Watrina Village (Bandipora District, North Kashmir), JAMMU & KASHMIR :
Mumtaza Begum, Sheep farm owner
Mumtaza Begum, a 33-year-old homemaker from Watrina village in Bandipora district, North Kashmir, has changed her life through sheep farming. Despite limited resources, social challenges, and the compulsion to drop out of college early, Mumtaza refused to give up and is today recognised as a successful female entrepreneur in the area.
Mumtaza’s story is one of struggle and the spirit of fighting out adversity. Financial difficulties forced her to drop out of college, but she never gave up on her dreams. Her matrimonial family had 10 to 15 sheep, which were reared using traditional methods. This sparked the idea of pursuing sheep farming on a larger scale.
Mumtaza’s dream wasn’t limited to mere subsistence; she wanted to turn it into a systematic and successful business.
With this thought in mind, she approached the Animal Husbandry Department in Bandipora. With the department’s guidance, she applied under the state-sponsored subsidy scheme, “Mini Sheep Farm.” In February 2019, she was selected and allotted a unit of 50 sheep.
Sheep rearing requires hard work and patience. Besides, for Mumtaza, the lack of experience was also a major challenge. But Mumtaza didn’t give up. Through persistent hard work, a passion for learning, and a strong will, she gradually expanded her business. Over time, her experience grew, and her farm expanded.
Mumtaza credits her family, especially her husband, for her success. She says that her husband stood by her every step of the way. “He is always there for me, offering emotional support and actual help with work,” she says.
Mumtaza believes that family support is crucial for women entrepreneurs, especially when they have to juggle both home and work responsibilities.
Mumtaza also praises the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department for her success. Proper guidance, technical advice, and knowledge of government schemes helped her overcome many challenges. With the department’s support, she could manage her farm efficiently and increase production.
Today, Mumtaza Begum owns a successful farm with over 210 sheep. She earns a net income of over 5 lakh rupees annually. Most of her sheep are sold during Eid al-Adha, providing her with a substantial income. This work has not only improved her financial situation but also boosted her confidence and self-worth.
Mumtaza no longer considers herself merely a sheep herder; She wants to inspire other women to opt for entrepreneurship.
She shares her experiences with women and encourages them to move forward. She says that if women utilise the opportunities available to them, they can certainly improve their social and economic status.
Mumtaza says that the true rewards of hard work come when one proves oneself. For her, sheep farming is not just a means of earning money, but a path to self-reliance and respect.
This woman from Bandipora has proven that with the right mindset, hard work, and support, any dream can become a reality.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Arsla Khan, New Delhi / February 11th, 2026
Enso Wellness – A Platform for Mental and Emotional Health of Bangalore has been awarded the best online platform by International Business Awards 2022-2023.
Mental and emotional health needs and deserves more and more recognition in today’s era to remove the stigma attached to it, says Arouba Kabir Founder, Enso Wellness.
Born in Kashmir, Arouba Kabir setup her organisation in Gurgaon in 2015 with an aim to spread more awareness and become a one-stop solution for those who have been struggling with the issues and challenges of emotional and mental health.
“Pandemic changed the definition and made it globally possible for people to ask for help by using online platforms keeping their identity anonymous as reaching out to a mental health professional is still a stigma,” Arouba said.
Her organization is known for hosting many online series- like Stand up to Stigma, One-minute Mental Health, Ask the Doctor with eminent personalities from across the globe and conducts various online and offline workshops for Kashmiris in the last five years.
“Mental health is as important as physical health-one definitely impacts the other. We need to start talking about mental health as we do talk about physical health and make it normal for people to reach out for help when they need it.”
“And if you want to see the change, we have to be the change, so talking about your emotions, challenges, struggles and visiting a professional definitely does help make it normal,” she said.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV, posted by Nakul Shivani / December 13th, 2022
In a land shaped by upheaval—where countless dreams were long overshadowed in remote corners—a silent revolution is underway. Far from the spotlight, a group of remarkable individuals is reshaping the social fabric of Kashmir. They are quietly overcoming obstacles, challenging norms, and inspiring countless others with their unwavering commitment to progress.
