Careers Archives | Kashmir Life

Dr Sheema Rehmani is working as Senior Consultant Physiotherapy at Al-Tabeeb Fitness and Physiotherapy. She answers some questions asked by Saima Rashid on Physiotherapy as career option.

Kashmir Life (KL): What is physiotherapy?

Sheema Rehmani (SR): Physiotherapy is the treatment for bodily ailments or weakness by physical means. Doctors access, diagnose and rehabilitate the ailing person by physical means such as Exercise therapy and Electro therapy.

KL: What is the procedure of getting into this field?

SR: The procedure is as simple as we choose any other course after passing class 12. Appear into JKCET and accordingly on meritorious grounds, you will be allotted a medical college either in Kashmir or in Jammu. Its degree named as BPT (Bachelors in Physiotherapy) takes five years for completion and moreover one year internship is also needed.

KL: What is its scope in a place like Kashmir?

SR: I think every new concept takes time to come in limelight. Though physiotherapy in Kashmir has been since years but from past few years it is at the verge of getting its due importance. As physiotherapies are time consuming, so all it needs is patience and cooperation from patients so as to regain their healthy body.

KL: What are the job opportunities?

SR: As unemployment is a serious ongoing issue in Kashmir so same is the case with physiotherapy jobs. But as far as this field is concerned we can excel in it by finding the correct means of operation like creating awareness as much as you can. Nowadays it has became the need of the hour taking sedentary lifestyle of people into consideration who have become more like couch potatoes due to their busy schedules in their offices.

KL: How did you get into this field?

SR: As everybody joins the race of building career after 12^th, I thought choosing Physiotherapy would be a better career option. I completed my degree in Physiotherapy from Rajiv Gandhi University Bangalore.

KL: Share your working experience as a Physiotherapist?

SR: After completion of my degree from the Bangalore University, I started working as consultant physiotherapist at VLCC Bangalore. But then back in Kashmir I saw people claiming more of back pains and joint pains. So I came back and thought of using treatment skills on my people and make their life healthier. Job is tough but carrying the caring attitude towards your patient at times helps more than the medicinal treatment and then every challenging stuff turns easy. All you need is patience, cooperation and caring behaviour for your patient, if you have these three qualities then money follows itself.

He tried his hands at teaching and then working for the government, but there was something that kept him looking for more. Saima Rashid reports the journey of a shy student who is out to make grooming affordable yet stylish in Kashmir

He would often reason with his businessman bothers about profits not being only driving force behind a business setup.

But twenty-eight-year-old Owais Nanda’s journey from a Program Officer in Rural development department to an owner of a saloon is interesting one.

It all started with a trip to Jammu where he was supposed to attend a meeting. Before the meeting, Owais thought of having a new haircut. The trip to the saloon, where Owais was given a stylish haircut for just Rs 200, proved to be life changing for him. Owais was shocked as saloons in Kashmir charge thousands for the same haircut. “It left me thinking,” says Owais. “I went to saloons in Mumbai, Goa, Chandigarh, and Delhi to do a bit of research about branding and originality of products.”

After the research part was done Owais opened ‘Hap looks – The Style Café, at Sarah City Mall in Srinagar. “The idea was to start an affordable but stylish saloon that will use only original branded products.”

Hailing from north Kashmir’s Baramulla, Owais was brought up in Srinagar. Remembering his school days, Owais says he was an extremely shy student. “My teachers had no idea that a student of my name even existed in the class.”

But the personality flip came after Owais joined MBA at University of Kashmir. “I was shy but not dull in studies. And within no time my teachers started noticing me for my brilliance.”

It was because of his teachers that Owais could shun his reservations about facing the crowd or speaking out his mind in front of the people.

After completing his MBA, Owais started teaching in the same department for a year. “I was the youngest teacher in the University.”

The continuous interaction with the students as a teacher helped Owais believe in himself. “Soon I was among the favourite teachers’ list. It felt great.”

But with his heart still in search of a reason he quit his job as a teacher and joined government sector. He was selected as a program officer in the Rural Development department.

No doubt Owais was content with his job but there was something that was ticking in his never-at-ease mind. And the trip to Jammu proved to be the eye-opener. “I instantly knew that this is something I want to do. I don’t know how people will look at my choices. But this is my dream.”

But to realise his dream he needed money. After a few unsuccessful visits to various banks, he decided to fund his dream from his own savings. “I started exploring options other than lending money from a bank.” And with the passage of time Owais’ dream started to find a shape. “Life is really interesting. You never know where you land. But to do something different in life, one needs to dream. And that is what I did.”

For him art is an expression that needs no fixtures of disciplines within art. Ehtisham Azhar tells Durdana Bhat how practicing art under the contemporary artists has changed his views

It was a different experience for everyone when Ehtisham Azhar, 25, along with Hilal Ahmad Khan performed at the International Day of the Disappeared, organized by the APDP, using his white-painted body wrapped in white sheet as a metaphor of the presence/absence of the disappeared body. Another performance was done during Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir, a counter event to protest against Zubin Mehta’s controversial concert at Shalimar gardens in Srinagar along with other artists of the same genre. A graduate in visual arts from Pakistan’s reputed Beacon House National University, Lahore, Ehtisham’s way of expression is out-of-the-box. “I am interested in visual arts since my school days. Initially it was painting, but with age I became more involved in Visual Arts referred here as fine arts,” says Ehtisham.

The four years Ehtisham spent in Pakistan helped him grow as a performing artist. “I have immense regard for that time.”

In June 2014, Ehtisham came back from Pakistan and began working as a mentor for a group of undergraduate students at Kashmir University’s Department of Music and Fine Arts along with Showkat Kathjoo and Mubashir Niyaz.

Ehtisham credits Showkat Kathjoo, his teacher, for his critical understanding of art. Ehtisham’s work is primarily divided into two categories: concentrating on installations, and performances. He uses his body as a site to invoke and interpret both historical complexities and personal experience. Earlier he used to combine merging of body, space and text, into a single act.

