
As presented by Batch 22nd
A framework for understanding the challenges and working collaboratively toward a sustainable solution for our alumni community.
Beneath the mountains of Kashmir, where the valleys breathe cold,
A small boy in his tweens, a story to unfold.
Far from a home he once knew, in a world that felt new,
He found a family in me and you.
Through the stern morning bugle and the fog-laden air,
We learned discipline's lesson and brotherhood's care.
The hand of a senior, once feared, turned to a guide,
For in that shared struggle, our spirits allied.
We marched on the parade ground, our steps in a row,
In the fields of a cricket match, we put on a show.
For in those school colors, our differences fell,
United as one, a story to tell.
Now years have gone by and our journeys have changed,
But the love that we share can't be ever estranged.
For those halls and those fields, they hold more than a past,
They hold an unbreakable bond, built to forever last.
Now when we meet, with years gone by,
The same sparkle glows in each eye.
Though paths have changed, we still reply—
"You're my brother," with a sigh.
So let's put down our differences and remember the start,
That boy in sixth grade with a full, hopeful heart.
For the family we forged, in those years and that place,
Is a love that endures, beyond time and beyond space.
Our alumni association's journey has been one of unwavering brotherhood and mutual support, built on the foundations laid by dedicated individuals.
His unparalleled commitment illuminates the path forward, revealing not flaws, but immense opportunities for collective strength. We are not here to assign blame, but to uplift and expand upon this legacy. This roadmap is a compassionate and empowering response to the evolving needs of our community, transforming "growing pains" into a unified vision for a more transparent, democratic, and impactful future.
Our ultimate goal is to honor Mohammad Yousuf Wani Sahab's selfless dedication by building a future where no single individual carries such a colossal burden alone. Instead, the responsibility and the profound opportunity to serve will be enthusiastically shared among all, strengthening the very fabric of our cherished Sainiki bond.
Our journey forward is illuminated by the insights shared within our community. The challenges we currently face are not setbacks, but rather powerful opportunities to evolve, strengthen our bonds, and build a more robust and responsive association. Let's embrace these opportunities to transform our current trust-based system into a dynamic model for collective growth.
The absence of regular elections and extended leadership tenures has led to a perception of centralized authority.
This critical concern has been thoughtfully noted by members like Dr. Naseem Sir and Dr. Ahsan Sir ([May 27, 2025]), highlighting our opportunity to cultivate a truly democratic and inclusive leadership structure.
The lack of formal audits has sparked vital questions and even demands for refunds from members such as Dr. Ahsan Sir ([May 27, 2025]).
While ad hoc fundraising has been effective in emergencies, this signals our need to implement a structured financial system that ensures clarity, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
We are a richly diverse community, yet some feel that few batches currently dominate, leading to a sense of underrepresentation ([May 26, 2025]).
This dynamic, eloquently raised by Asif Iqbal Sir ([May 27, 2025]), presents an opportunity to actively foster a more inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued, dispelling any notion of "batchism."
Our reliance on informal communication, like the WhatsApp chat, and a general lack of engagement from many members ([May 27, 2025, GM Sir]) underscores the need for modernization.
This is our chance to design a more professional, streamlined, and engaging operational framework that serves all members effectively.
The absence of crucial 12AB and 80G registrations creates significant legal and financial risks, as pointed out by Ashiq Hussain Sir and others ([May 27, 2025]).
By proactively addressing this, we can unlock new fundraising capabilities and ensure our continued compliance, safeguarding our collective future.
The observed decline in member enthusiasm and occasional expressions of hopelessness are not signs of apathy, but rather a profound invitation to rekindle the vibrant spirit that once defined our association. This presents a golden opportunity to infuse renewed energy, inspiring every member to actively participate and contribute, thereby transforming disinterest into dynamic collective action and shared purpose.
These observations are not a judgment of individuals, but a clear call to action for systemic enhancement. They compel us to unite as brothers and forge a future that not only honors the immense dedication of our past leaders but also empowers every single member of our cherished community through a more compliant, transparent, and democratic structure. Together, we can build something even greater.