Sakeena Akhtar
Sakeena Akhtar is a trailblazer who has shattered deep-rooted gender norms in Kashmir, where women in sports—particularly cricket—have historically faced stigma and exclusion. From being the only girl playing cricket in the narrow lanes of Munawarabad to becoming India’s first female National Cricket Coach from Jammu and Kashmir, her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and transformation.
Seerat Tariq
At just 19, Seerat Tariq has turned her personal journey of artistic expression into a movement for empowerment and cultural revival. With national records and international accolades to her name, she uses her platform to amplify the voices of others—especially young women in conflict zones—helping them discover their strength and creativity through art.
Shabnam Kausar
In a conflict-ridden region, Shabnam Kausar stands as a beacon of purpose-driven leadership. Starting with just four students and no infrastructure, she transformed the Army Goodwill School in Bandipora into a nationally recognized educational institution. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of education, vision, and resilience.
Suhail Saeed Lone
Born in Bandipora and scarred by the violence of militancy, Suhail Saeed Lone could have succumbed to disillusionment. Instead, he channeled his trauma into storytelling through cinema. Now working in Mumbai’s film industry, he uses the medium to share narratives of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, turning pain into powerful, purposeful expression.
Sarwar Bulbul
Sarwar Bulbul is preserving and redefining Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural legacy through the timeless medium of music. As a celebrated Naat Khwan and founder of the Bulbul Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA) in rural Rafabad, he mentors underprivileged youth in Kashmiri classical, Sufi, and devotional music—ensuring that age-old traditions are passed on with reverence and relevance.
Irtiqa Ayoub
Irtiqa Ayoub is changing the game—literally—for women in Kashmir. As the region’s youngest Rugby Development Officer, she challenges patriarchal norms in a male-dominated sport. Her work promotes empowerment, equality, and confidence among young women, showing that sports can be a powerful platform for social change.
Anissa Nabi
Anissa Nabi seamlessly fuses public service with personal passion. As a JKAS officer and Chief Sports Officer, she champions grassroots sports development across Jammu and Kashmir. A marathoner and fitness advocate, she founded the Wondrous Women community and serves as an ambassador for the Fit India Movement—proving that leadership thrives on action, inclusivity, and inspiration.
Ghulam Nabi Tantray
Ghulam has launched educational institutions such as a B.Ed. college in Bandipora and the Doon International School in Jammu to mentoring rising sports stars like Tajamul Islam, Ghulam Nabi Tantray has made community empowerment his life’s mission. In times of crisis, he has stepped up with compassion and aid. Despite accolades at the national and international levels, he remains deeply rooted in his community—proving that true leadership begins with purpose, not position.
Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi
Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi has dedicated his life to transforming society through education and compassion. In an environment where girls’ education was often discouraged, he visited homes personally to shift mindsets and advocate for equality. As a teacher and founder of a charitable trust, he has provided free education and resources to countless underprivileged children—regardless of religion or background—promoting communal harmony and opportunity.
Wajahat Farooq Bhat
Once a stone-pelting teenager driven by rage and radical ideologies, Wajahat Farooq Bhat’s life took a transformative turn after an unexpected encounter with SSP Imtiyaz Hussain in Baramulla in 2018. As a young man from Sheeri village near Baramulla, Wajahat grew up amid narratives of jihad, revenge, and martyrdom, reinforced by mosque sermons and community glorification of violence. However, a deeply personal moment, witnessing the hypocrisy of a local cleric, and later, a heart-to-heart with the soft-spoken SSP during his NCC stint, triggered his awakening. Imtiyaz’s message. Today, he leads Jammu and Kashmir Save Youth Save Future, a grassroots organisation that has helped deradicalise over 3,000 Kashmiri youth. Wajahat aspires to take his mission global, to inspire hope where despair once reigned.
