Rising Beyond the Ceiling: Jammu & Kashmir
Inviting Nominations for RBTC 100 Inspiring Muslim Women of Jammu & Kashmir 2023
A first ever collective of its kind Rising Beyond The Ceiling will shine a spotlight on one hundred Inspiring Indian Muslim women from Jammu & Kashmir who are contributing to nation building have who in a range of fields - From politicians, academics, lawyers, doctors, creative artists, administrators, police women, entrepreneurs, social workers, authors, journalists, media and others. They are working in districts, communities, government and non-government organizations and in independent enterprises and are making tremendous inspirational contributions in various ways.
RBTC invites nominations of inspiring Muslim women of the state. Please send your nomination with a brief 250 word profile and photo to: risingbeyondtheceiling@gmail.com
RBTC Jammu & Kashmir Nominees
RBTC Jammu & Kashmir Nominees
Shattering Stereotypes in Uniform [5]
Shattering Stereotypes in Uniform [5]
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. RUWEDA SALAAM, Indian Police Service (2013 Batch). Hometown: Farkin, Kupwara, Kashmir. Click side arrow for profile details/links
The daughter of a former Doordarshan deputy director general, Ruveda comes from the far-flung Farkin village in the border district of Kupwara. She had qualified for MBBS before she cracked the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) in 2009. In 2013, she was one of the 11 people who qualified for the civil services from Jammu and Kashmir. Ruveda was allotted the police services, and joined the police academy in Hyderabad for training. But after she completed her training, the lone Kashmiri Muslim policewoman was put in the Tamil Nadu cadre.
ACP Dr Ruveda Salam is a doctor, an IPS Officer at the post of Assistant Commissionerof Police, and a motivational speaker.• Chose to appear for the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) exam and hascleared the same twice, apart from being an MBBS.• She has been a motivation for many young girls wherever she has gone to speak to themin Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad, and Jammu and Kashmir, boosting their confidence to pursuetheir dreams, and encouraging those who want to follow in her footsteps and join theIPS like her• Dr Ruveda Salam is currently posted in Tamil Nadu.
References/Sources:
https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ruveda-salam-first-woman-ips-officer-kashmir-763234https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-first-state-woman-ips-officer-goes-from-jammu-and-kashmir-to-kanyakumari-1997596
ACP Dr Ruveda Salam is a doctor, an IPS Officer at the post of Assistant Commissionerof Police, and a motivational speaker.• Chose to appear for the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) exam and hascleared the same twice, apart from being an MBBS.• She has been a motivation for many young girls wherever she has gone to speak to themin Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad, and Jammu and Kashmir, boosting their confidence to pursuetheir dreams, and encouraging those who want to follow in her footsteps and join theIPS like her• Dr Ruveda Salam is currently posted in Tamil Nadu.
References/Sources:
https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ruveda-salam-first-woman-ips-officer-kashmir-763234https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-first-state-woman-ips-officer-goes-from-jammu-and-kashmir-to-kanyakumari-1997596
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SUNNIYA ASHKOOR WANI, Deputy Superintendent Police, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu . Hometown: Jammu. Click side arrow for profile details/links
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SHEEMA QASBA, First female Kashmiri Muslim IPS officer to get the J&K cadre . Hometown: Add District. Click side arrow for profile details/links
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SAMI ARA SURURY, Cpatain, Commercial Airline Pilot . Hometown: Add District. Click side arrow for profile details/links
• Capt. Sami Ara Surury, who earned her CPL (Commercial Pilot License) in the year 1994,is the first Kashmiri woman to have earned the license to fly commercial planes.• Capt. Ara had to fight her way to where she is today, going well against the wishes ofher own family who wanted her to get an MBBS, become a doctor and settle quietly inlife.• She succeeding in getting a job as a cabin crew and thereafter became a commercialpilot.• This journey took her more than half a decade, though she successfully achieved hergoal by obtaining her CPL by completing her pilot training from Texas, USA.• She is presently 48 and an Airbus pilot, an inspiration to all those young women whodream and aim to fly high!
References/Sources:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9OQTd3D5fk
References/Sources:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9OQTd3D5fk
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SHAHZADA PARVEEN GANGULY, First Kashmiri Muslim woman to become Superintendent of Police in 2013 . Hometown: Add District. Click side arrow for profile details/links
Shahzada Parveen, who was among a dozen Jammu & Kashmir police officers to be promoted on Saturday, has become the first Kashmiri Muslim woman to become an SP. Praveen was appointed as a police officer in 1983 and is from Anantnag in south Kashmir. She had earlier served as DSP (traffic) in Srinagar. Joining the police force, however, was far from Shahida Parveen's mind when she was desperately seeking a job to ease her family’s financial burden.“I was the youngest of six siblings. My father, a businessman in Poonch, died when I was four. Despite many hardships, my mother ensured that all of us completed our studies,” she says. After graduating in mathematics, Ganguly shifted to Jammu where one of her brothers was posted. “The daily grind was hectic: get up at 5 am, cook for the family, teach at a private school, return to make lunch, study for an MSc correspondence course, followed by tuitions and back home again to prepare dinner,” she recounts.
She was making some money as a radio announcer when she got the call in 1995, one year after she applied for the post of sub-inspector of police. Many in her family and clan were against her taking up a job in militancy-hit J&K. But she remained firm.The police medal for gallantry came in 2002, the year she married army officer Gautam Ganguly. Hailing from Malikpora Monghall Anantnag, Praveen was appointed as a police officer in 1983 and had earlier served as DSP (Traffic) in Srinagar.
References/Sources:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jk-gets-first-muslim-woman-sp/articleshow/20950608.cmshttps://www.hindustantimes.com/india/courage-under-fire/story-oBKbdedmoQFkqSAd7RSSYN.html
She was making some money as a radio announcer when she got the call in 1995, one year after she applied for the post of sub-inspector of police. Many in her family and clan were against her taking up a job in militancy-hit J&K. But she remained firm.The police medal for gallantry came in 2002, the year she married army officer Gautam Ganguly. Hailing from Malikpora Monghall Anantnag, Praveen was appointed as a police officer in 1983 and had earlier served as DSP (Traffic) in Srinagar.
References/Sources:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jk-gets-first-muslim-woman-sp/articleshow/20950608.cmshttps://www.hindustantimes.com/india/courage-under-fire/story-oBKbdedmoQFkqSAd7RSSYN.html
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. NADIA BEIG, Youngest to crack the UPSC Administrative Services Examination . Hometown: Kupwara, Kashmir.
Nadia Beig hails from Ramhal village in Kupwara district of the State. At 23, she is the youngest to crack the UPSC. An Economics Honours graduate from Jamia Millia, Nadia had tried for the Civil Services for the second time. She took coaching at the RCA.
References/Sources:https://www.mpositive.in/tag/zakat-foundation-of-india/
References/Sources:https://www.mpositive.in/tag/zakat-foundation-of-india/
Excellence in Academics
Excellence in Academics
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. INSHAH MALIK. Author. Assistant Professor at Kardan University, Kabul. Hometown: Srinagar /Kashmir.
Dr. Inshah Malik has Ph.D from the Center for Comparative Politics and Political Theory, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. She is a former Fox Fellow at Yale University. Dr. Malik is the author of Muslim Women, Agency and Resistance Politics: The Case of Kashmir (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019). Her research interests include political theory, history of Islam, political movements, internet activism, and gender studies in Central and South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Kashmir.
References/Sources:https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/news/inshah-malik-muslim-women-agency-and-the-politics-of-resistance-in-kashmir/https://dailynorthwestern.com/2019/05/28/campus/political-theorist-and-gender-scholar-discusses-kashmir-conflict-political-resistance/https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/news/events-archive/inshah-malik-talk/
References/Sources:https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/news/inshah-malik-muslim-women-agency-and-the-politics-of-resistance-in-kashmir/https://dailynorthwestern.com/2019/05/28/campus/political-theorist-and-gender-scholar-discusses-kashmir-conflict-political-resistance/https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/news/events-archive/inshah-malik-talk/
Making an Impact through Media
Making an Impact through Media
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. RJ HAYA VAKIL. Radio Jockey, Influencer. Hometown: add district
haya_vakil
haya_vakil
Ex Radio Jockey | Programming Head
References/Sources:https://www.instagram.com/haya_vakil/?hl=en
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. FOZIA RASOOL. Food Blogger, Content Creator. Promoting Kashmiri Cuisine. Hometown: add district
Fozia says she is on a mission to preserve Kashmir’s indigenous food culture by making local recipes to reach out to a wider audience. "From traditional dishes to snacks to sweet dishes, I cover almost all everyday food,” she said. The young food blogger, who has over 38,000 instagram followers, says there are some foods that are culturally rich and have high nutrient value as compared to fast foodsAt a time when people are more inclined towards fast foods, a young girl from Srinagar is working to revive Kashmir's age-old food traditions, which indeed has brought her laurels on social media sites. In 2015, when Fozia Rasool joined college she developed a passion towards food and photography. To follow her passion a few years later in 2019, her interest grew more as she started informing people about traditional Kashmiri foods. “Apart from Wazwan, there are a number of food varieties that were liked by the people in the Valley but the younger generation has no knowledge about these foods. Now I have started this small initiative to revive those foods,” she said. Fozia’s Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube channel consist of numerous videos exploring delicious food places with detailed reviews of that particular eatery. With a whopping 50 thousand plus followers, her journey over three years has been truly inspiring. “I made a video on Tosha, which is among the forgotten traditional delicacies in the valley. Its roots can be drawn from the Sufi culture of Kashmir Valley. It was widely appreciated by people,” Fozia said. Other varieties, she featured include Yaji (winter delicacy made from walnuts and rice flour), TomleChoet, Kashmiri Rumah Dal, Tosha, AluMunja, DoudGaande, Basrakh (dessert specially made during marriages), Mayer (DoudWeagre), KhandGaziri, etc.