“My artistic interests are dominated by ideas of identity, freedom and incarceration in the context of geo-politics, power dynamics and the notion of the panopticon; all of which have been explored through the concept of body performing in space,” says Ehtisham. “The capacity to use one’s body to express lends these encounters a schizophrenic tendency towards multiple identities including political and psychological.”

Though, visually Ehtisham’s performances are very simple, they engage many layers of understanding of the word conflict.

For him it would be failure of his practice, if his work is only seen through one scope or lens and linked to a particular geo-political scenario or locality. His understanding of conflict manifests from the observation and experiences of geo-politics, to the household to history.

Ehtisham’s understanding of history is not just as a static event sealed in the vaults of the past, and dedicated to the manufacture of heroes of monumental scale; rather it is the recognition of historic events existing in their multiplicity.

“My interest lies in reverting history back to its constituent elements in my work,” says Ehtisham. “I celebrate history as a fiction, or as a fictional memory.”

Ehtisham, along with other young artists like him, is working towards making this offbeat form of art popular among masses. “The scenario has already started to change.”

Ehtisham, along with another young artist Mubashir Niyaz mentored a group of young artists on a Foundation of Indian Contemporary Art’s sponsored tour. He has also performed in the residency offered by Nikhil Chopra, a celebrated Performance artist of International repute in Goa.

From a call center employee to the owner of call centers with some of them off shore, Zameer Altaf is living his dream. Saima Rashid and Sheikh Tabish report his journey

At 19, he had his first job. Four years later Zameer Altaf, once an outspoken student, is proud owner of three small call centers located in United Kingdom, Michigan and Omaha (Nebraska) USA.

Zameer’s journey in to the world of call centers started when one of his cousins offered him a job at his call center in Srinagar. “My good command over spoken English impressed my cousin,” recalls Zameer who had his schooling from Tyndale Biscoe School Srinagar. “And I thought why not to give it a try.”

Initially Zameer struggled with the graveyard shifts as most of his cousin’s clients were based in America. However, with time Zameer adapted to his new lifestyle. “I was dealing with clients from USA and UK. It was like living my dream.”

Zameer’s job was to provide online assistance to clients based in USA, UK and Canada. “We would help them fix their computers.”

The job helped Zameer get global exposure while working from Kashmir. “It was like living in America,” says Zameer.

However, after four months of working, Zameer’s dream was cut short as one of his cousin’s contacts duped him of Rs 40 lakh. “The person had promised my cousin that he will bring good foreign clients. But he did not,” says Zameer.

The abrupt end to Zameer’s dream career made him to look for alternatives, and he ended up joining another Srinagar based call centre. “The aim was simple. I wanted to know all about how a call centre functioned. I also wanted to know how to get genuine clients,” says Zameer.

His new boss was generous. Within no time and without much of the efforts, Zameer managed to understand the secrets of the trade. “Soon I was able to have my own customers,” Zameer recalls.

Interestingly his first customer was Iptisam Hantoli, a Bangladeshi national settled in America, who used to deal with Zameer’s cousin as well. “Later on Hantoli became my employee,” says Zameer.

As Zameer’s clientele grew he opened a small office in America. “I offered Hantoli a certain share in profits and he agreed. He looks after my American office right now.”

Zameer, who hails from a well-off family in Bachpora, Srinagar, has never asked for any financial help from his parents. “I wanted to create my own identity always,” he says.

After years of hard work and dedication Zameer is currently managing three small concerns with the help of his cousin. (We have Zyas Technologies (UK), Zyas AVG Tech (Michigan, USA) and Kash Squad (Omaha, Nebraska),” says Zameer proudly. Cumulatively, these three concerns have 50 seats.

As a businessman Zameer has come a long way since he took his first order. “Initially, because of third party’s involvement, we used to invest in rupees and earn in dollars. But now everything is done in dollars only,” he says.

Entrepreneur Zameer now thinks it is payback time. “We have no dearth of talent in Kashmir. I want to employ as many locals as I can. That way I will be contributing my bit towards the larger good of the society,” says Zameer. He is already running a 25-seat call centre from Srinagar.

It was his curiosity to understand the complex nature of human body that made this Kashmiri boy to come up with a research which could produce vaccine for HIV, reports Saima Rashid

Raiees Andrabi.

As a child Raiees Andrabi, now 32, was curious about how nature is designed, how human immune system functions and how biological processes work. Years down the line, this curiosity led him to solve one of the greatest riddles facing the humanity – how to fight HIV.

With the help of other researchers, Raiees has successfully identified four antibodies to target the weak spot in HIV that is bound to help medical science to come up with a vaccine.

Hailing from Ratnipora village in south Kashmir’s district Pulwama, Raiees grew up as an average student, who spent his childhood playing cricket.

“I wasn’t too much into text books,” says Raiees, “But I think I was generally very curious about how nature was designed and would ask myself and grown-ups a lot of questions, and that played an important role in my career choices.”

After 12th class exams, Raiees opted to study biochemistry from SP College in Srinagar. At the college, he got an opportunity to discuss his ideas with professors. “Those interactions were very stimulating and led me to pursue Biochemistry as my major in Master’s,” he says.

After completing his graduation from Srinagar, Raiees took admission in Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, in a master’s program in Biochemistry. The next step, that helped Raiees steer his future in a desired direction, was his stint at AIIMS. He pursued PhD in immunology from the premier medical institute. While pursing his PhD, Raiees was awarded Fogarty International Fellowship. “This allowed me to do research work at the New York University medical centre,” says Raiees.

Through his research, Raiees was trying to find out how human immune system responds to HIV in natural infection. After a thorough study, Raiees realised that very little is known about HIV virus and the way our body reacts to it. And to end that curiosity, he reached California as a research associate at Scripps Research Institute.

