It was Saturday, second day of June; the morning newspaper became a source of worry for parents whose children are studying at Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Srinagar. A BRIDGE NEAR PRESENTATION CONVENT! This very news brings into mind the serene atmosphere that surrounds the school and at the same time makes a person wonder about the brains that come up with such unpropitious projects.
Presentation Convent has a reputation for being the premier centre of learning for girls in Kashmir and it’s perhaps a dream for every parent to see their daughter getting educated from this school. As the school magazine reads “Located on the banks of the Jhelum river and surrounded by lofty poplars, mighty oaks and majestic chinars, this temple of learning can boast of wonderful infrastructure and sprawling lush green  grounds. The school is without doubt a jewel in the crown of Kashmir”. The distinction that the school has achieved over other institutions in the valley is attributed to the multifaceted aspects of the school. To mention a few, the very location of the school, the infrastructure, the quality of education, conformity to the safety of girl students and finally seeing toddlers growing up to well groomed, highly educated girls that walk out from the school. No doubt the school has singled out as preferred choice of parents for their daughters.
The contribution of school towards education of Kashmiri society is unparalleled. In spite of the turmoil in the valley, the school has left no stone unturned for providing quality education to females. Living up to its motto of Virtue and Labour, for over 75 years, we as a society are highly indebted to Presentation Convent.
With such feelings of appreciation and indebtedness that we owe to this school, the revelation of a bridge being constructed near the school, held us in bewilderment. The idea if perfected will be a jolt to the legacy of a school, which has been an epitome of educational excellence in the valley. The very fabric of the school lies in the calm and the undisturbed surroundings of the school. With such environment around the school, a sense of emotional safety is created for the school authorities, for the children and for the parents of these children.
Give away the safety and integrity of the school, the bridge in the first place may prove an environmental disaster. On one hand the Government is aiming at the beautification the Jhelum and on the other they plan to turn it into an ugly concrete jungle.
Developmental works like these will no doubt ease out the traffic mess and benefit the people. We are not opposing the construction of the bridge. On the contrary, such developmental initiatives are most welcome. Our only concern is the location of the bridge, right outside the main gate of the school, which is highly objectionable. Keeping in view a number of available options, the plan should be executed in such a manner that neither the school is affected nor the construction work compromised.
The school is an abode to 3000 young minds and while world is undertaking steps for women empowerment, Government in Kashmir seems to be apathetic enough to downgrade the premier girl school in the valley. In these hard times, the Chief Minister of the state who himself has been the student of the school, is our sole hope. This gives us hope that under such dynamic leadership the decision will be revoked.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST