Tag Archives: Muslims of Jammu

Spread your wings and the world watches you fly – Babar Ali Chaggatta

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tehsil Mahore, Baddar Village(Gulabgarh), (Reasi District), Jammu, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

If someone decides to change the same conditions and backwardness about which you keep crying your whole life, then surely his name will be Babar Ali Chagatta. 

Babar Chagatta has achieved great success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination this year. His rank is 364th. According to Babar, he may get IPS at this rank, but he wants to become an IAS. Therefore, he has started preparing to become an IAS once again.

24-year-old Babar is from Tehsil Mahore and village Baddar (Gulabgarh) of District Reasi in Jammu region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This area is considered to be the most backward area of ​​Jammu, which is still deprived of many basic facilities. 

Babar says that a paved road has not yet reached my village. Till one and a half to two years ago, my village remained in darkness because electricity had not reached there. Now my village has been illuminated by electric light.

Babar studied till 5th standard while living in the village. In the sixth class, he went to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, where he studied till 12th standard. He scored 90% in 10th standard and 86% in 12th standard. Then he went to Aligarh for further studies and obtained BA Honours degree in Political Science from AMU in the year 2014. After this, Babar took admission in the Political Science Department of Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi to obtain MA degree. However, he could not complete this course due to his desire to join the civil service.

When and why did you think of joining the civil service? 

In response to this, Babar says, when I was about to go to the sixth class, my father introduced me to the civil service. When I went to Navodaya, I saw an IAS officer for the first time in the school’s annual program. His words also inspired me a lot. Also, the backwardness of the area especially inspired me to become an IAS and remove the misery and backwardness of my village. In this way, it was always in my mind that I can change the condition of this village by becoming an IAS.

Let us tell you that Babar’s father Ghulam Qadir was an officer in the forest department in Jammu. When Babar was in the 9th class, he left this world forever. Amma Ghulam Fatima is a homemaker. Babar is the youngest among five brothers. He also has a younger sister. All his brothers are in government jobs. 

Babar started his preparation in 2015. When he felt that MA classes were becoming an obstacle in his preparation, he left MA studies. He achieved this success in the third attempt. He wrote Mains in the first attempt. But in the second attempt, he failed in the prelims itself. Babar says that he was a little disappointed but this time I had decided that I must fulfill my childhood dreams and my father’s wish. All the things I remembered about my father kept inspiring me. 

Which subject did you choose for this exam and why? 

In response to this Babar says, I chose Political Science. The reason is that I have done my graduation in this subject and I am also very interested in International Relations. 

He says that in the last 4-5 years the results of Political Science have been very good. Now this subject has become very scoring. 

How and where did you prepare for the exam? 

On this Babar says, I did not take any coaching. I stayed in the residential coaching of Jamia Millia Islamia. However, I did not attend many classes there either. I focused more on self study. On being asked that your name is also in the list of Zakat Foundation, Babar says that after passing the mains, I went there for a mock interview. 

What message would you like to give to those preparing for civil services?  

On this question, Babar says that, first of all you have to always be ready that no matter what the result is, never lose hope. If you are ready for this, then first of all look at its syllabus and try to understand it in a better way. Then definitely look at the papers of the last few years. From there you will understand what UPSC wants from you. Although UPSC does not have a fixed pattern, every year something or the other changes.

The second important thing is that you must be honest for this. You cannot prepare for this under pressure from anyone. The most important thing is that you yourself should be interested in it. That is, self-motivation is very important. If it is clear why you want to join the civil service, then no one can stop you from being successful.  

He further says that initially read NCERT thoroughly. Along with this, you have to read the newspaper every day. Always keep yourself updated. Do as many test series as possible. Most of the study material is available online. There is a lot of material here, but you should not get confused, rather you have to read smartly by being selective. 

Babar likes playing cricket and watching issue based films. He says that even while staying in Jamia, he never forgot to play cricket every Saturday-Sunday. He also likes watching films. When asked which film he has watched, he says that ‘Stree’ is my last film. This film not only entertains people but also gives the message of what a woman wants from the society. Babar likes Shahrukh Khan a lot. On the other hand, he gets a little shy when asked about his favourite actress. Then he says that he definitely likes Priyanka Chopra’s acting a little bit.