“Another reason to take research in California was Dr Dennis Burton. He is the principal investigator of my research group. A highly inspiring person,” says Raiees.

It was at the Scripps Research Institute, California where Raiees and his research mates found that the four antibodies targeted a single spot on HIV’s surface called the V2 apex. These antibodies recognized the area on about 90 percent of known HIV strains and even related strains that infect other species.

“V2 apex region helps stabilizing the virus, so it is an important area to target if HIV needs to be neutralized,” adds Raiees.

The childhood curiosity, that made Raiees to study the complex mechanisms of immune system that helps in combating pathogens and infections, was partly quenched with his research at Scripps Research Institute.

“Making the substitute of natural antibody system is not possible,” he says, “but our team has been able to mimic the protein structure of HIV with a vaccine candidate.”

With a major breakthrough achieved, Raiees is hopeful that his research will be instrumental in the development of a vaccine against HIV.

Mattan’s Athar Amir Khan nearly recreated Shah Faesal moment in Kashmir with his recent performance. Riyaz Ul Khaliq reports the previous such golden moments of Kashmiris making it big in elite exams

SJM Gilani

Six years after Shah Faesal became the poster boy of civil services, Kashmir got another Indian Administration Service (IAS) topper. The top selection apparently renewed the ‘mission bureaucracy’ vibes in Kashmir.

Mattan Islamabad’s Athar Amir Khan last week was one among the ten people from Jammu and Kashmir who cracked the 2015 IAS. No sooner the results were announced, the debate of sorts started in Kashmir with people, especially Netizens deliberating the selections threadbare.

Athar Amir

But whatever was said and done hardly affected the civil service qualifiers, who were seen sharing their success tips. Leading from the front, Athar not only stole the show back home, but also created name outside. His achievement, however, failed to match with Shah Faesal’s 2010 feat.

Last week’s results were based on combined scores in a written examination held in December 2015 and interviews conducted in March-May 2016.

Every year, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conduct exams in three stages — preliminary, mains and interview — to select candidates for the elite Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.

It was through this selection process that an IITian, Athar Amir Khan qualified IAS as its second topper. It was his second try. In 2014, he was among seven Kashmiris to have qualified the prestigious exam and was ranked at 560.

A G Mir

The other nine candidates, amongst a total of 1078 candidates from across India, include: Deeba Farhat, Sheema Nabi Qasba, Bilal Shafiq Chodhary, Vinay Kumar Langeh, Dr Basharat Qayoom, Syed Junaid Safvi, Safdar Ali, Ruveda Salam and Shakil Ahmad Ganaie.

So far, three Kashmiris were able to secure the top positions. In 1982, it was Khurshid Ahmad Ganaie who secured second position. Athar and Ganaie live in the same area. “History has been repeated,” a local from Mattan said. Ganaie retired from his services early this year. Athar seemingly filled the void.

As the word about Athar’s success spread, his alma mater, IIT Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, broke into celebrations.

Khursheed Ganai

“Dear Aamir,” Director Mandi in a letter addressed to Athar, wrote, “Congratulations on your stellar achievement in the Civil Services Exam! I’m sure that your state of J&K will benefit greatly from your services in the years ahead!”

With his recent feat, the 24-year-old Athar became the youngest aspirant from Kashmir to qualify the examination. The Mattan boy did his schooling from Iqbal Memorial Institute, Islamabad till Class 10 before studying BTech.

“It was during those days that I started preparing for civil services,” he said. After completing his degree in July 2014, he joined a coaching academy in Delhi.

Dr Asgar Samoon

“Focus and loyalty for the cause,” Athar said when asked the reason behind his success. Athar was currently undergoing training at the Indian Railways Institute of Transport and Management, Lucknow. But in 2015 IAS list, there are other Kashmiris too.

The second timer, Deeba Farhat improved her ranking this time. Last time, she was ranked at 553 in 2015 and this year, she secured 281th rank.

It was Ruveda Salam’s third chance. In 2015 list, she has got 764th position. She got into IPS first, then IRS, which she seems will continue this time as well.

Dr Shah Faesal

A law graduate, Sheeba Nabi Qasba managed to secure her berth at no 205. It was her second chance. Currently, Sheema is working with leading law firm in New Delhi.

Sheema schooled from Srinagar’s Missionary Schools before joining National Law University, Jodhpur to study law.

“I am really relieved after cracking the exams,” Sheema said. “It is a moment of great happiness for me.”

Rayees Mohammad

From Pir Panjal region, Bilal Shafiq Choudhary of Rajouri is ranked at 1019. A Jammu cop, Vinay Kumar Langeh also made it to the list ranking 477. He is set to become IPS now. The exam not only changed his rank, but his style of policing, too.

From central Kashmir’s Ganderbal, two candidates made it to the list this year. Dr Basharat Qayoom qualified the IAS in first attempt. A resident of Satruna, Kangan, he is ranked at 578.

A “quite successful” doctor, Basharat has also qualified PG (Medicine) this year. “But deep inside my heart,” he said, “I always felt to move to some appropriate platform wherefrom I could serve the people in a better way and also at the grassroots level.”

The doctor was inspired from the feat of ex-medico, now Director School Education Kashmir, Shah Faesal.

From Ganderbal again, Shakeel Ahmad Ganaie of Barsoo qualified the exams ranking 273.

Sheema Nabi Qasba

Shakeel’s success lies in the inspiration he got from his father and brother. “My father and brother showed me the way,” he said. “They say that only dedication and hard work yield results.

We need to work hard to attain our goals and have firm belief in Almighty Allah for achieving success.”

Interestingly, Kashmir had sent the last persons to IAS in 1994 when SJM Gillani (current Kashmir police chief) and AG Mir (IG Kashmir Intelligence) qualified IAS. They are successors of current Kashmir Divisional Commissioner, Dr Asgar Samoon, who qualified IAS in 1992.