We recommend transitioning to a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013, to address the trust's flaws, including the absence of 12AB and 80G, and align with a vision for a transparent, impactful organization.
Eligible for 12AB (tax-exempt income) and 80G (donor deductions), addressing the trust's non-compliance and boosting fundraising ([May 26, 2025]).
Shareholder elections ensure rotation in management positions ([May 27, 2025, Dr. Naseem Sir]).
Mandatory audits and RoC filings resolve financial disputes ([May 27, 2025, Dr. Ahsan Sir]).
Corporate status enhances partnerships, vital for a Kashmir-based voice.
To integrate 41 batch coordinators and ensure efficiency, we propose a three-tier structure with an Advisory Board of patrons:
The Apex Forum
The Vanguard Council
The Sainik Collective
Each term is subjected to ratification every year.
The offices of our own competent people can help structure governance policies and coordinator roles.
All registered alumni (~3,000 members) with voting rights.

41 coordinators (one per batch), appointed by batches for 3-year terms subject to ratification every year before the AGM.

5 members: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, other representative. Elected for 3-year terms, subject to ratification in the AGM every year, with a max two-term limit ([May 27, 2025, Javaid Iqbal Sir]).

The vision is to create a united, transparent, and impactful alumni network that fosters the "Sainiki bond," supports ex-students, strengthens the school, and becomes Kashmir's leading voice.
Mentorship, emergency support, networking, startup support, business connections, legal assistance, and familial bonds
Infrastructure improvements, scholarships, and career development programs
Education initiatives, advocacy for reform, and becoming a leading voice in Kashmir
Pair alumni with mentors for careers (e.g., IAS, KAS, CAs, Doctors, Admins). Example: IIM Ahmedabad's mentorship program.
Fund medical/financial crises (e.g., [May 26, 2025]). Maintain an emergency fund, like IITBAA's welfare programs.
Host meetups and webinars, similar to Tulane's Connect platform.
Offer seed funding, incubation, and mentorship for alumni startups, modeled after IITBAA's E-Cell.
Facilitate B2B connections via networking events, like IIMIAA's initiatives.
Provide pro bono legal advice (e.g., contracts, disputes) through alumni lawyers, inspired by Tulane's referrals.
Fund labs, libraries, and post-earthquake repairs ([March 21, 2023]). Example: IITBAA's Project Evergreen.
Offer 5–10 scholarships/year, like Thomas Aquinas's grants.
Provide student workshops, emulating Oxford Falls Grammar.
Launch skill centers in Kashmir, partnering with NGOs, like IIM Indore's outreach.
Address unemployment and education reform, establishing regional leadership.
Collaborate with government and corporates for skill development.
The offices of our own competent people can help develop a strategic plan to achieve this vision.
To uphold democratic integrity and ensure that no individual misuses or neglects their role:
Any 55 or more registered voting members can jointly submit a written no-confidence petition. Must state specific reasons and include evidence of non-performance or misconduct.
Submission to Secretary, preliminary review by an independent Review Panel, and Special General Meeting (SGM) convened within 30 days with a clear agenda.
Conducted online and in-person with minimum 33% quorum. Motion passes with at least two-thirds (â…”) majority.
Immediate removal from office. Interim President/Officer appointed until fresh elections are held within 45 days.
To foster a culture of transparency and prevent misuse of power, we propose a robust system of accountability. This includes a no-confidence motion for key office-bearers and a framework for monitoring performance.
Any individual found guilty of gross misconduct shall be permanently stripped of their alumni membership and all associated privileges.
The individual shall be held personally liable for the financial loss caused to the association. Recovery shall be made for any proven financial loss or misappropriation, with the penalty being up to five times the amount of the loss.
These penalties will be imposed only after the individual has been found guilty through a formal, transparent investigation and a vote by the General Body, ensuring that due process is followed.