Babar says that my father is my ideal. I wish he were here, he would have patted me on the back for my success. Babar wants to give credit to his entire family for this success. He especially wants to thank his mother, because she always filled Babar with courage and passion. 

Babar, while giving his message to the youth of the country, especially the youth of his community, says that if you really want to come into the mainstream, then you should definitely think about joining the civil service. What is needed is that instead of cursing the system, you should come into the system and understand it and work accordingly or change yourself. There is also a need to connect those who have become successful with the society. 

Apart from this, Babar wants to give his message to the youth of his community through this verse of Shakeel Azmi –

Spreading out the wings the world watches the flight 

What does one see in the sky while sitting on the ground? 

If you have got beauty then protect this beauty 

Walk carefully, the whole world is watching you… 

source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> India> Real Heroes / by Afroz Alam Sahil, Beyond Headlines / April 20th, 2019

Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi: Harbinger of education, harmony, social change

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Ghat Village (Doda Town, Chenab Valley) JAMMU, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabad

In the picturesque Chenab Valley’s Doda township in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, lives a man whose life is the epitome of service to humanity. Although a teacher by profession, Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi has changed the lives of many underprivileged boys and girls by leading them on the path of enlightenment through education.

Furqanabadi, 64, born in Ghat village, five km from Doda town, has been shaping young minds and uniting communities through education for four decades.

With a Master’s degree in Arabic (1989), Hafeez started teaching at the Royal Academy, a private school in Doda, after completing his 12th standard. Later, he moved on to teach Arabic, Urdu, and English at various other private institutions.

Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabad

For him, education is not just a profession, but a mission that goes beyond official responsibilities.

His life changed after he was appointed a government teacher in 1995 and posted at the Hanch High School in Doda, where he taught Arabic, Urdu, and English.

To his shock, he found most of the classrooms half-empty — especially of girls.

He decided to change this.

He began visiting families across Doda, urging parents to educate their daughters. “Education is not just a right — it’s a light,” he would often say.

Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabad

Gradually, mindsets shifted. Hafeez became more than a teacher — he was a reformer, a motivator, and a beacon of change.

His dedication extended far beyond school walls. With a few close friends, Hafeez founded a charitable trust in Doda, focused on educating underprivileged children of all religions.

The trust provided free education, school uniforms, shoes, and books to the students. His home became a refuge for learning as he offered free tuition to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

In 2011, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir honoured him for his contributions by presenting him with the State’s One of the Best Teacher Award.

Perhaps what defines Hafeez Furqanabadi most is his unwavering commitment to communal harmony. In a region often marred by religious tensions, Hafeez worked tirelessly to promote Hindu-Muslim unity.

His efforts earned him respect from all communities. “He teaches humanity before anything else,” one of his former students, now a government officer, told Awaz-The Voice.

Beyond teaching, Hafeez has also made his mark as an author and poet. His three books — Tanzeel, Momin Ki Namaaz, and Intekhaab — are widely read and appreciated across Jammu for their spiritual and literary depth.

Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabad

Moreover, many of his poetic compositions are regularly recited in morning assemblies in schools throughout Jammu and Kashmir. His verses reflect not only sensitivity but also the deeply spiritual and humanistic values he lived and taught.

After a distinguished career, Mohammad Hafeez retired from government service in December 2022. His farewell was an emotional tribute, attended by hundreds of students, teachers, and community members, who shared moving stories of his life’s work — a testament to the legacy he leaves behind.

Even after his superannuation, Hafeez has been actively pursuing his mission — teaching the under, counseling, and inspiring others. He believes that one can retire only after one ceases to contribute to society. For Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi, that day is nowhere near.

Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi stands tall in the collective memory of Doda and Jammu for his lifelong commitment to building a kinder, more educated, and more united society.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Danish Ali, Doda / June 24th, 2025

International kho kho girl Nazia Bibi brings cheers to her tribe, J&K

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Kalakappar Village (Nagrota Tehsil), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Heavily garlanded Nazia Bibi with her family including her grandmother, and visitors at her home

Weeks after the nomadic Gujjar-Bakerwal community of Jammu and Kashmir plunged into a state of shock as 17 tribesmen, women and children died of a mysterious disease in village Budhaal in Rajouri, a young woman has brought cheers to and restored the pride of the community.

Nazia Bibi, a 21-year-old college student has become the first athlete from J&K to win gold in the International Kho Kho championship. Nazia, who hails from village Kalakappar of tehsil Nagrota on the outskirts of Jammu city, is a member of the Indian women’s Kho Kho team which recently lifted the maiden World Cup in Delhi by trouncing Nepal in a convincing victory.

Nazia Bibi also became one of the few tribal women from J&K to reach the international level in sports.

Her achievement is more important given the fact that the Gujjar-Bakerwal community is backward and also conservative in its outlook for women.

However, Nazia today doesn’t hold any grudges against her family for asking her to stop playing because of society’s disapproval.

International Kho Kho player Nazia Bibi

“I can understand when my family asked him to stop playing since people made uncharitable comments and fun of me because I didn’t wear a conventional dress while practicing. I had my Chachu (Uncle) Master Iqbal who is a teacher to fall back upon. I would explain to him my problems in pursuing Kho Kho and he, in turn, convinced my father,” she said.

Her father Sabar Ali is an unlettered person and earns his livelihood by rearing cattle – sheep and goat. Nazia has a sister and two brothers and the family lives in a two-room house in the village.

A BA fifth-semester student of the Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Govt College for Women Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, Nazia says lifting the gold cup for India was her proudest moment and brought her struggle to a logical and happy end.

“Today, at 21, I am overwhelmed as so many people are coming to congratulate me. It’s too much for me to handle,” she says in a video interview to a local channel.

Nazia is amused to see her relatives and neighbours announcing that they would encourage their children to play sports as well.

“One person’s struggle can open opportunities for so many,” she said.

Nazia was invited by the LG Manoj Sinha to the Raj Bhawan for a meeting. The DIG of Jammu felicitated her for her achievement.

Advocate Zulkarnain Choudhary, a community activist said Nazia should be given a decent job of the rank of a gazette officer by the J&K government, as is done in other cases.

Nazia however says her struggle and achievement must bring focus on better infrastructure for sports. “We don’t have good stadiums or coaching family in Jammu. Practicing in an open field and on mats indoors are so different,” Nazia said.

Nazia Bibi with LG Manoj Sinha and officials of the Kho Kho association

As a promising athlete, she says she was encouraged by her teachers in the local school and also by the J&K Kho Kho association officials.

“I continued playing kho kho because it doesn’t require expensive tools and sports kits. However, my skill was honed in the national camps for which I was selected. Also, a team game requires you to bring sharp skills to the table.”

Nazia said she practices three hours at home and for 7-8 hours in the camps. “Joining the preparatory camp for the International Kho Kho competition was very helpful. It brings discipline in an athlete and also makes one realize of competition.”

An international gold medal in hand though Nazia wants to forget her struggle against society’s attitude. She said, “Even I felt uncomfortable with the tracksuit and uncovered hair because we, as tribal women, are conditioned to conservative dressing.”

Her father Sabar Ali says, “I am an illiterate person. I would get upset with people making jokes about my daughter’s dress and her sports. Today, the same people are coming to congratulate us and I am so happy.”

Sabar Ali and his five brothers live close by in the village and have unity. Advocate Choudhary who visited the 2-room house of Nazia told Awaz-the Voice, “They are a simple and pure united family. I don’t think they fully understand the scope of their daughter’s achievements.”

Fighting society in pursuing one’s passion is not so easy for women.

Nazia says at one stage she had decided to give up. As luck would have it Nazia was playing for India and the team won gold unmindful of the celebrations of her brother’s wedding back home.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa, New Delhi / February 04th, 2025