Civil Society, parents voice concern over social media bullying of pioneering Kashmir educationist 

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, Dec 25: In a unified stand against online harassment, several civil society voices, educationists  and parents in Kashmir, including the Foundation Trust, have voiced strong concerns about the persistent social media bullying targeted at Foundation World School and the Vice-Chairman of the Foundation Trust and a key figure behind the school. 

Several educationists and parents voices who spoke to Ziraat Times said it is unfortunate that quite often path breaking initiatives in the state are harmed due to unthoughtful activism directed at institutions and individuals without factoring in larger  community interests.

“The school’s and vice chairman Mubashir Aslam Wafai‘s contributions to cambridge curriculum-based education in Kashmir are immense, and we should worry for the misinformation and smears that continue to plague the institution”, said Syed Tarannum, a parent. 

The Foundation Trust, which oversees FWS — a Cambridge-affiliated school known for its world-class standards in Kashmir — also  issued a public statement emphasizing the school’s resilience in the face of baseless attacks.

“Social media is a constitutional right for all, yet it’s heartbreaking to witness its misuse by a few ill-intentioned individuals who twist facts to attack society’s true builders,” the statement reads.

It accuses detractors of harming dedicated individuals, their families, and the positive community impact they foster. Mr Wafai, described as an invaluable core member and driving force behind FWS’s success, has been lauded for his lifetime of hard work, dedication and leadership. Under his guidance, the school has become a beacon for children’s bright futures, expanding access to Cambridge education across Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). Despite these achievements, the institution and its management have faced unwarranted smears, with the statement asserting that such attacks only underscore Wafai’s strength and commitment.

“Insha Allah, he remains a cornerstone we cherish,” it adds.

Civil society representatives echoed these sentiments, praising the vice chairman and the whole team of the Foundation World School for creating a model institution that upholds international educational benchmarks. They noted that FWS continues to innovate and create more spaces for quality learning in J&K, even amid the bullying.

“This harassment robs our community of the positivity pioneers  bring,” Abdul Mannan, a former school principal said, calling for an end to the misinformation campaigns.

The statement appeals directly to parents and supporters, urging them to ignore the “noise of misinformation, blackmail and fabricated tales” from those pursuing selfish agendas. It emphasizes trust in the school’s track record and faith as sources of strength.

“Many of you have journeyed with us from day one, offering feedback we’ve eagerly embraced to grow stronger,” it says. In a call for direct engagement, the Chairman of the Foundation Trust invited questions and personal meetings for honest clarity, affirming,  “Together, we’re unstoppable.”

This development comes amid broader discussions on the impact of social media in sensitive regions like Kashmir, where online narratives can quickly escalate. While no specific incidents were detailed in the statement, it highlights a growing concern over how digital platforms can be weaponized against community builders.

FWS, certified as a Cambridge Center (No. IN094), has maintained its focus on nurturing excellence despite the challenges.

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