These changemakers may not often make headlines, but their impact is undeniable. Through courage, creativity, and conviction, they are not only rewriting narratives in Kashmir but also illuminating a path for others to follow. Their stories are a reminder that even in the most challenging environments, transformation is possible—quietly, steadily, and powerfully. In the days to come Awaz-The Voice will bring their detailed stories for our readers.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV, posted by Aasha Khosa / June 22nd, 2025
Team India -Zahoor Ahmed Lone, Suhail Mohammad Khan, Mridul Upadhyay with their snow sculpture
New Delhi :
For a second time, Team India has won a bronze medal and the People’s Choice Award in the international snow sculpture championship held in Colorado, USA.
The Indian team was led by the Kashmir-born Zahoor Ahmed Lone and comprised Suhail Mohammad Khan, Mridul Upadhyay, and Matt Seeley (USA).
While Lone belongs to Singhpora Pattan, Baramulla, Khan is a specially-abled person and also belongs to Kashmir.
The organisers of the International Snow Sculpture Championship shared this visual of the competition on their website:
Breaking psychological barriers about India being a “hot country” and unfit for snow sports or arts, young Indians from “snow states” and others are gradually leaving their mark on snow art. Snow art has been associated with affluent First World Western European, Scandinavian & North American countries.
Team India’s 16 ft tall piece, “Corn: The Ultimate Domesticator — Who is truly in control?”, reimagines human history with humour and depth.
It’s inspired by Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens. The artists explored the idea that while humans believe they domesticated corn, perhaps corn—or crops—have been domesticating us, shaping our agriculture, diets, and landscapes for centuries.
The venue of the International Sculpting Championship
The sculpture invited audiences to reflect on the relationship between nature and humanity, sparking both curiosity and laughter among visitors and judges alike
The four-member Indian team, led by Suhail Mohammad Khan, worked tirelessly for four days in freezing temperatures ranging from -25°C to -35°C.
This marks Team Snow India becoming the first South Asian country to participate and win, a second time, an international medal in snow sculpting.
“Winning both the jury’s and the people’s awards is truly special. Every flake of snow here tells a story—of teamwork, passion, and India’s creative spirit,” said Mridul Upadhyay from Team Snow India, told the media.
Zahoor Ahmad Lone said that despite the challenging weather conditions and time constraints, Team India’s sculpture impressed the judges and spectators alike with its elegance and precision. The 5-judge panel took more than 6 hours to evaluate 12 snow sculptures.
India ranked third, while Korea secured first and Mongolia second, amongst teams like the US, Finland, Canada, Argentina, and Turkey.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian snow sculpting, showcasing the country’s talent and creativity globally.
The competition, held in Breckenridge, Colorado, featured 12 teams from around the world, including the US, Germany, Mexico, Finland, Canada, Mongolia, South Korea, Argentina, and Turkey.
Teams from Argentina, Germany, Finland, India, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Ukraine, USA – Breckenridge, and USA – Vermont participated in the championship.
The first prize – a gold – was won by Team Republic of Korea for their work “Beauty Beyond Difference: Harmony of Coexistence”.
Team Magnolia won a Silver for “Lassoing Time”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa / February 01st, 2026
Kaprin Village (Shopian District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :
Shafi Shauq (Kashmiri poet and academic)
Srinagar :
Eminent Kashmiri scholar, poet, linguist and translator Prof Shafi Shauq has been named among the recipients of the Padma Shri Award 2026, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and literature. The award places Shauq at the forefront of this year’s honourees from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, marking a major national acknowledgement of his lifelong work in preserving and enriching the Kashmiri language and its literary heritage.
Born in 1950 in Kaprin village of Shopian district, Shafi Shauq is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative voices in Kashmiri studies. Over a distinguished academic career spanning more than three decades at the University of Kashmir, he authored, edited and translated over 100 books across Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi and English. His seminal works—including Keeshur Lugaat (Kashmiri Dictionary), Keeshryuk Grammar, and Kaeshir Zaban ti Adibuk Tawaariekh (History of the Kashmiri Language and Literature), are considered foundational texts and remain indispensable to scholars, students and researchers.
