Indrani Balan Foundation: Shaping Dreams of Terror Hit Children

Indrani Balan Foundation, led by Punit Balan, an entrepreneur, filmmaker founder of unparalleled foundation that landed in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 with a hope and commitment to build the lives in association with the Indian Army of the children whose education came to at stake due to terrorism and drugs.

Punit Balan is the first non-J&K entrepreneur to begin working on children’s education and other development projects since the repeal of Article 370. His goal is to provide free education to the children of Kashmir. The chairman says, “Similar initiatives have been launched in other states, but we chose J&K because we believe that someone must take the lead.”

To shape the dreams of children, Punit Balan Group has been rendering social service in Maharashtra, Gujarat and other states of India, but the love and affection for the people of Kashmir, called him to Kashmir to work over education, sports in collaboration with the Indian army.

The foundation has taken the lead under the ‘Nation First’ initiative for the education of Kashmiri children. The foundation has been running 10 schools, established by the Indian Army, through the Indrani Balan Foundation. These schools are located in high-militancy areas such as Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Uri, Trehgam and Gurez.

Moreover, the Dagger Parivaar School for Special Children at Baramulla is being helped technically, educationally and financially by the foundation. Punit Balan Group has been providing financial help to sportspersons from Kashmir to participate in the international events. Among such sportspersons are Afreen Haider (Taekwondo), cyclist Muhammad Saleem and kho-kho player Umer Syed.
So far the foundation has reached around five thousand students in Kashmir.

Talking to Punit Balan, Chairman Indra Nimad Foundation, said in collaboration with the India army since 2019 we are working over a series of issues comprising education, sports and other social work.

After 370 Punit Mandam is first non J&K entrepreneurs started working over in at least 10 schools which comprises 4 thousand students. The motive is to provide free education with knowledge. We have chosen J&K besides Maharashtra, Pune, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. Why we chose J&K because we believe someone has to take initiative.

To provide broad vision and unique education, we came to J&K and got a warm welcome from the army. The abrogation of 370 paved way to many activities in Kashmir with the help of army. I remember the year before we installed the tallest 150 flag in Shopian; it was installed by our group.

Kashmir has suffered a lot due to terrorism. Militants kill innocent people which we condemn. Recently an incident happened in Rajouri where terrorist’s barged into houses and resorted to indiscriminate firing upon innocent civilians resulting death of many civilians and injured several. The children of these affected families suffered badly. Their education suffered as there was no one left to take care of their needs.

What we do, we identify these affected families we provide free education to their children. We are also working over sports, we want to expose the talent. We are providing them opportunities. Our group has already 60 athletes 4 from J&K. They are making their hammer across India. We provide them every opportunity to rise and shine.

Our message to youth is to don’t fall into radicalization, drugs, and militancy. They should come to us along with the army as we are there to help them.

I feel fortunate that I have got an opportunity to work for the Indian Army. I will surely do all that is possible, along with the Army, for building a new Kashmir.

Umar Ahmed Rather, a kho-kho athlete, played for Mumbai with the help of Punit Balan Foundation. When contacted, Umar said “I am thankful to the army and Puneet Balan Group who contacted me and provided all possible support me to serve my country”. He also said “I am indebted to this foundation”.

Mohammad Saleem Sheikh, another athlete, a cyclist said, “I got an overwhelmed support from Punit Balan Group. I have played 8 nationals in different states of the country. I got assistance from Puneet Balan Group and Army. I urge youth to come forward and serve the country with the skills and ability. And most importantly do not fall to militancy, drugs and radicalization,” he said.