"There is no alternative to Kashmir’s street foods and despite technological evolution, there is still a large chunk of people who love to taste them," she said. “In a short span of time, people have appreciated my content about traditional foods. Even I got calls and messages from people about food. For the past several months, it is my routine to upload one short video on any traditional food on social media,” she said. “Mostly people prefer reels over long formats of videos but I post both formats. I am getting good response from food lovers across the Valley,” the young engineering student, Fozia said. Interestingly Fozia brings every possible variety to the screen but she has never shown her face there while vlogging the food varieties. People just know him by her voice only.
She feels more responsible towards her viewers to bring in more authentic and interesting ideas. She has received overwhelming responses from the world over, especially from Kashmiri Diaspora. Fozia says she makes sure that the recipe she makes is easily communicated to her audience. Her target is to preserve the forgotten or lost food traditions of Kashmir. “I am trying my level best to improve my content each day. From shooting to advanced editing, I am managing it single-handedly, “she said.
References/Sources:
- https://www.instagram.com/foziagrasool/?hl=en
- http://risingkashmir.in/turing-her-interest-into-passion-srinagar-girl-revives-traditional-kashmiri-cuisines-a0a63077-4db1-49e3-bd63-50a9c9279534#.Y4QeJtQJD8Y.twitter
Leadership in Legal Acumen
Leadership in Legal Acumen
RBTC Kashmir Nominee, GOUSIA JEELANI Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar, became the first woman Munsif of J&K in 1979 at an age of 26. Hometown: Kashmir
Gousia Jeelani, the Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar, became the first woman Munsif of J&K in 1979 at an age of 26. A resident of Nawakadal, Srinagar, Gousia wanted to become a doctor. “My mother wanted me to be a doctor and I too had no intention to go against her wishes. It was one day when I was sitting in Nawakadal school library that I read the profile of first female judge of India in a newspaper. Before finishing the article, I had already decided to become a judge,” recalls Gousia.
After completing her graduation in 1973, Gousia saw a notification in newspaper about LLB course in Aligarh Muslim University. She applied without telling anybody. “The toughest part was to convince my family to let me move outside the state,” she says. After completing LLB, Gousia returned to practice law. “Joining court was a challenge. It was a male dominated profession and there was lot of family pressure,” she says.
There were societal pressures as well. “A neighbor once saw me in court premises and told another person, ‘see these Geelani’s! Have they lost everything that made them send their daughters among criminals’,” Gousia recalls.
She practiced law for two years and in February 1979 was appointed as Munsif. In 1982 after PSC examination her services were regularised. Later she was promoted to Sub-judge and appointed as Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar. At that time, militancy was at its peak, making her work difficult. “One day a person came to my chamber and threatened me. He was asking me to send him to jail. I told him I can give him security but cannot send him to jail. He broke a glass and hit me repeatedly on face,” recalls Gousia. She was hospitalised and received multiple stitches on face. Gousia after her recovery was offered alternative postings, which she refused. “I was not a coward.”
Gousia plans to write book on her experiences as a judge, “Being a female judge I had to prove myself. Again and again.”
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
After completing her graduation in 1973, Gousia saw a notification in newspaper about LLB course in Aligarh Muslim University. She applied without telling anybody. “The toughest part was to convince my family to let me move outside the state,” she says. After completing LLB, Gousia returned to practice law. “Joining court was a challenge. It was a male dominated profession and there was lot of family pressure,” she says.
There were societal pressures as well. “A neighbor once saw me in court premises and told another person, ‘see these Geelani’s! Have they lost everything that made them send their daughters among criminals’,” Gousia recalls.
She practiced law for two years and in February 1979 was appointed as Munsif. In 1982 after PSC examination her services were regularised. Later she was promoted to Sub-judge and appointed as Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar. At that time, militancy was at its peak, making her work difficult. “One day a person came to my chamber and threatened me. He was asking me to send him to jail. I told him I can give him security but cannot send him to jail. He broke a glass and hit me repeatedly on face,” recalls Gousia. She was hospitalised and received multiple stitches on face. Gousia after her recovery was offered alternative postings, which she refused. “I was not a coward.”
Gousia plans to write book on her experiences as a judge, “Being a female judge I had to prove myself. Again and again.”
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee, KANEEZ FATIMA. District Judge. Hometown: Kashmir
Born in a family of bureaucrats, Kaneez Fatima chose law for a career. Her father M Shamas-ud-Din was an IAS officer and retired as chairman PSC. Her forefathers were in administration during Maharaja’s rule.
The District judge, Kaneez was born at Mattan in Islamabad. His grandfather had got a school for his village sanctioned from Maharaja. Kaneez and her cousins started their education in that very school. She passed matriculation from Government Girls High School Mattan and 12th standard from an Islamabad school. After graduating from Government Women’s College Srinagar, Kaneez studied law at Aligarh Muslim University. She completed her degree in 1977 and joined the Bar, where she practiced law for four years.
“That time women lawyers were unheard of. People would laugh at me. Only three or four female advocates would be in court and people would peep through the windows in amusement and make astonished faces as if they would see animals in zoo,” recalls Fatima.
Kaneez Fatima was the first women judge at matrimonial court where she spent most of her professional years. “Family matters are sensitive and the authorities thought that a female judge can do justice with family matters,” she says.
She started organizing legal awareness camps. “In Pulwama I was also looking at the administration of the district so I started holding awareness camps in far flung areas. I would make women aware about their legal rights and how they can use and fight for them without any money,” she recalls. These steps later generated lot of litigations which for Kaneez was a source of satisfaction.
Presently she is presiding officer in motor accidents claims tribunal. Though she says her authority could not be questioned but the “journey so far has been tough as women are always under scanner in the male dominated profession”.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
The District judge, Kaneez was born at Mattan in Islamabad. His grandfather had got a school for his village sanctioned from Maharaja. Kaneez and her cousins started their education in that very school. She passed matriculation from Government Girls High School Mattan and 12th standard from an Islamabad school. After graduating from Government Women’s College Srinagar, Kaneez studied law at Aligarh Muslim University. She completed her degree in 1977 and joined the Bar, where she practiced law for four years.
“That time women lawyers were unheard of. People would laugh at me. Only three or four female advocates would be in court and people would peep through the windows in amusement and make astonished faces as if they would see animals in zoo,” recalls Fatima.
Kaneez Fatima was the first women judge at matrimonial court where she spent most of her professional years. “Family matters are sensitive and the authorities thought that a female judge can do justice with family matters,” she says.
She started organizing legal awareness camps. “In Pulwama I was also looking at the administration of the district so I started holding awareness camps in far flung areas. I would make women aware about their legal rights and how they can use and fight for them without any money,” she recalls. These steps later generated lot of litigations which for Kaneez was a source of satisfaction.
Presently she is presiding officer in motor accidents claims tribunal. Though she says her authority could not be questioned but the “journey so far has been tough as women are always under scanner in the male dominated profession”.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee, FIRDOUSE QUTB WANI, Advocate, Supreme Court of India. Youngest Advocate on record in the Supreme Court. Hometown: Kashmir
Firdouse Wani is an Advocate-on-Record at Supreme Court of India. She is also the Additional Standing Counsel of Delhi State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) and Amicus Curie for National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission . She represents Govt of Delhi & Delhi Wakf Board, being Panel Counsel for both the Bodies. She appears for Reserve Bank of India, before Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and Supreme Court of India in several cases of great significance. She, represents Public and Private sector Corporates across the country, before High Courts, Supreme Court of India, subordinate courts and Tribunals.
A Law Graduate from Jamia Millia Islamia, she has an expertise in Commercial Litigation, Corporate Advisory, Arbitration, Land Acquisition laws, Maritime and Shipping laws, IPR litigation, Laws of Public Premises, Writs, Tender and Contract laws, Consumer Laws, Service & Education laws, Law and Medicine, Constitutional laws. She has been awarded M.K. Nawaz Memorial Gold Medal by the Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi, in the year 2008 for excelling in International and National IPR Laws. She also holds Diploma in Corporate Laws, from Indian Law Institute, New Delhi.
She is regular on various Televised News and Radio programmes, on issues of legal importance. She handles several legal matters concerning welfare of women and children across the Country, Probono. She has been sponsoring education for underprivileged children through LCZF.
She is a guest Lecturer in several Law Schools and Educational Institutions. She is a POSH expert and is an External Committee member of Internal Complaints Committee in Several Corporates. She has several publications to her name, like, “Capital Punishment Justified or not”, published in book” Death Penalty” by Mr. Janak Raj Jai, Advocate Supreme Court of India, selected by Department of Law and Justice, Parliamentary affairs, then state of Jammu and Kashmir to be part of its List of books for the Department and also by the Kerala Judicial Academy. She is member of several Organisations, working towards empowerment of Women and speaks from her heart to motivate and counsel Women to walk ahead and uplift each other.
Links/References:https://www.linkedin.com/in/firdouse-qutb-wani-96a50115/?originalSubdomain=in
A Law Graduate from Jamia Millia Islamia, she has an expertise in Commercial Litigation, Corporate Advisory, Arbitration, Land Acquisition laws, Maritime and Shipping laws, IPR litigation, Laws of Public Premises, Writs, Tender and Contract laws, Consumer Laws, Service & Education laws, Law and Medicine, Constitutional laws. She has been awarded M.K. Nawaz Memorial Gold Medal by the Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi, in the year 2008 for excelling in International and National IPR Laws. She also holds Diploma in Corporate Laws, from Indian Law Institute, New Delhi.
She is regular on various Televised News and Radio programmes, on issues of legal importance. She handles several legal matters concerning welfare of women and children across the Country, Probono. She has been sponsoring education for underprivileged children through LCZF.
She is a guest Lecturer in several Law Schools and Educational Institutions. She is a POSH expert and is an External Committee member of Internal Complaints Committee in Several Corporates. She has several publications to her name, like, “Capital Punishment Justified or not”, published in book” Death Penalty” by Mr. Janak Raj Jai, Advocate Supreme Court of India, selected by Department of Law and Justice, Parliamentary affairs, then state of Jammu and Kashmir to be part of its List of books for the Department and also by the Kerala Judicial Academy. She is member of several Organisations, working towards empowerment of Women and speaks from her heart to motivate and counsel Women to walk ahead and uplift each other.
Links/References:https://www.linkedin.com/in/firdouse-qutb-wani-96a50115/?originalSubdomain=in
Change Makers in Social Development
Change Makers in Social Development
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. IRFANA ZARGAR, Social Work- Meeting Women's Sanitary Needs. Srinagar, Kashmir
Five years ago, Irfana – who stocks public toilets in Kashmir with sanitary napkins, took an initiative to help Kashmiri women meet feminine hygiene needs. She would prepare an ‘Eva Safety Door’ kit consisting of sanitary napkins, underwear and handwash, for women who cannot afford to buy them. All the arrangements are done from Irfana’s personal savings although, she says, a lot of people are now coming forward to help her.
Menstruation is a natural phenomenon and I don’t understand why people shy away from talking about it. Some women do not buy pads because they feel ashamed. I want to change this. We have been asked to stay silent all our lives, enough is enough,” says 28-year-old Irfana who works as a Helpline Assistant in Srinagar Municipal Corporation on a consolidated-basis.
On the onset of coronavirus lockdown, Irfana received hundreds of calls from women asking for kits as they could not buy pads from the local stores. As people were hoarding up essentials in the initial days of lockdown, a shortage of menstrual products was reported from all over the country. Apparently, it was not looked upon as an essential commodity. When a countrywide lockdown was imposed in India, pads did not make it to the list of essentials, the delivery of which was allowed despite restrictions. Only when the grocery stores and chemist shops ran out of supplies did the government deemed it a necessity.
Irfana’s journey started in 2014 when she was walking the streets in one of the busiest places in Srinagar. She got her period and was unable to buy a napkin due to lack of money. Going inside a public washroom, she was appalled to see its condition. “There was no soap and water. I had no option but to travel like this. Period shaming is so common here and in case you have a stain, you will be landed with insults,” recalls Irfana.
Since that day, Irfana made sure to donate sanitary napkins to public washrooms. Till date, she stocks around 15 washrooms in Srinagar district.
Links/References:http://twocircles.net/2020oct30/439640.html
Menstruation is a natural phenomenon and I don’t understand why people shy away from talking about it. Some women do not buy pads because they feel ashamed. I want to change this. We have been asked to stay silent all our lives, enough is enough,” says 28-year-old Irfana who works as a Helpline Assistant in Srinagar Municipal Corporation on a consolidated-basis.
On the onset of coronavirus lockdown, Irfana received hundreds of calls from women asking for kits as they could not buy pads from the local stores. As people were hoarding up essentials in the initial days of lockdown, a shortage of menstrual products was reported from all over the country. Apparently, it was not looked upon as an essential commodity. When a countrywide lockdown was imposed in India, pads did not make it to the list of essentials, the delivery of which was allowed despite restrictions. Only when the grocery stores and chemist shops ran out of supplies did the government deemed it a necessity.
Irfana’s journey started in 2014 when she was walking the streets in one of the busiest places in Srinagar. She got her period and was unable to buy a napkin due to lack of money. Going inside a public washroom, she was appalled to see its condition. “There was no soap and water. I had no option but to travel like this. Period shaming is so common here and in case you have a stain, you will be landed with insults,” recalls Irfana.
Since that day, Irfana made sure to donate sanitary napkins to public washrooms. Till date, she stocks around 15 washrooms in Srinagar district.
Links/References:http://twocircles.net/2020oct30/439640.html
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SHABISTAN GHAFFAR, Social Work. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
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Links/References:
Links/References:
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. PARVEENA AHANGER, Founder and Chairperson of the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP). Hometown: add name
• Known as the ‘Iron Lady of Kashmir’. • Ms. Parveena Ahangar is the Founder and Chairperson of the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) in Jammu and Kashmir. • She is a Rafto Prize winner for her ‘protests against forced disappearances’ in Kashmir, as well as a Nobel Prize nominee. • Ms. Ahangar is one of those Kashmiri women achievers who rose from their personal tragedies, emerging as a beacon of hope to their fellow Kashmiris. • In her words, “Nobody understands a mother’s pain. I’m a victim, there are many like us. APDP originated out of my pain, and pain of hundreds of mothers like me.” • From its humble beginnings in the year 1994, an estimated 8,000-10,000 cases have been taken up by the organisation.
Links/References:
Links/References:
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SHEHLA RASHEED SHORA, Human Rights Activist. Hometown: add name
Shehla Rashid Shora (born 1988) is an Indian human rights activist who has pursued her Ph.D. at Jawaharlal Nehru University.[1][2] She was vice-president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) in 2015–16 and was a member of the All India Students Association (AISA). She rose to prominence whilst leading the student agitation calling for the release for Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and others who were arrested on charges of sedition in February 2016 for participating and organizing sloganeering in JNU.
Shora is vocal about the human rights situation in Kashmir, particularly highlighting the plight of minors held in custody awaiting trial, and has been active since 2010 after organising a youth leadership programme in Kashmir.[9] She played a leading role in organising the 'Occupy UGC movement' and the decision to "camp" at University Grants Commission (UGC) headquarters to protest the withdrawal of non-NET fellowship.[10] She led the protest march to the Ministry of Human Resources Development to ask for an increase in graduate student stipends.
Links/References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shehla_Rashid
Shora is vocal about the human rights situation in Kashmir, particularly highlighting the plight of minors held in custody awaiting trial, and has been active since 2010 after organising a youth leadership programme in Kashmir.[9] She played a leading role in organising the 'Occupy UGC movement' and the decision to "camp" at University Grants Commission (UGC) headquarters to protest the withdrawal of non-NET fellowship.[10] She led the protest march to the Ministry of Human Resources Development to ask for an increase in graduate student stipends.
Links/References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shehla_Rashid
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SABRINA KHALIQ. Resuming studies after a decade of marriage/motherhood. Hometown: Awoora village/Kupwara Kashmir
Impassioned Authors & Poets
Impassioned Authors & Poets
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. ONAIZA DRABU, Writer/Anthropologist. Hometown: Srinagar
Srinagar-born writer and collector of poems, Onaiza Drabu, muses about an identity inextricably linked to languages.
Stories of a Land Writer-anthropologist Onaiza Drabu retells popular folk tales from Kashmir in her new book. Onaiza Drabu is a Kashmiri anthropologist. She writes about identity, nationalism and Islamophobia, and co-curates a newsletter called ‘Daak’, on South Asian literature and art. This is her first book.
Links/References:https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/stories-of-a-land-6251160/https://www.dawn.com/news/1564706https://onaizad.wordpress.com/
Stories of a Land Writer-anthropologist Onaiza Drabu retells popular folk tales from Kashmir in her new book. Onaiza Drabu is a Kashmiri anthropologist. She writes about identity, nationalism and Islamophobia, and co-curates a newsletter called ‘Daak’, on South Asian literature and art. This is her first book.
Links/References:https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/stories-of-a-land-6251160/https://www.dawn.com/news/1564706https://onaizad.wordpress.com/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. FARAH BASHIR. Author. Communication Consultant.Hometown: Srinagar/Kashmir.
Farah Bashir spent several years as a photojournalist at Reuters. She turns her keen eye on intimate details in deceptively sparse prose with a beautiful flow. From love letters and acid attacks to assassinations, her book bears witness to an oft-forgotten conflict. With an uncertain future, Bashir says Kashmiris must be the ones to tell their own stories. Farah Bashir's book Rumours of Spring: A Girlhood in Kashmir was published by Harper Colins. Rumours of Spring by Farah Bashir is a poignant memoir of girlhood on the backdrop of ceaseless terror and turmoil of smoldering Kashmir. Bashir does an excellent job at capturing the adolescence in the late 1980s to 1990 Kashmir and leaves the readers bleeding in search of peace.
Links/References:https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/the-brave-face-of-kashmiri-women-a-conversation-with-farah-bashir/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZgh3zQQPCY
Links/References:https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/the-brave-face-of-kashmiri-women-a-conversation-with-farah-bashir/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZgh3zQQPCY
Inspirations in Politics
Inspirations in Politics
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. MEHBOOBA MUFTI, Politician. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
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Links/References:
Links/References:
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SAKINA ITOO, Politician, ex Member of Legislative Assemble and President of National Congress for South Kashmir. Hometown: Noorabad/Kashmir
Sakina Itoo (born 5 December 1970[1]) is a Kashmiri politician and the former member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council. A member of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, she represented Noorabad twice in 1996 and 2008.[2] In 1999, she was appointed as a minister for Social Welfare and Administrative Reforms, Inspections, Trainings & Grievances (ARI, Trainings).[3][4] The president of National Congress for South Kashmir,[5] she was the only woman to serve in Kashmir's state cabinet ministry in 2008 when Omar Abdullah was incumbent to the post of chief minister.[6]
Links/References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakina_Itoohttps://exhibitions.globalfundforwomen.org/exhibitions/women-power-and-politics/elections/kashmir-elections
Links/References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakina_Itoohttps://exhibitions.globalfundforwomen.org/exhibitions/women-power-and-politics/elections/kashmir-elections
RBTC Kashmir Nominee., SARAH HAYAT SHAH Politician. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. ZAITOONA BEGUM, Elected Sarpanch of Waliwar. Hometown: Qasbalar/Kashmir
Zaitoona Bano, the woman Sarpanch of Waliwar, Qasbalar, who against all odds has done an exceptional work in her area and positively influenced the neighbouring villages. This is the story about her empowerment and her resolve to fight against all odds. Boonikhet is a nondescript panchayat, cradled in the lofty Pir Panjal mountains in Surankote block of Poonch district in Jammu & Kashmir, but its ward panch, Zaitoon Begum, is anything but ordinary.