The Padma Shri citation recognises not only Shauq’s scholarly output but also his role as a cultural custodian who ensured that Kashmir’s rich Sufi, poetic and intellectual traditions reached both national and international audiences. His celebrated series The Best of Kashmiri Literature, featuring iconic mystic-poets such as Lal Ded and Nund Reshi, played a crucial role in preserving and popularising Kashmir’s spiritual and literary canon beyond linguistic boundaries.
Alongside Prof Shafi Shauq, the Government of India has also announced Brij Lal Bhat (Social Work, Jammu and Kashmir) and Dr Padma Gurmeet (Medicine, Ladakh) as Padma Shri awardees for 2026, recognising exemplary service in their respective fields. However, Shauq’s inclusion has drawn particular attention in literary and academic circles, being seen as a long-overdue national honour for a scholar who devoted his life to safeguarding the linguistic soul of Kashmir.
Social worker Brij Lal Bhat has been conferred the Padma Shri 2026 for his sustained and wide-ranging contributions to social service. Known for his grassroots engagement, Bhat has worked extensively to strengthen spiritual and community institutions through yoga shiksha shivirs, spiritual retreats and Bhandara Seva. He has actively promoted social cohesion and communal harmony by organising inclusive festivals and community programmes, while also contributing to rural development by reclaiming barren land for apple and walnut orchards. His work is widely recognised for combining social service with spiritual outreach and environmental stewardship.
In addition to Shauq and Bhat, Dr Padma Gurmeet of Ladakh has been named a Padma Shri awardee in the field of medicine, underscoring the diverse range of contributions from the region honoured in 2026.
source: http://www.kashmirlife.net / Kashmir Life / Home> Kashmir Latest News / by KL News Network / January 25th, 2026
Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar Saturday held a condolence meeting at the Medical Education Unit (MEU) to pay tribute to Prof. (Dr.) Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi, Ex-Principal, Dean, GMC Srinagar who passed away early morning on Saturday.
As per a statement issued here, the meeting was attended by faculty members, administrative staff, medical superintendents, and paramedical staff, all of whom came together to mourn the loss of a respected figure in the medical community. Prof. Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi did his MBBS and M.S. (General Surgery) from Government Medical College, Srinagar and then completed his super-specialization (MCh) in Cardio-vascular Thorasic Surgery (CVTS) from CMC Vellore. He was amongst the first few CVTS surgeons of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof. (Dr.) Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi joined as a faculty member in Government Medical College, Srinagar in 1981 and became Head of the Department, Surgery. In February 2005 he was appointed as Principal/Dean, GMC, Sgr. and continued till May, 2006.
While paying rich tributes to Prof. Naqashbandi, Principal/Dean (Dr.) Iffat Hassan highlighted his significant impact on the institution and the medical field. Dr. Iffat’s words reflected the esteem in which Prof. Naqashbandi was held by his peers and students.
Prof. Dr. Iqbal Saleem, Head of the Department Surgery expressed his heartfelt condolences and reminisced about Prof. Naqashbandi’s dedication to his work and his mentorship.
Prof. Sabiya Majeed, Head of the Department of Biochemistry, and Prof. Dr. Afroz Khan also paid tribute to his legacy, emphasizing the lasting impact of his work on the medical community. Various other faculty members also spoke on the occasion and paid rich tributes to the departed soul.
As a mark of respect, the attendees observed two minutes of silence to honour Prof. Naqashbandi’s memory. This moment of reflection allowed everyone to pay their respects and reflect on the contributions of the departed soul. The meeting extended its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of Prof. Naqashbandi during this difficult time.
source: http://www.risingkashmir.com / Rising Kashmir / Home> City / by RK News / September 14th, 2025
Wangat Village (Ganderbal District),JAMMU & KASHMIR :
Former President Pratibha Patil presenting the Padma Bhushan Award to gujjar leader Mian Bashir Ahmed, during the presentation of Padma Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 10, 2008
A former minister in Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s cabinet, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his extraordinary service for the Gujjar-Bakarwal community and other downtrodden groups.
Veteran Gujjar leader and Padma Bhushan awardee Mian Bashir Ahmed, a resident of Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on Saturday night after a prolonged illness. He was 98.