To foster a culture of transparency, each officer's contribution should be tracked and published regularly.
High-performing office-bearers may be awarded certificates and AGM recognition. Two warnings within a tenure = automatic review by the Advisory Board. Three warnings = grounds for no-confidence motion.
Activities: Funds scholarships, supports startups via E-Cell, organizes FinTech Summits, runs Project Evergreen for campus upgrades.
Support: Offers mentorship, job postings, seed funding for startups, and B2B networking.
Lesson: Adopt startup and mentorship models, using coordinators for engagement.
Activities: Global conferences, scholarships, mentorship, city-based networking events.
Support: Facilitates business connections, career coaching, and entrepreneurial mentorship.
Lesson: Implement regional networking and advocacy strategies.
Activities: Reunions, scholarships, tech workshops in West Bengal.
Support: Legal referrals, career fairs for students.
Lesson: Use coordinators for community outreach, like workshops in Kashmir.
Activities: Funds community projects, organizes global alumni meets, supports student internships.
Support: Provides startup incubation and professional referrals.
Lesson: Focus on community impact and internship programs.
We should move towards a modern election process that ensures transparency and meritocracy.
The offices of our own competent people can help oversee compliance and execution.
41 batch coordinators compile a verified list of ~3,000 alumni (roll numbers, contacts) within 5 days. The offices of our own competent people can help audit the list.
Assign 8-digit random IDs, like voter ids that will be confidentially shared to each member.
Announce elections 10 days prior for the President and other Board Positions. Candidates submit:
Host a 2-hour (or more) Zoom/online Q&A 15 days before voting, moderated neutrally, with candidate debates.
Use Modern Tech for 2-day voting. The process will be overseen by few internal and/or external people.
Announce at AGM within 48 hours.
To ensure a streamlined, merit-based, and efficient democratic process, we propose an election model that balances voter choice with the need for a manageable and credible pool of candidates. This approach simplifies the election for the voter while ensuring a high standard for all office-bearers.
To avoid a ballot with an overwhelming number of candidates, a two-step nomination process will be implemented. This ensures that only the most vetted and supported individuals are put forward for the association's leadership.
In line with our commitment to pure meritocracy and the "Sainiki bond," the JKSS Alumni Association encourages any alumnus with a vision to step forward and lead. We firmly believe that leadership potential exists in every batch and among every member. Therefore, we extend an open invitation to all committed individuals to file their nomination for the presidency. This is a chance to serve the association and unlock its immense potential. However, to maintain a streamlined and unified election process, should more than one nomination arise from a single batch, the candidates from that batch must first resolve the nomination internally. The individual who wins their batch's mandate will then be the sole representative from that batch to proceed to the main association-wide election. This ensures that every candidate for president has not only the courage to lead but also the foundational support of their own cohort.
A nominee who wins their batch's internal election, or a candidate from a batch with a single nominee, must then declare which of the five leadership categories they are running for (e.g., President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and one other representative). A candidate can choose to run in one category or multiple categories, and their name will only appear on the ballot for those specific categories.
In a scenario where batches that do not wish to nominate a candidate may collaborate with other batches to endorse a single nominee. This endorsement must be formalized with a written declaration signed by a minimum of five (5) batch coordinators from different batches. The five-batch endorsement rule is crucial because it forces candidates to prove they can unite different parts of the alumni community, ensuring the President has broad support and legitimacy from the start. It forces candidates to build a coalition, preventing a small faction from dominating the election and ensuring the president has wide-ranging support.
On the day of the election, each registered voter will cast five separate votes on a single ballot, one for each of the five key leadership categories.
Following the election, the entire Board of Directors will be formed from the pool of candidates based on the vote count in each category. A tiered threshold system ensures that every elected member has a clear and credible mandate.
This tiered threshold is designed to ensure a candidate from a single large batch cannot win with only their batch's votes. Instead, they must secure a clear majority with support from other batches, promoting unity and cross-batch collaboration.