Ruveda Salam

“It was impossible to even imagine for youth to join forces representing state under situational crisis in Kashmir,” said a law professor of Kashmir University, while deconstructing the IAS void in state. “People were saddened by state of affairs and Khaki was a ‘hate symbol’.”

In 2008, it was Rayees Muhammad Bhat, the incumbent Pulwama police chief, who broke the IAS jinx in 2008 after decadal lull. He had qualified the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) with 295th rank. “After selected in IRS in 2008, I qualified IAS again in 2010 with 124th rank and I got in to IPS.”

Safdar Ali

SP Rayees said Kashmiris are naturally gifted writers, giving them an edge in the exam. “We only lack awareness,” he said. “But with Faesal and Athar securing top positions, students are getting aware, which is very good.”

In 2009, Imtiaz Ismail Parray, the incumbent police chief of Ganderbal district, cracked IPS securing 295th rank.

“It is a proud moment for entire Ganderbal,” said SP Imtiaz Ismail Parray, an IPS-2009, while talking about the two IAS selections from the area. “They could be the trendsetters for other aspiring youth.”

“It was difficult for me,” he said, “I had no one around me who could have been my role model. Now it is easy, and encouraging.”

In the following year when Kashmir rose into civil uprising in 2010, Dr Shah Faesal stood first in entire India.

From Shehr-e-Khaas, Syed Junaid Safvi too made it to the list and is ranked at 1069. From cold desert Leh, Dr Safdar Ali secured 980th rank. He is a Management graduate from University of Kashmir.

Imtiyaz Ismail Parray

Close on the heels of the recent IAS results, the section of media asked the qualifiers, “if they see a contradiction being an IAS officer and a Kashmiri?”

“Such questions were never asked by the Congress or Muslim League from boys who qualified ICS during the British rule,” wrote Zahid G Mohammad on his Facebook wall. India was run for over ten years by ICS officers only, he said.

“When first ICS officer from Jammu and Kashmir Quadratullah Shahab told Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah that he wanted to join the Muslim League, Jinnah didn’t allow him and instead told him to serve to his best capacity as ICS officer.”

Kashmir’s new breed of IAS officers caught in somewhat same political discourse assert: “Let us serve to our best capacity as IAS officer.”

A social worker turned jailer is happy to help make lives of inmates comfortable. Heena Muzzafar reports her journey

Saba-Shawal---SP In 2012, when Saba Shawl, now 29, cleared Public Service Commission (PSC) exam for the post of Superintendent of Police for Prisons, it was an “unorthodox” choice.

“Are you going to be a lady jailer? How come that is possible,” was how Saba’s relatives reacted to her selection.

Initially, recalls Saba, there was lot of criticism from people around. “It was hard for people to see a local lady in khaki manning jails,” feels Saba. “But thanks to my parents and colleagues I managed to stay positive.”

Saba, who hails from uptown Peerbagh locality in Srinagar, after completing her masters in Social Work (2012), started working as senior Community Development Consultant at Government Polytechnic for Women, Bemina. “I always wanted to help people,” said Saba.

Six months later, Saba joined Indo Global Social Service Society (IGSSS), as Capacity Development in-charge, to realise her dream of working for the people at grass-root level. “I trained both staff and youth at IGSSS,” recalls Saba.

Then, one day, Saba’s father, who was supportive of her work, suggested her to appear for PSC exam, and help the society in a better way. “This exam was as tough as cracking IPS,” said Saba. “There was just one post of SP Prisons in open merit.”

After her selection, Saba was sent to Lucknow in Uttar Pardesh, for six months training programme. “The training part was hectic, rather herculean task for me. Besides, I was the only lady there,” said Saba.

This was Saba’s first solo trip outside Kashmir. Once back, she joined as SP central jail at Kothbalwal in Jammu. From there she was transferred to Kupwara jail. “I have almost served in every jail during my probation period,” said Saba.

Ask Saba how life changed after joining police and she is quick to say: being young and smart a number of boys used to approach me during university days, but once I became SP, lot of them wrote ‘sorry sister’ on my Facebook wall.

But soon Saba realised that her real calling lies in social work. “So I decided to work at the administrative level rather than in the field,” said Saba. “I was now part of the policy making team.”

There, Saba helped frame policies for the welfare and rehabilitation of prisoners. Saba also introduced various correctional programmes for the inmates, besides conducting recreational programmes across J&K. Apart from that, Saba organized three national-level Residential Training Programmes for prison officers.

Saba is also a chairperson of the complaints committee for matters related to sexual harassment at work places.

With Diploma in Conventional Management, Saba also handles applications regarding RTI as Public Information Officer. She is PRO and staff officer to DGP Prisons as well.

Besides, Saba is the executive editor and designer of a monthly newsletter and a yearly magazine that covers events and activities of prisons in J&K.

When Saba joined, a number of her colleagues thought she can’t handle the stress even for a month. “It has been three years and I am at ease.”

Saba adds with a smile that she is satisfied with her job. “This is what I wanted to do always.”

By Uzair Qadri

Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University: A View Of The Campus

The current cycle of violence inside the premises of my alma mater – Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) – gives me pain. This is un-called for. Universities are meant for grooming young minds intellectually but the violent means are fatal.

The varsities are supposed for discussions, debates where one can agree or disagree but taking to means of violence is unfortunate, to say the least.

At the outset, let me express my displeasure at of news stories published by Kashmir Life regarding the current events at the varsity. I am writing this in response to: Again, BGSBU is in News; Know What led to Today’s Violence.

This ‘again’ in the reportage gives me enough reason to say that there is an “intentional fallacy” in even the basic reportage about the university.

The violent protest which happened on Monday (April 18, 2016) in BGSBU Campus.

The recurrent bouts of violence for one or the other reason haven’t got anything to do with the location of the varsity. Certainly; nobody can contest the locational disadvantage the university has had at the time of being established but everywhere in the world such things become a fond memory once things start ticking.

The BGSBU is located some ten kilometres away from the main town of Rajouri; 160 kilometres from the Jammu city and 142 kilometres from the summer capital Srinagar in the midst of Pir Panjal foothills, with greenery and open spaces all around but an ‘isolated’ place!

But with the provision of facilities, things have gone better, though many many more things are yet to be accomplished in order make the University a ‘notable one’. For doing so, it is imperative that the administration of the University, the students, former and current, the people of the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch, the people of Kashmir and Jammu provinces and above all, the government of the day put their heads together.

Former CM Omar Abdullah giving Gold Medal to a meritorious BGSBU student during its first Convocation.

Considering that the varsity is only a little more than a decade old, problems are expected to crop up. Let’s accept that.

The intake capacity of the university is around 1200-1500, which has been increasing with the passage of time. Majority of the students are from Kashmir valley; but the number of students from Rajouri, Poonch and other districts of Jammu isn’t any less. In order to let the University grow, diversity of the students is important. Pluralism enriches a varsity’s learning environment.

The present incident of violence, an apt case of student vandalism, I read resulted out of misunderstanding between the students from the Jammu region and the Kashmir region. Whatever the nitty-gritty of the incident, the point is that such incidents leave a serious dent on the image of the varsity.

Many of the people I know, who have graduated out from the varsity, say it has not but that is surely a self-defeating argument. Criticism for the sake of criticism is meaningless. Those who criticise the University for no fault of the varsity itself are its greatest of the enemies. The point is that the fractures whatever there are, their roots need to be addressed, not just the manifestations.

Being honest, rather blunt enough, the fracture is because of some of the faculty members; some from Kashmir and others from Jammu, don’t respect the students! It is essential for grown-up students to be seen with a certain level of dignity.

Mufti Sayeed's last visit to BGSBU during his second tenure as CM of J&K from March Ist 2015, to January 6, 2016.

Former CM Mufti Sayeed’s visited BGSBU in 2015 and inaugurated another hostel block of the varsity.

Some years back, when I joined the varsity, some teachers used to repeatedly blare out during classes and exam time the phrase “fault at source” when asked about anything. Other disconcerting phrases used to be “rejected lot”, “garbage” etc. I expect that is not the case, now.

Such kind of diction has every possibility to let a student be depressed. Therefore, the behaviour of a teacher needs to show a degree of restraint so that students don’t feel alienated.

The environs of the University are so open, clean and rejuvenating, though a little boring in the initial phase of a student there, that one can learn things with a fair amount of carelessness. One can discuss, debate and differ with his/her friends and nobody can stop a student from doing so. Rather than cursing the place, a student should grab the value of the moment and focus on honing his/her skills.

Another very serious problem is attitude of the students from all the three places: Kashmir, Jammu and Poonch-Rajouri towards each other. Though some students are an exception here, but a large number of students from Kashmir “sub-humanise” the students from Rajouri-Poonch, even the general populace of the place.

Attaching racist sense towards Gujjars, which is a proud identity no doubt, and using words like unpad log (illiterate people) with unabashed abandon, ascribing every wrong to the simple living of the people of the place and bringing feudal notions into the discourse, is sure to destroy the serenity of any place, BGSBU can’t be an exception.

Let the students understand, with a relaxed mind that BGSBU is the safest place, especially for students from Kashmir, to receive education in the times when Kashmiri students have been attacked outside J&K.

BGSBU students on protest in August 2015. (KL file Image)

The place remains unperturbed by the rough and tumble of Kashmir and Jammu. It also needs emphasis that students from Jammu also need to come in larger numbers. It will add to the competitive atmosphere.

For students and people from Rajouri-Poonch, it is vital to understand that the BGSBU has provided them with a superb opportunity to learn, let learn and upgrade their lives intellectually, sociologically, psychologically, and economically. BGSBU is a light to this historically neglected backyard of the Jammu and Kashmir state.

Let they, in particular, be ever-grateful to the founder-VC of the varsity. Words like “local Hai Yara” by students from the twin districts to intimidate and, at times, threaten others must be strongly dealt with by the authorities. There is no benefit in making the varsity a road-side Choupal.

If a University isn’t going to uplift the area, what is the purpose of having that? Let the people of the place understand that the BGSBU is a God-sent opportunity. Hold on to it with all the energy!

In the din of things, the varsity isn’t any less than a University in some urban area. It has got a very good library, which has books, magazines, journals and newspapers of the best quality.

I can’t think that it is any herculean task for a student to walk in the evenings and land up in the library for a while. Get bored and have coffee/tea at my favourite place Pir Pal Cafe or full fry-half fry at Sharma Uncle’s Canteen.

BGSBU Board of Governors meeting being chaired by former CM Omar Abdullah in this file picture.

Why focus on things which aren’t but should be there. Let the students be content with what is available there and not cringe about what isn’t.

Last, not the least but most important: let the administration ensure that no outsider is let inside the main gate without proper procedure. Show no tolerance to any kind of violence. Be exemplary in the action taken.

Speed up the levers of its internal working like result-making process. Such things have potential to radically better the perception about the varsity.

Many more things need to be addressed. That surely some other day.

(Uzair Qadri, is an ex-student of COET, BGSBU.)

The post Counter Point: Why BGSBU is a Good Place to Study! appeared first on Kashmir Life.

By Zeenat Farooq

Drug Interaction, What does it mean?

Drug Interaction can literally be described as an interaction between two or more drugs, or some food substance within the body of an individual. It can lead to either increase in the effectiveness of the drug, decrease in its effectiveness. It can even lead to some undesirable side effects depending upon the nature of interacting substances.

For example, mixing a drug you take to help you sleep (a sedative) and a drug you take for allergies (an antihistamine) can slow your reactions and make driving a car or operating machinery dangerous.

Drug-food/beverage interactions result from drugs reacting with foods or beverages. For example, mixing alcohol with some drugs may cause you to feel tired or slow your reactions.

Drug-condition interactions may occur when an existing medical condition makes certain drugs potentially harmful. For example, if you have high blood pressure you could experience an unwanted reaction if you take a nasal decongestant.

The likelihood and extent of drug interaction also depends upon the environment in which the individual is living, health status of the individual, his food habits, whether or not he/she /she suffers from any other health complication and if he/she is on multiple drugs at one time.

Generally, taking multiple drugs at a time increase the chances of a person to suffer from the consequences of drug interaction, but the nature of drugs always remains a predominant factor in determining the outcome.

Types of Drug Interactions

Drug interactions are of two types: Pharmacokinetic interactions are straightforward drug interactions with predictable outcomes, which generally result in adding or cancelling out the activity of other drug.

For example, if a person is having two different drugs for hypertension at the same time, the effect would be additive, and BP will be lowered to a greater extent.

Other type of drug interaction, the pharmacodynamics interactions, are more complex ones and depend upon the type of interaction that the two drugs would undergo say, if a person consumes an antibiotic like ciprofloxacin and a supplement of iron or calcium together, there will be decrease in the absorption of both the drug and the supplement and hence the efficiency of both will be decreased.

Drug interaction can comprise the efficiency of drug and cause other side effects like hepatic problems (since the drug components primarily reach to liver for detoxification) and kidney trouble (since kidneys filter out these various substances from blood).

How to Manage the Problem

A person cannot simply stop having medicines to avoid possible Drug Interactions. However, a careful observation of the types of medicines a person is having and some insight into the possible interactions might help the clinician in adjusting the dosages or using alternate medicines in order to improve patient outcomes.

More care should be taken when we are talking about elderly people. The old age people are usually suffering from multiple ailments; using medicines for prolonged time, have mild impairment in liver and kidney functions owing to their age and also are more susceptible to the side effects of Drug Interactions.

Top 10 Drug Interactions

(Devised by The Multidisciplinary Medication Management (M3) Project Advisory Committee)

The medications chosen for this list are based on their frequency of use in older adults, and on the likeliness for negative consequences if the drugs were taken together.

Drug I Drug II (other Interacting Drug)

Warfarin NSAIDs
Warfarin Sulfa Drugs
Warfarin Macrolides
Warfarin Quinolones
Warfarin Phenytoin
ACE Inhibitors Potassium Supplements
ACE Inhibitors Spironolactone
Digoxin Amiodarone
Digoxin Verapamil
Theophylline Quinolones

This table was developed for the Good Fellow Unit Symposium (2007) by Dr Linda Bryant (Clinical Advisory Pharmacist, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland).

Warfarin Used as an oral anticoagulant to prevent blood clot formation, prevent extension of clots already formed, and minimize the risk of blood clot embolization in vital organs (lungs, brain).

Some medications can interact to enhance the actions of Warfarin causing excessive blood thinning that can result in life-threatening bleeding.

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

Used to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, fever, headaches, arthritis, and menstrual cramps.

Examples: Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), Oxaprozin (Daypro), RofeCoxib (Vioxx), CeleCoxib (Celebrex), interacts with Warfarin resulting in a potential for serious gastrointestinal bleeding.

Sulfa Drugs: Used as antibiotics to treat bacterial and some fungal infections. Most commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Examples: Bactrim DS, Bactrim SS, Gantanol, Sulfatrim, Thiosulfil Forte, interacts with Warfarin by increasing the effects with a potential for excessive bleeding.

Macrolides: Used as an antibiotic to treat common bacterial infections. Examples: Erythromycin, Pediazole, Zithromax, interacts to increase the effects of Warfarin with a potential for excessive bleeding.

Quinolones: Used as a primary agent in the treatment of UTIs. Examples: ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, Cipro, Levaquin, Noroxin, Penetrex, interacts with Warfarin to increase its effects and potential for bleeding.

Phenytoin: Used either orally or through injections as anti-convulsant, particularly used to prevent grand mal seizures and psychomotor seizures. Example: Dilantin, interaction can increase the effects of Warfarin and/or Phenytoin.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: Used for controlling blood pressure, preventing kidney damage and treating heart failure in patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. Examples: Lotensin, Aceon, Altace and Accupril, interacts with Potassium supplements and spironolactone by increasing blood concentrations.

Digoxin: Used to treat congestive heart failure, and to slow the heart rate down if there is a disturbance in rhythm. Example: Lanoxin, interacts with amiodarone and verapamil by causing great toxicity in the body and slowing the heart rate down too much.

Theophylline: Used to provide relief and prevention of airway narrowing in asthmatic patients. Examples: Theo-Dur, Respbid, Uniphyl, interacts with Quinolones and increases the chances of having a higher toxicity level in the blood.

Spironolactone: Used as a diuretic to remove excess fluid caused by many different diseases. Examples: Aldactone, interacts with ACE inhibitors by lowering the blood sodium levels while raising blood potassium levels.

Amiodarone: Prescribed for many serious arrhythmias of the heart Examples: Cordarone, interacts with Digoxin by excessively lowering the heart rate.

Verapamil: Prescribed for chest pain that occurs due to insufficient oxygen in the heart muscle, also used for high blood pressure. Examples: Calan, Isoptin, Verelan, interacts with digoxin by increasing the blood levels of this medication.

How to Prevent Drug Interactions

A person on multiple drugs and/or supplements should make a list of all the medications that he/she is currently using, or has been using for at least last 3-4 weeks and show it to his healthcare provider or physician.

Also, any changes in medicine dosage, route of administration or change in medicine should also be noted and compared with the medicines which are currently in use to assess any possibility of Drug Interactions.

Avoid smoking, drug abuse and alcohol consumption which not only lead to complications in terms of Drug Interactions but are detrimental for health in every sense of the term.