Ahmed, a resident of village Wangat in Kangan area of the central Kashmir district, breathed his last at about 10 pm, family sources said.
His Nimaz-e-Jinazah (funeral prayers) will be performed on Sunday at Mizar Shrief Baba ji Sahib Larvi located at Baba Nagari Wangat, they said.
Ahmed was the son of top Gujjar leader and saint Mian Nizam Din Larvi and father of former Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Mian Altaf Ahmad.
Born in November 1923, Mian Bashir Ahmed was a minister in Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s cabinet. Later, he left politics and started working for Islamic Sufi tradition and to help downtrodden people.
In 2008, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan award for his extraordinary service for the Gujjar-Bakarwal community and other downtrodden groups.
Condolences to his family poured in from various quarters.
“Just heard about the sad demise of Mian Bashir Sahib, a spiritual leader & a mass leader revered by many especially in the Gujjar community. His demise will be deeply felt by many of us. My condolences to my colleague Mian Altaf Sb & his family,” NC vice president Omar Abdullah said in a tweet.
His party said Ahmed’s death has felt a void that cannot be filled.
“Grieved over the passing of Mian Bashir Ahmad Laaravi, a renowned spiritual leader & political figure. His death has felt a void that can’t be filled. Our condolences go out to Mian Altaf Laaravi, the entire family & Bashir Sb’s admirers. May Allah grant him a place in Jannat,” the NC wrote on Twitter.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress committee (JKPCC) expressed profound grief over his passing, describing it as a great loss to the UT.
In his condolence message, JKPCC president Ghulam Ahmad Mir expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the eminent religious scholar, socio-political figure, saying Ahmed was known for his spirituality and social work he rendered to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Saddened to learn about the passing away of Mian Bashir Saheb. I have no words to express my grief,” Mir said.
He expressed deepest condolences to Mian Altaf and other members of the bereaved family and Ahmed’s followers.
Praying for the eternal peace to the departed soul, the JKPCC president said, adding that Ahmed’s guidance and teachings shall continue to inspire generations.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone described Ahmed as an inspirational leader.
“Deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of Mian Bashir Sahab. An inspirational leader, defined by simplicity who had a humbling effect on people he interacted with. May his soul rest in peace,” Lone said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Other States / by PTI / August 15th, 2021
For the past six days, Arif has been working tirelessly to rescue the victims, regardless of their faith, trapped under mounds of debris or washed away by torrents.
Arif Rashid during his rescue effort / The Telegraph
When fear and panic gripped Chositi village of Kishtwar on August 14, Arif Rashid went beyond the call of duty and put his life in danger to save lives, not caring who the victims were or where they came from.
A flash flood triggered by a cloudburst hit the remote mountain village last week, leaving behind a trail of destruction with scores dead and missing, more than 100 injured and homes, roads and bridges flattened.
Arif, who works as a driver for the free 108 ambulance service that works on a public-private partnership model, was a lucky survivor.
“It all unfolded in front of me. As I saw a mountain of water and debris unleashed on a small valley, I, like many others, started running for safety. But 10 minutes later, I realised there were a lot of people trapped under the debris and I should rush back,” Arif told The Telegraph over the phone from Kishtwar.
For the past six days, Arif has been working tirelessly to rescue the victims, regardless of their faith, trapped under mounds of debris or washed away by torrents. Hundreds of army, NDRF, police and CRPF personnel, along with several volunteers, have been helping in the rescue operation.
Multiple videos or pictures on social media paint Arif as a tireless rescuer. He lives in a village 25km from Chositi, both part of the larger Padder area of Kishtwar where Muslims are a small minority. Most of the victims were Hindu pilgrims.
Muslim-majority Kishtwar is a communally sensitive district in Jammu’s Chenab Valley, often in the news for the wrong reasons. But small efforts by individuals from both communities, like the one displayed by Arif, serve as a beacon of hope.
“I must have rescued 15 to 20 injured people and pulled several bodies from the debris. I first rescued an injured girl and several others. There were just two ambulances there, including ours. My ambulance was stuck in debris, but luckily only up to the tyres. With great effort, some of us pulled it out,” he said.
