Vision of Empowerment: The Raksha Mantri hailed the school as a “beacon of light” for girls aspiring to join the Armed Forces and serve the nation. He emphasized the government’s dedication to women’s rightful place in the Armed Forces under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership. This initiative aligns with the broader aim of women empowerment, particularly in areas traditionally dominated by men.
Major Praveen Singh, Founder, Cardinal Warriors Private Military School, Raipur “As one of the fellow founders in the realm of private Sainik Schools, I firmly believe that the establishment of 42 new Sainik Schools, with several more on the way, marks a transformative era in India’s defence sector. Witnessing the growing enthusiasm among children towards the Armed Forces is a clear indicator of rising nationalism. We take immense pride in our nation, and it’s our fundamental duty to be prepared for future challenges. While the primary aim of these schools is to prepare cadets for the army, the discipline, responsibility, and resilience ingrained through military training extend beyond. These virtues are essential not only for future soldiers but also for those who will join civilian life, shaping them into well-rounded individuals. The education provided in military schools, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, is a significant stepping stone in the lives of our students, moulding them into responsible citizens of tomorrow.” Major Praveen Singh, Founder, Cardinal Warriors Private Military School, Raipur
The establishment of Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School comes after the successful pilot project initiated in 2019 at Sainik School Chhingchhip in Mizoram, where female students were admitted for the first time. This progressive step is part of a larger vision to set up 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership with NGOs, private entities, and state governments across all State/Union Territories in India.
Broadening Horizons: The new Sainik Schools, including Samvid Gurukulam, are envisioned to provide quality education in line with the National Education Policy 2020, thereby offering better career opportunities, including joining the Armed Forces. The initiative also represents a collaborative effort between the private sector and the government in nation-building by shaping responsible citizens.
The inauguration was attended by Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath and other senior officials. This step is more than just the opening of a school; it’s a cultural shift towards acknowledging and nurturing the potential of young girls in areas like national security and defence, traditionally seen as male-dominated fields.
The government’s initiative of establishing 100 new military schools under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode is a testament to India’s evolving educational landscape. This move is set to revolutionize the concept of military education in the country, making it more accessible and inclusive.
The Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School in Vrindavan was founded by Rev. Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara. In her message as the founder, she emphasizes the importance of multi-dimensional nurturing of a child, which should be the prime objective of the school. With these efforts, India paves the way for a future where gender equality in education and career opportunities in the Armed Forces becomes a norm rather than an exception. Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School is just the beginning of a new era in the empowerment of girls in India.
