By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net,
Srinagar : RISE, an institute for coaching students for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and other career oriented programmes in Kashmir Valley co-founded by three IITians on Sunday organized a prize distribution ceremony in which the toppers of Rise Talent Search Examination (RTSE) were facilitated.
The event was hosted by Jammu & Kashmir Bank which is also a co-sponsor of the initiative at their corporate headquarters in Srinagar.
The first three positions of Humanities, Commerce and Science streams from Class 11th, 12th and 10th were awarded cash prizes for their achievements at the prize distribution ceremony.
Besides free coaching was announced to 40 talented aspirants of JEE, which will be a regular feature starting this year. The toppers included students from various government and private schools of Bandipora, Shopian, Sopore, Baramulla, Ganderbal and Budgam.
“Starting this year, RISE will offer free coaching to 40 talented aspirants of JEE. The course will be conducted by the team of IITians at RISE. We want to ensure that the lack of resources is not a hindrance to any talented student towards achieving his/her dreams,” said Salman Shahid, Co-founder of the RISE.
Importantly, RISE had started an ambitious talent search examination across the valley to identify talented students who do not possess the resources to pursue quality education. The examination primarily targeted the economically weaker sections of the society. Almost 15,000 students had taken the test in over 8 districts which included 40 schools across Kashmir Division of J&K, this year.
The Chief Guest for the event was Abdul Rauf Bhat, Executive President of the J&K Bank. While speaking about the RTSE and the support J&K Bank bestowed to the initiative, Rauf said, “J&K Bank is always forthcoming in supporting such initiatives as they identify and encourage talent, inspire local youth to think big, train and guide them to realize their potential. Further, the fact that the initiative is being taken by local IIT graduates adds weight and worth, sense and seriousness to the idea.”
Further, he advised the RISE team to develop quality coaching facilities for other competitive examinations, at graduate and post-graduate levels as well, as that is “the need of the hour for our region”.
Another Speaker, Mohammad Shafi Pandit, Chairman at Ascent Group handed over the trophies and the cash prize to the toppers of RTSE. Speaking about the state of educational awareness in Kashmir, Pandit said, “Back in time, when I was preparing for civil services, I faced similar, but bigger, challenges that students face these days. There was lack of information and awareness with respect to civil services or any other competitive examinations. The situation is still grim, as most of the students of the valley are unaware of the educational opportunities that they can avail, and lack the necessary guidance to pursue the same.”
“Through RTSE, RISE is doing a commendable job in addressing these bottle-necks. Identifying talented students and apprising them about the educational opportunities, and encouraging them to chase excellence is the need of the hour,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shah-i-Hamdan Memorial Institute from Shopian district received the award of Best School in the valley as it produced the top 3 positions of Class 10th in RTSE.
Adeeba Tak, Topper of RTSE Class 10th was exhilarated on receiving the first prize trophy and the cash prize. While sharing her overall experience, she said, “Thanks to RTSE, I am motivated to prepare for IIT right after I am done with my class 10th examinations. This award and recognition has given me a sense of belief that if I work hard, I am capable enough to achieve my dream of studying at IIT. I don’t have any doubt in my dream now.”
RISE, started in 2012 in the valley, has brought hopes among the students community that they can make it to the prestigious institutions and look beyond traditional mode of education. The institute was co founded by three IITians from three different parts of India Mubeen Masudi (Kashmir), Salman Shahid (Delhi) , Imbesat Ahmad (Bihar).The coaching centre has become a hub of very affordable IIT coaching for students in Kashmir.