Fueled by a deep passion and devotion for education, a 50 year old woman from North Kashmir’s Bandipora district has emerged as a guiding light in the field of computer education for over two decades empowering and inspiring many.
Hailing from Nowpora village of Bandipora, Parveena Akhter has illuminated countless lives with her efforts and endeavor .From typewriters to computers, her journey has been marked by innovation and dedication to empower her students.
Parveena said she began learning typewriting while she was in 10th grade. After her marriage in 1987, she was concerned that her newfound passion might face opposition from her in-laws. However, she was pleasantly surprised to find strong support from her husband and in-laws, which allowed her to continue her journey.
Parveena said during those days, typewriting was a novel concept in Bandipora and as news of her Typewriting Institute spread, the Bandipora government took notice and approached her. They requested her to train six of their employees in typewriting. Simultaneously, she initiated training sessions for government employees as well.
Parveena said that in 1997, she founded her first typing institute “Parveena Typing Institute” in Nowpora area of Bandipora and as the years passed, she broadened her educational pursuits by establishing several institutions which allowed her to reach and benefit even more students in Bandipora.
In the year 2020, Parveena expanded her dedication to education by going even further. She established a computer institute namely “Harmokh Institute of Information” in Chittibanday Village of Bandipora. The institute was specifically designed to provide computer education to tribal students to ensure that students from marginalized backgrounds could access quality education in the digital age.
Parveena said when the typewriter era ended, and computers took over, she decided to teach computer skills. “I didn’t have many resources, but I did my best to make my dream come true with what I had. I started my first computer institute, namely “INTECH Computer Education and Systems” in 2002 with just six computers and that was the beginning of my journey in the field of computers”, she said.
Parveena said she saw how the world was changing and realized how important it was for people to know about computers. So, she moved from typewriters to teach computers to create new job opportunities.
Beginning with very few resources but fueled by a deep passion for education, Parveena established her initial computer institute. As time passed, she consistently modernized her curriculum and facilities to stay in step with advancing technology. Nowadays, her institutes provide a wide variety of computer courses, including programming, web development, graphic design, and more.
Parveena has had a significant impact on her students’ lives. Her institutions have given thousands the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market. Many graduates have found jobs in respected companies, and others have started their own successful businesses.
Haris, one of Parveena’s students, said that when he first enrolled in her institute, he had virtually no knowledge about computers. However, today, he can confidently say that he has become an expert in computer knowledge, and it’s all because of her tireless guidance and teaching.
Towfeeq Ahmad, another student while reiterating similar sentiments stated that Parveena’s dedication and expertise are unparalleled. “Her institute not only provided me with essential technical skills but also nurtured my confidence and ambition. Thanks to her, I’m now pursuing advanced studies in computer science”, he said.
The tribal computer institute established by Parveena in 2020 has already made a big difference by providing opportunities to students who may have otherwise had few chances. This initiative has garnered praise and appreciation from students and their families, who view her as a guiding light on their path to a brighter future.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, with several accolades which recognize her exceptional dedication and achievements in education. Despite the recognition, Parveena remains humble and committed to her mission of empowering students through computer education.
When inquired about her journey, Parveena said that her aim has always been to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world.
“I am passionate about equipping them with skills that will secure their future and enable them to contribute to society. The joy I feel when I see my students thriving is immeasurable”, she added.
