YES India Foundation was born from the personal journey and vision of its founder, Mr. Shaukat Bukhari. His journey inspired crucial action plans that ultimately led to the establishment of YES India Foundation, a nationwide organization dedicated to educational and social advancement across India.
In the year 2000-2001, while studying in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Mr.Shaukat Bukhari developed a close friendship with Kashmiri classmates, which led to an opportunity to visit Kashmir with them. Eager to see the land known as "heaven on earth," he journeyed to Kashmir, where he not only experienced its legendary beauty but also came to know the gentleness and intelligence of its people. It was a short visit. At the time, the social environment was more challenging with restrictions and limitations on travel and social interaction. He returned after only a few days.
After completing studies in Moradabad, they separated. Later in December 2005, some former Kashmiri classmates reconnected with him and extended a warm invitation to attend a conference as a guest in Kashmir. That trip helped him connect more deeply with the mind and soil of Kashmir, gaining a closer understanding of its people and land.
During his stay as a guest in various homes, he recognized the remarkable talent and potential of the children he met. It became evident that there was a significant shortage of a suitable educational system available to them. These experiences solidified his belief that introducing innovative educational approaches could bring about transformative change.
As the encouragement from his friends grew more fervent, the decision was made to establish an educational institution in those picturesque hills. In subsequent visits, a series of meetings and discussions unfolded with local civic leaders, scholars, social workers and individuals from various sectors.
During these interactions, many recognized his vision and entrusted him with the significant responsibility of revitalizing and modernizing an existing institution that was operating on a modest scale in Poonch City. In April 2007, he and his dedicated team embarked on their mission, focusing not only on traditional teaching but also on fostering awareness and engaging in various activities beyond standard working hours.
| KEY MILESTONES | |
|---|---|
| 2000-2001 | First Visit to Kashmir |
| 2005 | Reconnection & Vision |
| 2006 | Community Meetings |
| 2007 | Mission Begins - Poonch City |
| 2010s | Expansion Across J&K |
| 2020s | Nationwide Growth |
| 2024 | 63 Institutions Nationwide |
This commitment led to remarkable positive changes among the students, which in turn garnered widespread acceptance from the community. People were more fascinated by the direct evidence of the new generation growing up with the latest technology along with moral values.
35 in J&K
28 in Other States
As of 2024, YES India Foundation proudly oversees 35 institutions across six districts in Jammu & Kashmir with a total of 28 institutions operating in seven other states across India.
The institution in Poonch City has grown to be the premier institution in the area with around 2500 children studying there. In response to the ongoing needs of the local community, new institutions are inaugurated annually in various rural areas, ensuring the quality education remains accessible to all.
The number of skilled and dedicated educators from Kerala has significantly increased. Supporting the growth of a vibrant network of educational institutions, an energetic team is devoted to employing creative teaching methods aimed at nurturing talent within the unique landscape of rural India.
An academic system, carefully designed and developed by experienced seniors within the team, has become a cause to shape a platform as YES India Foundation.
Today, YES India Foundation continues its mission of providing quality education across rural India, combining traditional values with modern technology, and ensuring every child has access to transformative educational opportunities.