Zaitoona Bano recollects with supreme pride in her eyes ,” I have witnessed the amount of development that has taken place in the last thirty years. It doesn’t commensurate with the funds which have been allotted over the years and have always left me astonished as to why there was no desired development that should have taken place. I always had a shimmering quest to bring a change for better ; and in year 2018 i got an opportunity when I was elected as the Sarpanch of Waliwar, Qasba lar, with a huge majority without any political affiliation and since then, I have never looked back. Being a woman, I have disproved the notion for a woman where they are expected to raise children and look after the household chores.”
She continues , soon after my election, the abrogation of Article 370 brought its share of curfews and lockdown. But at the same time, it also brought large number of developmental schemes in every sector, directly under the supervision of the Central Government which we were deprived of earlier. In my own village, the developmental schemes and government initiated programmes have reached every nook and corner within a short span of time. Scholarships for school students, pensions for senior citizens, financial start up aid for setting up poultry farms and sheep rearing, subsidiary provision of tractors etc. has been made available under the new government schemes.
My story, of an ordinary household mother, who defied all the naysayers and de-motivators to become the lady Sarpanch of my village inferences one thing, “the fortune favours the brave”. There are thousands of women across Kashmir who would gladly accept the challenges for a change, for women empowerment and for building the society into a vibrant progressive economy if given a chance.
Links/References:https://kashmirrootstock.com/2020/07/25/women-sarpanch-in-kashmir/https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/female-sarpanch-of-central-kashmir-village-earns-pm-modis-praise/
Zaitoona Bano recollects with supreme pride in her eyes ,” I have witnessed the amount of development that has taken place in the last thirty years. It doesn’t commensurate with the funds which have been allotted over the years and have always left me astonished as to why there was no desired development that should have taken place. I always had a shimmering quest to bring a change for better ; and in year 2018 i got an opportunity when I was elected as the Sarpanch of Waliwar, Qasba lar, with a huge majority without any political affiliation and since then, I have never looked back. Being a woman, I have disproved the notion for a woman where they are expected to raise children and look after the household chores.”
She continues , soon after my election, the abrogation of Article 370 brought its share of curfews and lockdown. But at the same time, it also brought large number of developmental schemes in every sector, directly under the supervision of the Central Government which we were deprived of earlier. In my own village, the developmental schemes and government initiated programmes have reached every nook and corner within a short span of time. Scholarships for school students, pensions for senior citizens, financial start up aid for setting up poultry farms and sheep rearing, subsidiary provision of tractors etc. has been made available under the new government schemes.
My story, of an ordinary household mother, who defied all the naysayers and de-motivators to become the lady Sarpanch of my village inferences one thing, “the fortune favours the brave”. There are thousands of women across Kashmir who would gladly accept the challenges for a change, for women empowerment and for building the society into a vibrant progressive economy if given a chance.
Links/References:https://kashmirrootstock.com/2020/07/25/women-sarpanch-in-kashmir/https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/female-sarpanch-of-central-kashmir-village-earns-pm-modis-praise/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. RUBINA CHOUDHARY, Elected Sarpanch of Dherrian. Hometown: Doondhi/Rajouri
Woman sarpanch candidate from J-K's Rajouri wins by record margin.
Links/References:https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/woman-sarpanch-candidate-from-j-ks-rajouri-wins-by-record-margin20201215130819/
Links/References:https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/woman-sarpanch-candidate-from-j-ks-rajouri-wins-by-record-margin20201215130819/
Taking Entrepreneurship Forward
Taking Entrepreneurship Forward
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. MEHVISH MUSHTAQ, Computer Engineer. Creator Dial Kashmir. Hometown: Srinagar/Kashmir
Mehvish Mushtaq (born in Srinagar in 1989) is a Kashmiri entrepreneur and app developer, who created the first App for Kashmir called "Dial Kashmir" in 2013. Dial Kashmir provides the user extensive information like addresses, phone numbers and email ids of various essential services in various sectors in Kashmir such as hospitals, education, transport, police. Since its launch, the app has been downloaded more than 10,000 times from the Google Play Store and has a rating of 4.5. Mushtaq was awarded the Femina Women's Awards(Online Influencer) in 2014, the Space Communications Award and the ALL Grassroots Women Achievers Award in 2014 and The Sunday Standard Devi Award in 2016. In the year 2018 Mushtaq was awarded the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar by the President of India.
A computer engineer from Srinagar.• The creator of the Dial Kashmir android application.• For this app which would be useful to both the natives and the tourists, she has beenhonoured by many awards and accolades, including Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2018.• An inspiration to all those young girls who want to carve a niche for themselves in thefield of technology and contribute to the development of their homelands, all whilekeeping pace with the technological advancements of the rest of the world.
Links/References:
A computer engineer from Srinagar.• The creator of the Dial Kashmir android application.• For this app which would be useful to both the natives and the tourists, she has beenhonoured by many awards and accolades, including Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2018.• An inspiration to all those young girls who want to carve a niche for themselves in thefield of technology and contribute to the development of their homelands, all whilekeeping pace with the technological advancements of the rest of the world.
Links/References:
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. MEHVISH ZARGER, Co-founded “Me ‘n’ U Cafe” in Srinagar, became the first ever woman café entrepreneur in Kashmir.. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
Co-founded “Me ‘n’ U Cafe” in Srinagar, became the first ever woman caféentrepreneur in Kashmir.• In an interview with SheThePeople TV, she confessed that she pursued law but she neverpractised it as she was always interested in treading on the entrepreneurial path. It washer love for food that compelled her to open a restaurant.• There were a lot of trials and tribulations she had to face since childhood. For instance,her father succumbed to cancer when she was only six. She also talked about howpeople dissuaded her from starting up by saying that because she was a girl, she wasnot fit to run a business. Zarger, however, didn’t pay heed to them and focussed herenergy on her goal.• “There are so many girls here who have such big dreams and they have the capabilityto fulfill them. So, if I fulfill my dream and show them that it is a possibility, then it instilsa faith in them to take a step forward towards their dreams as well” – Zarger
Links/References:
https://www.shethepeople.tv/news/kashmir-first-cafe-mehvish-zarger/
Links/References:
https://www.shethepeople.tv/news/kashmir-first-cafe-mehvish-zarger/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. ROOHI NAZKI. Founder of Srinagar’s famous tea room, Chai Jaai.
• The founder of Srinagar’s famous tea room, Chai Jaai.• Her cafe by the river in Srinagar is quite popular among young girls who say that ChaiJaai is a place they can finally breathe in.• Her key mission is to make the tea room inclusive and to celebrate Kashmir. She admitsthat it is not just a tea room. She wants to make it a space where they can hold culturalconversations.• The cafe is also known for celebrating every festival in a big way.• She admits that the political situation in Kashmir is the biggest hurdle for her businessbut that didn’t stop her from going on.
Links/References:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcAKZb4ADtM
Links/References:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcAKZb4ADtM
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SHAHLA SHEIKH. Timber Business Entrepreneur. Add profile /photo
Links/References:
Leadership in Administration
Leadership in Administration
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SYED SAHRISH ASGHAR, Indian Administrative Service. Hometown: Jammu
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. NUZHAT JEHANGIR GULL, Secretary J & K Sports Council . Hometown: Add
Secretary @jksportscouncil UMASS ,USA Alumni ,Ex MD Golf development authority Ex secretary RSGC/KGC administrator and sports enthusiast
References/Sources:https://twitter.com/nuzhatjehangir
References/Sources:https://twitter.com/nuzhatjehangir
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. OVESSA IQBAL First Muslim girl from Jammu and Kashmir to clear the Indian Administrative Services examination ( 2014)
Ovessa Iqbal, the first Muslim girl from Jammu and Kashmir to clear the Indian Administrative Services examination ( 2014) has come a long way from the sleepy village of Chachoot in Leh. 25-year-old Ovessa started her journey with the help and encouragement of her elder sister Sameena Iqbal, a history lecturer at Women’s College, Srinagar. Ovessa completed her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Chandigarh.
Sameena believes Ovessa’s determination helped her clear the IAS in her third attempt. Ovessa recently cleared the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) examination too.
Links/References:http://www.mpositive.in/tag/ovessa-iqbal-first-muslim-girl-from-kashmir-to-clear-ias/
Sameena believes Ovessa’s determination helped her clear the IAS in her third attempt. Ovessa recently cleared the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) examination too.
Links/References:http://www.mpositive.in/tag/ovessa-iqbal-first-muslim-girl-from-kashmir-to-clear-ias/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. HAFEEZA MUZAFFAR, EX-Secretary Women's Commission (2006) Hometown: Add
When Hafeeza Muzaffar took the charge of secretary Women’s Commission in 2006, there was little staff with hardly any work. “I told them let us start, even if the budget is small at least let’s make a start,” she recalls.
Soon they received some 30 cases. Until now 609 cases have been decided by the commission and presently more than 2000 cases are registered with it. “Now women withdraw cases from court and come to us. Here cases are settled in days. Every day two to three new cases are registered,” Hafeeza says.
She never falters in taking initiatives. While driving to work she would see other drivers not behaving well with her. To get a feel of conditions in public transport she decided to travel in the local busses. “It was unbearable, especially for a woman,” says Hafeeza about her experience.
After that she conducted workshops with bus drivers and conductors to make them understand that “a little gentle behaviour with passengers wouldn’t do any harm”. “I also wrote to transport commissioner for allotment of more buses and reservation of seats for women in the buses,” Hafeeza says.
Hafeeza also conducted workshops with police and press to sensitize them about women’s issues. “Our aim was that media should stop using images of women in advertising and avoid using pictures of women victims. From police we wanted them to behave well with women,” she says.
Hafeeza’s parents wanted her to go abroad to study and practice law. She chose to stay back. She completed her graduation from Women’s College Srinagar and went to Baroda University to pursue post-graduation. The same year she got married and after completing her studies started looking for a job. She was appointed as assistant project officer in Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas.
In 1995, Hafeeza was transferred to Women’s Development Corporation where she worked as Development Officer. She got another opportunity to work for women when she was appointed as executive director Social Welfare Board.
Links/References:
https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
Soon they received some 30 cases. Until now 609 cases have been decided by the commission and presently more than 2000 cases are registered with it. “Now women withdraw cases from court and come to us. Here cases are settled in days. Every day two to three new cases are registered,” Hafeeza says.
She never falters in taking initiatives. While driving to work she would see other drivers not behaving well with her. To get a feel of conditions in public transport she decided to travel in the local busses. “It was unbearable, especially for a woman,” says Hafeeza about her experience.
After that she conducted workshops with bus drivers and conductors to make them understand that “a little gentle behaviour with passengers wouldn’t do any harm”. “I also wrote to transport commissioner for allotment of more buses and reservation of seats for women in the buses,” Hafeeza says.
Hafeeza also conducted workshops with police and press to sensitize them about women’s issues. “Our aim was that media should stop using images of women in advertising and avoid using pictures of women victims. From police we wanted them to behave well with women,” she says.
Hafeeza’s parents wanted her to go abroad to study and practice law. She chose to stay back. She completed her graduation from Women’s College Srinagar and went to Baroda University to pursue post-graduation. The same year she got married and after completing her studies started looking for a job. She was appointed as assistant project officer in Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas.
In 1995, Hafeeza was transferred to Women’s Development Corporation where she worked as Development Officer. She got another opportunity to work for women when she was appointed as executive director Social Welfare Board.
Links/References:
https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SHAGUFTA QAZI, Kashmir Accounts Service Officer Hometown: Add
Links/References:
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. TANVEER JAHAN, Kashmir Administrative Service Officer ( 1977 Batch). First female Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Hometown: Add
With the distinction of being the first female Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Tanveer Jahan is a known figure in the state administration. Born in a business family, the 1977 batch KAS officer did her schooling from Presentation Convent. After graduating from Women’s College Srinagar, Tanveer moved to Delhi to pursue post graduation in political sciences.
Since February 2009, when she took charge as Secretary Tourism, she has been working overtime to revive tourism in the state. “Tourism industry suffered most in last two decades, so for me the challenge is to revive this industry. Another challenge is to reintroduce tourism to our younger generation who because of troubled years know nothing about it,” she says.
Tanveer wants to take tourism in Kashmir beyond Dal lake and Mughal gardens. “Destinations in Bhaderwah, Poonch Rajouri are being explored and steps are being taken to develop new tourist spots under the categories like adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, leisure tourism, and heritage tourism,” she says.
Besides identifying and developing new tourist spots in the state, she wants to portray “right picture” of Kashmir. “I have been taking help from media to portray the right picture of Kashmir that has unfortunately been maligned by the media,” Tanveer says.
Starting as an under secretary in Agriculture department after KAS, she has served in many departments. Tanveer’s first stint in the tourism department was in 1986, as deputy secretary.
Apart from bringing new destinations on tourist map, Tanveer says facilities are being made available at existing tourist resorts. “I want to make natural beauty spots people friendly by keeping all facilities available there. We have already introduced internet cafes with wi-fi, cafeterias and toilets at many places.”
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
Since February 2009, when she took charge as Secretary Tourism, she has been working overtime to revive tourism in the state. “Tourism industry suffered most in last two decades, so for me the challenge is to revive this industry. Another challenge is to reintroduce tourism to our younger generation who because of troubled years know nothing about it,” she says.
Tanveer wants to take tourism in Kashmir beyond Dal lake and Mughal gardens. “Destinations in Bhaderwah, Poonch Rajouri are being explored and steps are being taken to develop new tourist spots under the categories like adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, leisure tourism, and heritage tourism,” she says.
Besides identifying and developing new tourist spots in the state, she wants to portray “right picture” of Kashmir. “I have been taking help from media to portray the right picture of Kashmir that has unfortunately been maligned by the media,” Tanveer says.
Starting as an under secretary in Agriculture department after KAS, she has served in many departments. Tanveer’s first stint in the tourism department was in 1986, as deputy secretary.
Apart from bringing new destinations on tourist map, Tanveer says facilities are being made available at existing tourist resorts. “I want to make natural beauty spots people friendly by keeping all facilities available there. We have already introduced internet cafes with wi-fi, cafeterias and toilets at many places.”
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. NASEEM LANKAR, Indian Administrative Service Officer ( 1993 Batch). First female Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Hometown: Add
She has many firsts to her credit. Becoming the first female Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir is just one of them. Born in an educated family in 1952, Naseem Lankar was destined to do well in her studies. Her father, A M Lankar was the first IAS officer from Kashmir to head Indian Audits Accounts Service. In 1977 Naseem and Tanveer Jahan were the first Kashmiri Muslim woman to qualify for Kashmir Administrative Services.
She did her schooling from Mallinson Girls school Srinagar and graduated in humanities from Government Women’s college Srinagar. She did post-graduation in English from Kashmir university. After completing PG, Naseem taught in the same department for more than a year before qualifying KAS on Nov 2, 1977. In 1993, Naseem was inducted into IAS.
During her career, Naseem worked in many departments like education, planning, handicrafts, finance, social welfare and, Housing and Urban Development. Naseem sees “experience of working in development side” as an advantage. “Experience of working in development side made me to focus more on development. It doesn’t matter if you do not accomplish all tasks, at least, you can take initiatives,” she says.
Naseem’s initiatives as divisional commissioner include coordination in different development activities, which she says, was necessary to achieve “concrete results of development”. “That is what we call integrated development,” she says. Naseem says her aim is to carry out development works without causing trouble to people. “Though development is necessary it should not come at the cost of somebody’s prosperity. Having a broader road doesn’t make sense to a person who loses his house,” Naseem says.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
She did her schooling from Mallinson Girls school Srinagar and graduated in humanities from Government Women’s college Srinagar. She did post-graduation in English from Kashmir university. After completing PG, Naseem taught in the same department for more than a year before qualifying KAS on Nov 2, 1977. In 1993, Naseem was inducted into IAS.
During her career, Naseem worked in many departments like education, planning, handicrafts, finance, social welfare and, Housing and Urban Development. Naseem sees “experience of working in development side” as an advantage. “Experience of working in development side made me to focus more on development. It doesn’t matter if you do not accomplish all tasks, at least, you can take initiatives,” she says.
Naseem’s initiatives as divisional commissioner include coordination in different development activities, which she says, was necessary to achieve “concrete results of development”. “That is what we call integrated development,” she says. Naseem says her aim is to carry out development works without causing trouble to people. “Though development is necessary it should not come at the cost of somebody’s prosperity. Having a broader road doesn’t make sense to a person who loses his house,” Naseem says.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. ZAHIDA KHAN, Kashmir Administrative Service Officer ( 1984 Batch). Hometown: Add
Zahida Khan’s inspiration is her father Mohammad Ayub Khan who fought first election after 1947 and remained in Cabinet for most of his political life. Zahida was brought up at Jammu where she completed her education. After completing post graduation in English and doing B.Ed and M.Ed, she qualified KAS in 1984. She was appointed as under secretary in higher education department.
During her career she worked in various departments like revenue, health, industries, and handicrafts before taking over as director school education Jammu in July 2008. Besides making herself approachable to employees, from the day one Zahida has been working to sort out the grievances and demands of teachers and other employees in the department. “Unless we make employees comfortable in their work, we cannot expect good results from them. How can a teacher teach with full dedication if he is not happy with his posting or feels uncomfortable for being away from his family,” she says.
Zahida says, she got all the pending promotions cleared. For the first time 830 employees were promoted in one go. In the last just over two years she has promoted 1300 employees in the department. “Earlier, not more than 300 promotions would take place in one go,” she says.
Zahida has been striving for resolving the cases of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers pending since 2006. “With the co-operation of my employees I cleared pendencies in the department. I have achieved 95 percent success in what I had set to do when I assumed the charge.”
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
During her career she worked in various departments like revenue, health, industries, and handicrafts before taking over as director school education Jammu in July 2008. Besides making herself approachable to employees, from the day one Zahida has been working to sort out the grievances and demands of teachers and other employees in the department. “Unless we make employees comfortable in their work, we cannot expect good results from them. How can a teacher teach with full dedication if he is not happy with his posting or feels uncomfortable for being away from his family,” she says.
Zahida says, she got all the pending promotions cleared. For the first time 830 employees were promoted in one go. In the last just over two years she has promoted 1300 employees in the department. “Earlier, not more than 300 promotions would take place in one go,” she says.
Zahida has been striving for resolving the cases of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers pending since 2006. “With the co-operation of my employees I cleared pendencies in the department. I have achieved 95 percent success in what I had set to do when I assumed the charge.”
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. DILSHAD KHAN, First woman to head the Rural Development Department.. Hometown: Add
Dilshad Khan is the first woman to head the Rural Development Department. A resident of Khanyar Srinagar, she did her schooling from Government Girls High School Khanyar. Dilshad always dreamt to be writer, and had to leave her Phd midway to join the KAS in 1983. A postgraduate in political science, her first appointment was as under secretary in Revenue Department in 1984. After serving a host of departments including Medical Education, Higher Education, Industries and Commerce, she was appointed as Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, where she spent almost five years. Before becoming the first woman to head the Rural Development Department in 2009, she also served as director Social Welfare department and Director Land Records Kashmir.
“It was a big challenge. People were not talking so high of this department. It was always discussed and most of the times for bad things,” Dilshad says.
So the challenge she says was to make visible changes in the department possible only by implementing centrally sponsored schemes. “There were many schemes that officers were apprehensive of because these involved direct contact of department with the beneficiary. There was no contract based works but labourer to department contact involved in the schemes. There was lot of inhibition about such schemes removing which was my prime focus,” recalls Dilshad.
But Dilshad broke the barrier. The department where the annual expenditure would barely reach Rs 10 crore, spent more than 50 crore this year. This year the department was given the task of completing 65 model villages whose work was left half done earlier, “we have already completed 62 model villages. Only three are left,” Dilshad says.
Many schemes were given wider publicity by making use of media. Dilshad says she ensured the department website updated all the developments. She plans to get some more centrally sponsored schemes implemented.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
“It was a big challenge. People were not talking so high of this department. It was always discussed and most of the times for bad things,” Dilshad says.
So the challenge she says was to make visible changes in the department possible only by implementing centrally sponsored schemes. “There were many schemes that officers were apprehensive of because these involved direct contact of department with the beneficiary. There was no contract based works but labourer to department contact involved in the schemes. There was lot of inhibition about such schemes removing which was my prime focus,” recalls Dilshad.
But Dilshad broke the barrier. The department where the annual expenditure would barely reach Rs 10 crore, spent more than 50 crore this year. This year the department was given the task of completing 65 model villages whose work was left half done earlier, “we have already completed 62 model villages. Only three are left,” Dilshad says.
Many schemes were given wider publicity by making use of media. Dilshad says she ensured the department website updated all the developments. She plans to get some more centrally sponsored schemes implemented.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SURRAIYA BHAT, Member of Service Selection Board. First female Child Development Project Officer, Hometown: Add
Daughter of a journalist and granddaughter of state Red Cross’s first secretary, Surraiya Bhat was the first female Child Development Project Officer, and first officer to be given to the charge of urban project in Srinagar.
A postgraduate in sociology as well as social work, Dr Surraiya was probably the first Kashmiri woman to hold a Master’s in social work, when she completed the degree in 1977 from Agra university. She was awarded Ph.D in 1991. Surraiya was appointed child development project officer in 1983 for Srinagar. The project involved establishing Anganwadi training schools in the city. Afterwards, she was appointed as District Social Welfare Officer and District Program officer for Srinagar and Budgam.
The most challenging job she says was during 90’s when she had to implement the Integrated Social Service Scheme meant for the militancy victims. “That was most challenging yet satisfying job. I had to identify victims and then distribute the money among them. It was very hectic and difficult in those troubled times,” Surraiya says.
In 1997 Surraiya was appointed as deputy secretary in Health and Medical Education Department. After that she worked as additional secretary in Social Welfare Department from where she was posted to the department of Science and Technology. Later she was promoted to special secretary in Information department where she worked till 2007.
In 2007, Surraiya again got the chance to work for militancy hit victims when she was appointed as executive director Rehabilitation Council for militancy hit victims. Presently Surraiya Bhat is the member of Service Selection Board.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
A postgraduate in sociology as well as social work, Dr Surraiya was probably the first Kashmiri woman to hold a Master’s in social work, when she completed the degree in 1977 from Agra university. She was awarded Ph.D in 1991. Surraiya was appointed child development project officer in 1983 for Srinagar. The project involved establishing Anganwadi training schools in the city. Afterwards, she was appointed as District Social Welfare Officer and District Program officer for Srinagar and Budgam.
The most challenging job she says was during 90’s when she had to implement the Integrated Social Service Scheme meant for the militancy victims. “That was most challenging yet satisfying job. I had to identify victims and then distribute the money among them. It was very hectic and difficult in those troubled times,” Surraiya says.
In 1997 Surraiya was appointed as deputy secretary in Health and Medical Education Department. After that she worked as additional secretary in Social Welfare Department from where she was posted to the department of Science and Technology. Later she was promoted to special secretary in Information department where she worked till 2007.
In 2007, Surraiya again got the chance to work for militancy hit victims when she was appointed as executive director Rehabilitation Council for militancy hit victims. Presently Surraiya Bhat is the member of Service Selection Board.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. NAHEED SOZ, ex- Managing Director Women’s Development Corporation ( appointed in June 2006( .Hometown: Add
Daughter of former union minister Saif-ud-din Soz, Naheed had her schooling at Presentation Convent. She did her post-graduation in geography from Punjab University and M.phil and Ph.D from Kashmir university, in 1997. Naheed worked as assistant professor in IMPA and also served in Rural Development Department before being appointed managing director Women’s Development Corporation in June 2006.
Naheed says she does not believe in welfare but empowering of women by skill development training and financing support. “A woman made profit of Rs. 12,000 in nine days in an exhibition at Jaipur this year. Money will not solve the problem, the skill will. She sold all her products before the ending of exhibition,” adds Naheed.
The corporation takes women to state and national level exhibitions for selling their products. In an exhibition last year a girl from Kupwara won the second prize in sales and another from Shopian won the best display award. “Women from Poonch and Rajouri represent our state in state and national trade fairs now. That is satisfying,” Naheed says.
Naheed wants women to move out of the stereotypes where women are taught “nothing beyond cutting, tailoring and stitching”. Naheed says, she has successfully been able to develop Self Help Groups under the banner of Block Level Societies which work as NGO’s and help women.
Recently Naheed got a loan scheme sanctioned under which a qualified woman will be provided loan of up to six lakh rupees. “This will be issued district-wise with 100 cases per district,” she adds. For the first time, this year, the corporation received order of 60,000 jute bags from Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
The WDC runs around 12 centres, which have provided vocational training to almost 700 women and victims of strife.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
Naheed says she does not believe in welfare but empowering of women by skill development training and financing support. “A woman made profit of Rs. 12,000 in nine days in an exhibition at Jaipur this year. Money will not solve the problem, the skill will. She sold all her products before the ending of exhibition,” adds Naheed.
The corporation takes women to state and national level exhibitions for selling their products. In an exhibition last year a girl from Kupwara won the second prize in sales and another from Shopian won the best display award. “Women from Poonch and Rajouri represent our state in state and national trade fairs now. That is satisfying,” Naheed says.
Naheed wants women to move out of the stereotypes where women are taught “nothing beyond cutting, tailoring and stitching”. Naheed says, she has successfully been able to develop Self Help Groups under the banner of Block Level Societies which work as NGO’s and help women.
Recently Naheed got a loan scheme sanctioned under which a qualified woman will be provided loan of up to six lakh rupees. “This will be issued district-wise with 100 cases per district,” she adds. For the first time, this year, the corporation received order of 60,000 jute bags from Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
The WDC runs around 12 centres, which have provided vocational training to almost 700 women and victims of strife.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
Shining in Sports
Shining in Sports
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. AFHSAN ASHIQ Captain of Jammu and Kashmir Football Team . Hometown: add name/Kashmir
The 21-year-old Afshan Ashiq was named captain of the Jammu and Kashmir football team in 2017. Once seen pelting stones on the security forces during protests in Jammu and Kashmir, the 21-year-old Afshan Ashiq has turned a corner to become an inspiration for those of her age. Afshan has now taken up the leadership role in the football team of Jammu and Kashmir - a development that has reportedly made a famous Bollywood filmmaker contemplate a movie on her.According to the Indian Express, Afshan accompanied her team to meet the union home minister Rajnath Singh “My life has changed forever. I want to be an achiever and do something to make the state and the nation proud,” said Afshan, who is currently studying BA in Srinagar. Afshan is the goalkeeper in the 22-member Jammu and Kashmir football team, and she led the group to meet the senior politician with whom they discussed the lack of sports infrastructure in the state in a meeting that lasted for about half an hour
References/Sourceshttps://www.hindustantimes.com/football/the-remarkable-story-of-jammu-and-kashmir-footballer-afshan-ashiq/story-182ZjlDx2TalXProbqMLsM.html?
References/Sourceshttps://www.hindustantimes.com/football/the-remarkable-story-of-jammu-and-kashmir-footballer-afshan-ashiq/story-182ZjlDx2TalXProbqMLsM.html?
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. NADIYA NIGHAT, Kashmir’s first female football coach. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
Kashmir’s first female football coach.• The football aficionado was born and brought up in a middle-class Muslim family fromRambagh. She explained how all girl students in her locality had almost no interest insports. Thus, she turned to the boys who always discussed football.• She told SheThePeople TV that the hurdles she faced didn’t have much to do with hergender but the problems of illiteracy.• 10 national and state level awards.• She presently runs a football academy in Rambagh and trains more than 30 children,including three girls.
Links/References:https://www.thedispatch.in/life-story-nadiya-nighat-first-female-football-coach/
Links/References:https://www.thedispatch.in/life-story-nadiya-nighat-first-female-football-coach/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. IQRA RASSOL. Cricketer . Hometown: Dangiwacha, Rafiabad /Kashmir
Iqra Rasool (born 15 August 2000) is an Indian cricketer and also known as 'Baramulla's supergirl'. She hails from Dangiwacha, Rafiabad located in North Kashmir and represented Jammu and Kashmir at the U-19 and U-23 level. In 2017, at a session of ‘We The Women’[3] in Mumbai, Mithali Raj, the captain of the Indian Women's cricket team, presented a ‘H.E.R.’ (Hope. Empower. Rise.) award to Iqra Rasool. H.E.R awards are conferred to those who have "shown remarkable excellence in their areas and have often taken risks, battled odds or rewritten the rules in pursuit of success
• Her inclination towards cricket during her teenage years was met with a lot of criticism.• To all those girls hoping to carve out a career in cricket, she says, “I have only one thingto say, believe and trust your dreams. There will come a phase when even your parentswould not accept but that is only because they want the best for you, woh galat nahisochengay tumhaare liye but even then, don’t stop following
Links/References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iqra_Rasool
• Her inclination towards cricket during her teenage years was met with a lot of criticism.• To all those girls hoping to carve out a career in cricket, she says, “I have only one thingto say, believe and trust your dreams. There will come a phase when even your parentswould not accept but that is only because they want the best for you, woh galat nahisochengay tumhaare liye but even then, don’t stop following
Links/References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iqra_Rasool
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. TAJAMUL ISLAM, Kickboxing Champion. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
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Links/References:
Links/References:
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. IRTIQA AYOUB Rugby Player & Rugby Development Officer. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
A senior Rugby player and Rugby Development Officer. • Her journey had a fair share of challenges, “I faced similar problems as any Kashmiri girl would while starting up a different interest. My parents were reluctant to support my passion at first but a few medals in my record changed their opinion. Currently, my parents support my dreams,” she told SheThePeople.TV. • Irtiqa has won seven gold medals at the state level, and seven at the district level. She won a silver medal for Rugby 7’s in 2016 and 2017, and a gold medal for snow Rugby in 2017. • “If once-a-shy-kid can do it, anybody can! But it is important for parents to stand beside their daughters – only
Links/References:https://www.thedispatch.in/life-story-irtiqa-ayoub-rugby-player/
Links/References:https://www.thedispatch.in/life-story-irtiqa-ayoub-rugby-player/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. NIGHAT BASHIR International Gold Medalist in Karate. Hometown: Sopore/Baramullah, Kashmir
International gold medalist in karate from seelo sopore.She have played district state national international and south Asian championship along with medals
Links/References:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhNlo2mpR0
Links/References:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhNlo2mpR0
Creative Contributors to the Arts
Creative Contributors to the Arts
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. BADRUNISA BHAT. Artist. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
“You are not just a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in a drop,” Badarunisa Bhat, a 25-year-old artist in Kashmir, quotes Mevlana Jalaluddin al-Rumi – a 13th-century Sufi mystic, poet, and Islamic scholar – as an inspiration for her artistic spiritual journey to find God. In the Muslim-dominated capital city of Srinagar, the paintings at her home walls depict the mystic work that Bhat has stroked over the years since she got inclined towards this form of art. At a very early age, she says she loved to paint, but it was her grandfather who taught her about the works of Rumi and Islamic literature. “My inclination towards spiritual art has got shaped by the surroundings in which I grew up. When I was a teenager, I started reading about Islamic literature, particularly about Rumi, and that influenced me a lot as an artist,” Bhat told Anadolu Agency at her home. She said the illuminating light of the moon in most of her paintings depicts the straight path, which a human yearns for or wants to go in order to realize himself.
Growing up in a decades-long conflict, women of Kashmir have battled many social abnormalities, but new age artists like Bhat want to change that through their art. The woman and the moon in her paintings reflect how she can escape all the pain through spirituality. “My paintings give some kind of relief from the grief, pain, and loneliness that the women are facing in this torn region through decades of conflict and social discrimination. It is just the divine force that can soothe our wounded heart,” she said.
Her art somewhat resembles that of great Kashmiri women poets such as Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, Rupa Bhawani, and Arnimal – mystic, saints, and poets from the 14th to 18th century whose body of works mainly revolved around social discrimination and suffering, but finding escapism in being near to God. Bhat believes that the sufferings affect every sensitive soul, with artists, poets, and others equally impacted and her works are the feelings which she paints on the canvas.
Bhat said one of her paintings is on display at Ankara University in Turkey. Besides, she has sold her artworks in Australia and other countries. "Through art, a message can cross any boundary, and if somehow my work portrays that message, I will consider myself to have succeeded in my art," she said.
Links/References:https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/kashmir-s-women-artists-paint-in-black-and-white-/2194801
Growing up in a decades-long conflict, women of Kashmir have battled many social abnormalities, but new age artists like Bhat want to change that through their art. The woman and the moon in her paintings reflect how she can escape all the pain through spirituality. “My paintings give some kind of relief from the grief, pain, and loneliness that the women are facing in this torn region through decades of conflict and social discrimination. It is just the divine force that can soothe our wounded heart,” she said.
Her art somewhat resembles that of great Kashmiri women poets such as Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, Rupa Bhawani, and Arnimal – mystic, saints, and poets from the 14th to 18th century whose body of works mainly revolved around social discrimination and suffering, but finding escapism in being near to God. Bhat believes that the sufferings affect every sensitive soul, with artists, poets, and others equally impacted and her works are the feelings which she paints on the canvas.
Bhat said one of her paintings is on display at Ankara University in Turkey. Besides, she has sold her artworks in Australia and other countries. "Through art, a message can cross any boundary, and if somehow my work portrays that message, I will consider myself to have succeeded in my art," she said.
Links/References:https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/kashmir-s-women-artists-paint-in-black-and-white-/2194801
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. GULSHAN FATIMA. Papier Mache Artist. Hometown: Mir Behari/Srinagar
Gulshan Fatima, a 25-year-old papier-mâché artist, But despite all the difficulties, there are still young Kashmiri entering the art. Gulshan Fatima has been instrumental in imparting the art to the marginalized in her area of Mir Behri, one of the most poverty stricken areas in Srinagar and often referred to as the ‘slum of Kashmir’.
Fatima, who learned the art during a program at the University of Kashmir, supports her parents and sibling on her own. “This job is my identification, and it gives me a lot of respect. If anyone knows me today it is because of this art. I feel proud that I am doing it.” she said with a smile on her face. Fatima has become a go-to artist for many exporters in Kashmir — an achievement in what is traditionally a male-dominated art. “To be very honest, Fatima is our inspiration. She is very strong and someone who never complains. Not only does she work on the paper mache items,” says Bisma, a 24-year-old papier-mâché artist who learned the art from Fatima.
The art has physical costs as well. According to an academic study by Indian researchers analyzing ten paper mache units in Kashmir in 2011, the majority of the artists suffer from health problems like eye irritation, musculoskeletal problems, allergies, respiratory problems, and general weakness.
Links/References:https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/artists/papier-mache-art-kashmir-india-traditional-women-1234635975/gulshan-fatima-artist/
Fatima, who learned the art during a program at the University of Kashmir, supports her parents and sibling on her own. “This job is my identification, and it gives me a lot of respect. If anyone knows me today it is because of this art. I feel proud that I am doing it.” she said with a smile on her face. Fatima has become a go-to artist for many exporters in Kashmir — an achievement in what is traditionally a male-dominated art. “To be very honest, Fatima is our inspiration. She is very strong and someone who never complains. Not only does she work on the paper mache items,” says Bisma, a 24-year-old papier-mâché artist who learned the art from Fatima.
The art has physical costs as well. According to an academic study by Indian researchers analyzing ten paper mache units in Kashmir in 2011, the majority of the artists suffer from health problems like eye irritation, musculoskeletal problems, allergies, respiratory problems, and general weakness.
Links/References:https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/artists/papier-mache-art-kashmir-india-traditional-women-1234635975/gulshan-fatima-artist/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SOBIA MUSHTAQ. Self taught Calligrapher. Hometown: Bandipora/Kashmir
Sobia started doing calligraphy when she was in 7th standard but had to leave it as studies took most of her time. Sobia says she was always passionate about the art of calligraphy. She completed her post-graduation in English last year and is currently preparing for competitive exams. After completing her PG, she decided to take up the art and started posting her calligraphy works on social media.
Soon people began to like her calligraphy and she started getting orders. She happily says, “People like my work and my family has always encouraged me to carry on with this artwork”. Whatever little money Sobia makes from her work, she buys pens, paint, ink and papers.Sobia mainly does Arabic calligraphy. She used to make sketches but calligraphy is her main passion.
“Calligraphy enriches faith, connects me to the Quran. It helps me to strengthen my faith and draws me closer to Allah,” she says.
Sobia does name calligraphy, she likes to do calligraphy of resistance poetry, but her passion is in Arabic calligraphy.Sobia says she does dual calligraphy combining modern backgrounds with Islamic calligraphy. With the emergence of technology, every design is a click away but, “what makes one a good calligrapher is practice and willpower.” Sobia opines, “The calligraphed artwork has its charm.” For Sobia, the smell of ink brings the hidden essence to the art.The pens like kamish, bamboo, celi, java handam are expensive and none of them are available in her district. She usually orders her pens from a store in Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir. Elkhatt Store in Srinagar is the store that provides pens and ink for calligrapher lovers. Sobia proudly says that she started with a set of Rupees 200 basic pens and she still uses them.
“Tools don’t make an artist but the artist makes the tools,” Sobia says. Sobia lives in Bandipora and she hardly gets the paper there. Either she orders online or goes to Srinagar to get her calligraphy equipment.