Any changes in lifestyle, for example, sleep-wake cycle, exercise, dietary changes, changes in stress levels due to work or otherwise should also be reported to the healthcare provider from time to time in order to eliminate or minimize any chances of Drug Interactions and to benefit from the prescribed Drugs to the best possible limit.

References:

Drug Interaction. Online www.drugs.com
Drug Interactions and Warning, Online
www.personalhealthzone.com/drug_interactions
Multidisciplinary Medication Management
Project: www.scoup.net/M3Project
The Pill Book, 10th edition 2002

(Author is a Research Scholar at Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir.)

The post Drug Interactions: ‘Must-Know’ Facts for Multiple Drug Users appeared first on Kashmir Life.

Now Kashmiri Wazwaan is just a click away. After they quit their less paying jobs, two brothers decided to tickle people’s taste buds by serving the cuisine online. Zafar Aafaq reports

The famous Kashmiri cuisine Wazwaan is now available online too. Now, one doesn’t need to hire a cook, or visit a restaurant or make arrangements to relish this delicacy. All you need to do is go online and place an order on Kashmiri Zaiqa, an e-commerce venture by two brothers, Mushtaq Dar, 25, and Javed Dar, 28.

“This is the first and only e-commerce venture in Kashmir exclusively dedicated to serving Kashmiri Wazwaan at door step,” claims Mushtaq.

The idea behind the venture was to keep Zaiqa of Wazwaan (taste of Wazwaan) “real and authentic”.

Before venturing into online sale of Wazwaan, the duo tried their hands at different jobs, mostly part time, including working as computer operators, Adhaar supervisors, enumerators etc.

“We were paid lesser wages than we deserved. We felt it was wastage of time,” said Javed. “The business was outcome of that realization.”

What helped the brothers to venture into e-commerce business was their respective expertise; Mushtaq has a degree in Business and Javed is a student of computer sciences. “Besides, our father is an expert cook in Kashmiri Wazwaan,” said Javed.

The duo regards their father as the most valuable asset they possess in their personal as well as professional life.

“When we discussed the idea with our father, he approved it straight away,” recalls Javed.

They run the operations of their venture from their home in Nowshera in Srinagar. “We don’t have a separate office yet,” said Mushtaq. “Our bedroom is our office.”

Started in January, 2017, Kashmiri Zaiqa provides employment to five people.

The first challenge brothers faced was how to publicize their business, given the limited resources they had. “We placed a few ads in local Urdu press but that didn’t help,” said Mushtaq. “Then we took to social media for publicity.”

The idea of promoting their services online worked wonders for them. Instantly, they started getting orders from not only locals, but from NRK living in Europe, America and other areas.

However, as of now, Kashmiri Zaiqa delivers only within the limits of Srinagar city. “We don’t have proper packaging facility to deliver overseas,” said Mushtaq.

For non-resident Kashmiris (NRKs), Kashmiri Zaiqa has an option of gifting a pack of Kashmir Wazwaan or Harissa, as a surprise to their friends and relatives. “We have delivered a number of such orders,” said Javed.

As of now Kashmiri Zaiqa offers a limited number of varieties including five Wazwaan dishes, Harisha and Chicken Platter. “Harisha is the most sought after product on our website,” said Mushtaq.

The demand for Harisha peaked during winters. But given heavy snowfall the delivery of orders became a huge challenge. “We delivered most of the orders ourselves,” said Javed.

One of the memorable deliveries was to a customer in Rawalpora locality in Srinagar outskirts. “He placed an order at 7 am and had a flight to catch at 9,” recalls Mushtaq. “It was quite a challenge to deliver within such a short time. But we reached his house 30 minutes before time.”

Mushtaq still recalls the look on the costumers face when he received his package. “It gave us immense joy,” said Javed.

Kashmiri Zaiqa also takes orders for parties and functions, said Mushtaq. “We visit the venue and install our makeshift kitchen,” said Javed. The meals are served in traditional Tramis (wide copper plates).

The packaging limitation prevented Kahmiri Zaiqa to respond to offers of collaboration from Delhi and Banglore.

“It requires special packaging which keeps the food fresh and resists the wear and tear of transportation without having to add artificial preservatives,” said Mushtaq.

They had approached JK Agro — a corporation — for supplying packaging but the request was turned down as they only take bulk orders. “We are soon going to buy our own machinery for packaging,” said Javed.

Mushtaq and Javed are looking forward to serve globally once the packaging issue is resolved.

The post Wazwaan @ Doorstep appeared first on Kashmir Life.

The decision to open a multi-brand showroom after earning an MBA in UK met resistance from friends and family. But Adnan, a part-time model, was focused. Heena Muzzafar tells his story

When Adnan Ahmad Shah, 28, an MBA from Cardiff University, United Kingdom, instead of joining a multi-national, decided to start a business venture in Kashmir, he knew there would be opposition.

Hailing from a business family, Adnan’s parent’s first reaction was: why not join your father?

But Adnan had something else in mind. He wanted to create his own identity. “Wanted to create a brand name,” said Adnan.

His dream of owning a fashion brand was rooted in his passion for modelling. He had rubbed shoulders with Bollywood’s who- is –who including Amitabh, Akshay, Katrina, Kangna and Kareena and many more.

Adnan, has walked on the ramp wearing designs created by Karan Johar, Varun Behl besides others.

It started in 2008 when Adnan was shortlisted as face of Bangalore. “It was during my college days in Bangalore,” recalls Adnan. “On my friend’s advice, I participated in the competition.”

The journey on the ramp last for three years till he completed his Bachelors in Commerce from Bangalore.

“My parents never opposed my ramp-walks as they knew it is my passion,” said Adnan. “I could have made a career out of it and earned a good deal of money. But I chose to fulfil my childhood dream of starting a business.”

However, Adnan found it difficult to give up modelling completely. “Modelling gives me confidence,” said Adnan.