To ensure that the most deserving candidates secure a seat, a vote aggregation process will be triggered if a candidate fails to meet their assigned threshold.
The system will first identify the category where the candidate received their highest number of votes. All votes received by the candidate in all other categories will then be added to this primary vote count. This serves as a last-resort effort to help the candidate meet the minimum threshold and avoid a run-off election.
If, after vote aggregation, a candidate still fails to meet the minimum threshold for their role, their election is considered null and void. A run-off election for that specific position will be held within 15-30 days between the top two candidates from the original poll. This guarantees a conclusive result.
To illustrate how this streamlined, yet detailed, election process works, let's walk through a hypothetical scenario.
A total of 1,000 votes are cast in the main alumni election. After internal batch elections, three individuals—Candidate A, Candidate B, and Candidate C—are the only ones to file for the main election.
Voters cast their five separate votes on a single ballot. The initial results for the top three candidates are as follows:
Since Candidate A for President failed to meet the 13% threshold, the system re-evaluates their support. The votes they received in all other categories will now be added to their primary vote count for President.
This new, combined total of 20.5% exceeds the 13% minimum threshold. This is the purpose of vote aggregation: it prevents a deserving candidate from being disqualified by a narrow margin. Candidate A is now officially the President.
Note: In this example, if Candidate B had failed to meet the 8% threshold for Vice-President, a run-off election for only the Vice-President's position would have been held between Candidate B and the person with the next highest vote count in that category.
This section details the proposed financial model, which is structured to ensure transparency, sustainability, and maximum impact. The model is built on a conservative, yet ambitious, revenue projection and a flexible budget allocation system.
Our financial model is built on the estimated size of the alumni community and a realistic projection of member contributions.
Total Projected Annual Revenue (Year 1): The combined contributions from both tiers will result in a total annual revenue of ₹48,18,000. This figure represents the total operational budget for the first year.
To ensure financial prudence and maximum impact, we are adopting a flexible budget model where administrative costs are directly tied to the association's revenue. This policy curbs excessive spending during leaner years and ensures that the majority of funds are dedicated to our core mission.
The total budget for all administrative expenses, including salaries and professional services, will be capped at 20% of the total annual revenue or ₹20 lakhs, whichever is lower.
For Year 1, 20% of ₹48,18,000 is ₹9,63,600. Since this is less than the ₹20 lakh cap, the administrative budget will be ₹9,63,600.
While we propose an honorarium for our elected office-bearers and staff, we believe in a culture of voluntary contribution. Any elected office-bearer may voluntarily forfeit part or all of their remuneration by submitting a signed declaration to the Secretary, reflecting a commitment to service over personal gain.
The association's financial stability is paramount. The following measures will be implemented to mitigate fundraising risks and protect the organization's mission.
All employees, including administrators, will sign an employment agreement that includes a "No Demand of Salary" clause in case of insufficient funds. This clause legally binds the employee to acknowledge that their remuneration is contingent on the association's financial performance. This protects the organization from legal and financial liabilities should fundraising targets fail to meet expectations.
A percentage of the annual revenue (proposed at 15%) will be allocated to a dedicated Emergency Fund. This fund is not just for alumni crises but also serves as a critical reserve for the association itself. In the event of a significant and unexpected drop in revenue, these funds can be utilized, with the approval of the General Body, to ensure essential administrative functions continue, thus protecting the association's mission.
The Board of Directors will conduct quarterly financial reviews. If revenue projections fall below target, the Board will take proactive measures to adjust the budget. This may include:
Temporarily freezing honorariums for elected office-bearers (with their consent, as per the voluntary forfeiture clause).
These measures collectively create a robust financial framework that is adaptable, accountable, and resilient to the challenges of fundraising and growth.
After deducting the administrative costs, the remaining ₹38,54,400 will be allocated to a range of programs designed to benefit ex-students, the school, and society. The allocation is based on a strategic percentage breakdown, allowing programs to scale with the association's financial health.