“Sobia has a thirst to learn everything about calligraphy. We are proud of her work,” says her sister. “She is passionate about her work. That is what brings sharpness in her writing,” her sister adds.“The roots of Arabic calligraphy are strongly embedded in Kashmir. They connect us to our spiritual being,” says Sobia Mushtaq, a 23-year-old young calligrapher from the Bandipora district of North Kashmir. “Arabic Calligraphy is a way of connecting to God,” she adds.
Links/References:http://www.mpositive.in/2021/03/30/meet-sobia-mushtaq-a-self-taught-calligrapher-from-kashmir/
Soon people began to like her calligraphy and she started getting orders. She happily says, “People like my work and my family has always encouraged me to carry on with this artwork”. Whatever little money Sobia makes from her work, she buys pens, paint, ink and papers.Sobia mainly does Arabic calligraphy. She used to make sketches but calligraphy is her main passion.
“Calligraphy enriches faith, connects me to the Quran. It helps me to strengthen my faith and draws me closer to Allah,” she says.
Sobia does name calligraphy, she likes to do calligraphy of resistance poetry, but her passion is in Arabic calligraphy.Sobia says she does dual calligraphy combining modern backgrounds with Islamic calligraphy. With the emergence of technology, every design is a click away but, “what makes one a good calligrapher is practice and willpower.” Sobia opines, “The calligraphed artwork has its charm.” For Sobia, the smell of ink brings the hidden essence to the art.The pens like kamish, bamboo, celi, java handam are expensive and none of them are available in her district. She usually orders her pens from a store in Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir. Elkhatt Store in Srinagar is the store that provides pens and ink for calligrapher lovers. Sobia proudly says that she started with a set of Rupees 200 basic pens and she still uses them.
“Tools don’t make an artist but the artist makes the tools,” Sobia says. Sobia lives in Bandipora and she hardly gets the paper there. Either she orders online or goes to Srinagar to get her calligraphy equipment.
“Sobia has a thirst to learn everything about calligraphy. We are proud of her work,” says her sister. “She is passionate about her work. That is what brings sharpness in her writing,” her sister adds.“The roots of Arabic calligraphy are strongly embedded in Kashmir. They connect us to our spiritual being,” says Sobia Mushtaq, a 23-year-old young calligrapher from the Bandipora district of North Kashmir. “Arabic Calligraphy is a way of connecting to God,” she adds.
Links/References:http://www.mpositive.in/2021/03/30/meet-sobia-mushtaq-a-self-taught-calligrapher-from-kashmir/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. TABISH AIJAZ KHAN. First Kashmiri Girl to record her name in Asia book of records and India book of records for the maximum number of paintings on Chinar leaves. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
Tabish Aijaz Khan First kashmiri Girl to record her name in Asia book of records and India book of records for the maximum number of paintings on Chinar leaves.
Links/References:
Links/References:
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. ZARA WASIM, Actor. Recipient of National Film Award and National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement Hometown: add name/Kashmir
Zaira Wasim (born 23 October 2000) is a former Indian actress who worked in Hindi films. The recipient of numerous accolades, including a Filmfare Award and a National Film Award, Wasim was honoured with the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement by Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India, at a ceremony in New Delhi in 2017.[2]
Wasim made her film debut with the role of wrestler Geeta Phogat in the biographical sports film Dangal (2016), which emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film, grossing more than ₹2,000 crore ($300 million) worldwide. She then starred as an aspiring singer in the musical drama Secret Superstar (2017), which became the highest-grossing Indian film with a female protagonist. Both were backed by Aamir Khan Productions and earned her numerous accolades including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for the former and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for the latter. Her last film appearance was in The Sky Is Pink (2019), which garnered her a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination despite underperforming commercially.
Links/References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaira_Wasim
Wasim made her film debut with the role of wrestler Geeta Phogat in the biographical sports film Dangal (2016), which emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film, grossing more than ₹2,000 crore ($300 million) worldwide. She then starred as an aspiring singer in the musical drama Secret Superstar (2017), which became the highest-grossing Indian film with a female protagonist. Both were backed by Aamir Khan Productions and earned her numerous accolades including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for the former and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for the latter. Her last film appearance was in The Sky Is Pink (2019), which garnered her a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination despite underperforming commercially.
Links/References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaira_Wasim
Professionals in Science & Medicine
Professionals in Science & Medicine
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SHAHIDA MIR. Gynaecologist. Principal Government Medical College. Hometown: add name/Kashmir
When Dr Shahida Mir joined GMC as student in 1971, the medical college was ranked third in the country. After 28 years in March 2009 when she took over as principal of the same college it had sank to rank 19.
Her first priority, she says was to streamline the college calendar. A five year MBBS course would take at least six years and at times up to eight years. Dr Shahida says this year all the examinations were held as per calendar for the first time. “My decisions are harsh at times but when you want reforms they have to be like that,” she says. Her next priority is the improvement of work culture.
She adds that she has upgraded infrastructure and faculty of GMC and associate hospitals. The department of biochemistry has been given status of Research Centre. Twenty two departments have been recognized by Medical Council of India. The department of peadiatrics which had applied in 1976 for recognition got recognized this year. G.B Pant hospital also got recognized.
There are bigger challenges though. Two postgraduate departments of the hospital have been derecognized by MCI. Born and brought up in an educated family, Dr Shahida has been a meritorious student all along. She stood first in three subjects in MBBS and was awarded as the Best women Graduate.
She completed her PG and completed her registrarship in the same hospital. After topping PSC examination she was appointed as assistant professor in 1990. She was promoted to Associate professor and then professor in 2000 and also Head of the Department gynaecology and obstetrics which she headed for four years. In 2007 she was offered the post of principal, but she refused then, “I wanted to be a teacher and a practicing doctor, I never wanted to go in administration,” she says.
The college applied for DNB (Diplomate of National Board – a course equivalent to MD or MS) in Microbiology and Radiodiagnosis this year.
The college has also purchased land in the vicinity for setting up a Regional Institute of ophthalmology. Besides other achievements, Dr Shahida says, the department of ophthalmology was upgraded, a cath-lab was set up for the department of medicine and a neo-natal intensive care unit was set up in GB Pant hospital.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
Her first priority, she says was to streamline the college calendar. A five year MBBS course would take at least six years and at times up to eight years. Dr Shahida says this year all the examinations were held as per calendar for the first time. “My decisions are harsh at times but when you want reforms they have to be like that,” she says. Her next priority is the improvement of work culture.
She adds that she has upgraded infrastructure and faculty of GMC and associate hospitals. The department of biochemistry has been given status of Research Centre. Twenty two departments have been recognized by Medical Council of India. The department of peadiatrics which had applied in 1976 for recognition got recognized this year. G.B Pant hospital also got recognized.
There are bigger challenges though. Two postgraduate departments of the hospital have been derecognized by MCI. Born and brought up in an educated family, Dr Shahida has been a meritorious student all along. She stood first in three subjects in MBBS and was awarded as the Best women Graduate.
She completed her PG and completed her registrarship in the same hospital. After topping PSC examination she was appointed as assistant professor in 1990. She was promoted to Associate professor and then professor in 2000 and also Head of the Department gynaecology and obstetrics which she headed for four years. In 2007 she was offered the post of principal, but she refused then, “I wanted to be a teacher and a practicing doctor, I never wanted to go in administration,” she says.
The college applied for DNB (Diplomate of National Board – a course equivalent to MD or MS) in Microbiology and Radiodiagnosis this year.
The college has also purchased land in the vicinity for setting up a Regional Institute of ophthalmology. Besides other achievements, Dr Shahida says, the department of ophthalmology was upgraded, a cath-lab was set up for the department of medicine and a neo-natal intensive care unit was set up in GB Pant hospital.
Links/References:https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
RBTC Kashmir Nominee.
Links/References:
Strides in Corporate Sector
Strides in Corporate Sector
RBTC Kashmir Nominee.
Links/References:
Administering Quality Education
Administering Quality Education
RBTC Kashmir Nominee. SHAGUFTA PARVEEN. Director School Education. Hometown: Add
In the two and a half years as Director School Education, Shagufta Parveen has been very busy as the government upgraded a number of schools and central schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan helped the expansion of the department. She says, her first initiative as head of the department was the rationalisation of staff. “The PT (pupil to teacher) ratio in schools was very skewed so I rationalised it as per the requirements,” says Shagufta.
Another initiative was the strengthening of State Institute of Education. The adoption of Remedial Teaching was yet another development where special care was being given to below average students. Though the concept of bridge courses was there, it was implemented during her tenure. Shugufta says her priority was to develop infrastructure of higher secondary schools. “We are setting up computer labs in higher secondaries. Around 70 percent of schools have been provided computer labs.”
From November 2008, the education department has opened 314 primary schools under SSA, up-graded 1020 primary schools to Upper-primary level.
A teacher’s daughter, Shagufta studied in a government school. She passed matric from Government Girls School Rainanwari and graduated from Government Women’s College Srinagar. Shagufta did post-graduation in Sociology at Jamia Millia University, Delhi.
Links/References:
https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/
Another initiative was the strengthening of State Institute of Education. The adoption of Remedial Teaching was yet another development where special care was being given to below average students. Though the concept of bridge courses was there, it was implemented during her tenure. Shugufta says her priority was to develop infrastructure of higher secondary schools. “We are setting up computer labs in higher secondaries. Around 70 percent of schools have been provided computer labs.”
From November 2008, the education department has opened 314 primary schools under SSA, up-graded 1020 primary schools to Upper-primary level.
A teacher’s daughter, Shagufta studied in a government school. She passed matric from Government Girls School Rainanwari and graduated from Government Women’s College Srinagar. Shagufta did post-graduation in Sociology at Jamia Millia University, Delhi.
Links/References:
https://kashmirlife.net/womanpower-1056/