Moments later, he started shifting the injured towards the hospital, but the bridge nearby was damaged too. Ambulances started arriving from different places, and the injured were carried on shoulders to the other side of the damaged bridge before they were taken to the hospital.
On Monday, a video showed him and a few others lifting a body on a stretcher, walking through rocks, before tying it to a rope that was pulled by people on the other side of a stream. Arif said the body was found some 20km from Chositi.
“I am doing this all for the sake of humanity. For me, they are all humans and I do not think about anything else,” he said.
Also leading from the front are the volunteers of Ababeel, a group known for their assistance during emergencies in the Chenab Valley.
Syed Imran, a volunteer, said they camped in the village for five days. “There were more than 30 volunteers from our group, with nine ambulances, working in shifts. All these days we helped shift the deceased and injured to the hospitals,” he said.
The group has around 250 volunteers connected through WhatsApp, and among the first responders during calamities and accidents.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> India / by Muzaffar Raina / August 20th, 2025
Chocolate is a universal favourite. Associated with love, health, and romance, the fanciful food has also created a cottage industry across the country with the makers using social media to innovate and sell handmade chocolates all over.
Chocolate also caught the imagination of Kashmir’s Ifshana Feroz, an MSc student living in srinagar, who is a self-taught chocolate maker and prides in being called Kashmir’s first floral chocolate maker.
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She sells her chocolates through her popular Instagram page, “Choco Charms”, which has more than 12 thousand followers. If you are a regular on Instagram, you must have seen her page named Choco Charms. She is known for her unique floral customized chocolates, nut-stuffed chocolate dates, coconut truffles, and more.
“Chocolates have a magical way of winning hearts over. They are not only delicious, but are also universally loved by both children and adults. Whether you choose to give them to your furry cousin or your closest friend, these sweet gifts are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face,” she told Awaz-The Voice.
Ifshana’s handmade Eid hampers that featured three delightful varieties of chocolates – dark, milk, and white – were sold like hot cakes. “And for those who love chocolates with a little crunch, we have added premium dry fruits to them. The box also includes chocolate-coated dates and coconut truffles, ensuring a varied and delightful chocolate experience,” she said.
Inspired by her mother, she was interested in innovating recipes since the age of 9. When she started, she was struggling with many things, but she felt comfortable making recipes and working with the ingredients.
She said; “I realised that the photos of my customised floral chocolates were getting a good response from fellow Instagrammers, people outside of my immediate circle. So I started investing more time into styling and customising, and, making chocolates beautiful.
“Later, I streamlined my content and posted more chocolates. That’s how I built it from scratch. More people started following me for the pictures of chocolates and started ordering. I had always dreamt of starting my own business. When I got the opportunity to start my own business, I invested the tuition fees that I earned from teaching students.
“For me, making chocolate is magical! It helps me relax and explore my creativity. And that’s one thing about it, I always say – it’s so fascinating how you turn chocolate into something so beautiful,” she said.
Recently Ifshana started making customised chocolates. This was an instant and a huge hit. It has been more than five months that she is overwhelmed by the demand for these through social media.
Ifshana said that she wants people not to always be looking for jobs and gain some skills. ”A person should focus on himself and acquire some kind of skill.”
“Unlike the chocolates available in the market, our products are always fat-free and low-sugar,” he said. Featuring luscious coverture chocolate dates filled with nut stuffing, complemented by a velvety hazelnut center and a chocolaty exterior.
Ifshana Feroz’s story is not just the success of a chocolate chef, but it is also a symbol of the growing wave of youth entrepreneurship in the Kashmir Valley. From a sensitive region like the valley, where challenges are often high, it is inspiring to see a young woman turn her passion into a business and make a mark with a brand like “Choco Charms”.
This example shows that Kashmiri youth are now moving away from traditional paths and becoming self-reliant in creative fields and contributing towards economic development. Many youths like Ifshana are creating new opportunities for self-employment with the help of their skills and digital platforms, which is a sign of positive change in the socio-economic scenario of the valley.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemaker / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / July 07th, 2025
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