This budget is a commitment to tangible action. It outlines how the association will utilize its resources to create a professional, impactful, and enduring institution.
This is our largest investment and a direct reflection of our commitment to empowering our members. The funds will be used to:
Networking and Mentorship: Launch a robust mentorship platform, connecting experienced alumni with juniors for career guidance, professional networking, and personal growth. This is a direct answer to the need for structured support identified in the WhatsApp chat.
Giving back to our alma mater is at the heart of our mission. The budget will support:
Career Counseling and Extracurriculars: Organize career counseling sessions, skill-building workshops (e.g., coding clubs, public speaking), and other programs to prepare students for the competitive world.
The association will not exist in a vacuum. A portion of our budget is dedicated to fulfilling our civic responsibility to the wider community of Kashmir.
Advocacy and Policy: Fund research and policy papers on key issues affecting youth employment and education reform in Kashmir, establishing the association as a credible and influential voice.
This fund is a critical safety net that embodies the "Sainiki bond" of brotherhood and mutual support. It is reserved for unforeseen needs and will be used to:
Crisis Support: Offer aid and counseling in times of bereavement or other personal hardships, creating a family-like community. This fund ensures that no member feels alone in their time of need.
Events are a vital part of strengthening the alumni bond. The budget will be used for:
Regional Meetups & Webinars: Facilitating smaller, more frequent regional gatherings and online webinars to keep engagement high and allow for flexible networking opportunities.
This roadmap outlines the critical steps we will take to bring our vision to life, ensuring every action contributes to building a stronger, more impactful alumni association.
Establish a dedicated Executive Committee to translate our ambitious vision into tangible actions and drive the strategic implementation of our roadmap.
Assemble a distinguished Patrons' Council to champion our mission, provide invaluable guidance, and amplify our impact through their esteemed support.
Conduct transparent and democratic elections to inaugurate passionate leaders who will steward our association with integrity, foresight, and unwavering commitment.
Secure our legal framework by registering as a Section 8 Company, simultaneously uniting our community by meticulously compiling a comprehensive and up-to-date alumni directory.
Galvanize our community with an inspiring inaugural reunion, launch a transformative mentorship program, and fortify our collective resilience by establishing a robust Emergency Fund, embodying the true spirit of "Sainiki bond".
Our association is built on the foundation of mutual support and forward-thinking governance. These policies are designed to ensure that every Sainiki thrives professionally and that our collective voice shapes the future of our community, reinforcing our commitment to growth and transparency.
The JKSS Alumni Association is deeply committed to fostering the professional growth and well-being of its members. In all employment and contractual opportunities generated by the association—whether for administrative roles, project management, or operational tasks—qualified Sainikis shall be given preferential consideration.
This commitment ensures that the economic and professional benefits of the association's work are directed back to the alumni community, reinforcing the core mission of mutual support and empowerment.
To ensure the association's governance remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of its members, a clear and deliberative process governs all changes to our bylaws. This procedure upholds our values of integrity and member representation.
Any member of the Board of Directors (Tier 3) or the Vanguard Council (Batch Coordinators, Tier 2) may submit a formal proposal for a bylaw amendment or rule change. The proposal must be submitted in writing and clearly state the proposed change and its rationale.
The proposal will first be meticulously reviewed and thoroughly deliberated upon by both the Board of Directors and the Vanguard Council. This crucial step ensures comprehensive vetting by the association's key leadership, integrating both executive and batch-level perspectives.
Following deliberation, a vote will be held among all members of the Board of Directors and the Vanguard Council. The proposal must secure a two-thirds (â…”) majority of those present and voting to advance to the final stage.
If the proposal passes the leadership vote, it will then be submitted to the President for final approval. The President retains the authority to either approve the change or return it for further deliberation, ensuring ultimate alignment with our vision.
This is your opportunity to voice your opinion and actively participate in the transformation of our alumni association. We urge you not to stay silent.
Roadmap for JKSS Alumni Association Transformation