Five years of first-hand experience in fashion industry helped Adnan to understand fabrics and brands.

In 2013, Adnan’s contacts with known designers helped him to establish a multi brand outlet: Fashion Fiesta. “My market research revealed Kashmiri youth are highly brand conscious,” said Adnan.

Despite criticism from parents and relatives Adnan opened an outlet in a rented space in Srinagar.

“My dad said, ‘did you do MBA from Cardiff, UK, for selling clothes?”

But it was too late to change his mind as he had invested his entire earnings from modelling into business. “I started with just one employee,” said Adnan.

Adnan tied up directly with the manufacturing units for stocks. “I get clothes on discounted rates and sell them on cheaper rates,” claims Adnan.

In last four years Adnan has added another outlet and a franchise showroom. Adnan also owns a large godown at Rajbagh from where he sorts and sends stocks to his outlets.

At present Fashion Fiesta employs twenty people, who get handsome salary, perks, and pick and drop facility. “I try to give best to my employees.”

In coming days Adnan is planning to open franchises in Budgam and Shopian districts. “I want to cover other districts as well,” said Adnan.

Despite hectic schedule Adnan still manages to find time for fashion shows. “Now I walk on the ramp for my friends only,” said Adnan. “I don’t do it for money anymore.”

The post Fashionable Walk appeared first on Kashmir Life.

Inspired by his surrounding picturesque Zabarwan range Shahnawaz, a veterinarian, chose to follow his heart. He recently qualified Indian Forestry Services. Zubair Sofi tells his story

Shahnawaz Ahmad Bhat

The neighbouring forests inspired Shahnawaz Ahmad Bhat, 31, to shun veterinary sciences and pursue a career in forestry. He recently cracked the Indian Forestry Services (IFS) securing 24th rank.

In 2009, a resident of New Theed area of Harwan, around 22 kilometres from Srinagar city, after clearing Common Entrance Test (CET), Shahnawaz did his bachelor’s in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST – Jammu)

“I was happy to realize my childhood dream,” said Shahnawaz, who believes proper guidance is important than attending coaching classes.

After completing his bachelors (B VSc), Shahnawaz appeared in Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), qualified JRF with all India rank of 42. Shahnawaz then did his M VSc from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly.

Shahnawaz completed his master’s with specialization in Veterinary surgery and Radiology. Meanwhile, Shahnawaz topped the ICAR all India test for Senior Research Fellowship (SRF).

“It was not just about degrees. I was in fact working towards my dreams,” said Shahnawaz, who loves to play cricket and chess in his free time.

Shahnawaz, after qualifying IFS exams, credits his parents, for their support. “My parents believed in me and gave me freedom to decide my future,” said Shahnawaz.

After master’s Shanawaz worked as assistant professor at Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Amritsar. “It was there I started preparing for IFS,” he said. “I used to spend my free time in the college library.”

During his stay in Amritsar, tight academic schedule made Shahnawaz study till late hours. “I utilised every minute of my free time,” he said.

In the meantime, Shahnawaz qualified National Eligibility Test (NET) and an exam for Agricultural Scientist’s Recruitment Board (ASRB).

“I took these exams to check depth of my knowledge and understanding,” said Shahnawaz.

It was there he developed an interest in forestry and decided to prepare for IFS. “I have spent my entire childhood in areas surrounding Dachigam National Park in the Zabarwan range,” said Shahnawaz.

“This is one of the main reasons for me to choose this field,” said Shahnawaz. The last Kashmiri to clear IFS exams was four years ago. “There is lot of scope in forestry but I don’t know why people shy away from it.”

Shahnawaz, who was raised up in picturesque foothills of Zabarwan hills, wants to help improve the state of forests in Kashmir. “I am hopeful that I will be posted in Kashmir. It would be a great honour for me as I can serve my people.”

Shahnawaz is pained by the state of forests in Kashmir and the way they are destroyed by people with vested interests. “I will try my best to restore their lost glory.”

Ironically, throughout the world, people are planting trees, but in Kashmir it is just the opposite, feels Shahnawaz. “We should be greatful to nature for such green covers, but we are reckless instead.”

The post For Nature’s Sake appeared first on Kashmir Life.

Dr Sheema Rehmani is working as Senior Consultant Physiotherapy at Al-Tabeeb Fitness and Physiotherapy. She answers some questions asked by Saima Rashid on Physiotherapy as career option.

Kashmir Life (KL): What is physiotherapy?

KL: What is the procedure of getting into this field?

KL: What is its scope in a place like Kashmir?

KL: What are the job opportunities?

KL: How did you get into this field?

KL: Share your working experience as a Physiotherapist?

He would often reason with his businessman bothers about profits not being only driving force behind a business setup.

But twenty-eight-year-old Owais Nanda’s journey from a Program Officer in Rural development department to an owner of a saloon is interesting one.

But the personality flip came after Owais joined MBA at University of Kashmir. “I was shy but not dull in studies. And within no time my teachers started noticing me for my brilliance.”

It was because of his teachers that Owais could shun his reservations about facing the crowd or speaking out his mind in front of the people.

After completing his MBA, Owais started teaching in the same department for a year. “I was the youngest teacher in the University.”

The continuous interaction with the students as a teacher helped Owais believe in himself. “Soon I was among the favourite teachers’ list. It felt great.”

But with his heart still in search of a reason he quit his job as a teacher and joined government sector. He was selected as a program officer in the Rural Development department.

P.S: Days after publishing this write-up, it surfaced that Owais Nanda isn’t owner of Hap Looks. The salon, as it later turned out to be, is owned by a South Kashmir girl. Kashmir Life wants to put it on record that we have always provided this forum to young talent without actually attempting to make heroes out of flukes. The reporter is reworking on the start-up, afresh.

When she failed to crack MBBS, she didn’t curse her luck, rather stayed focused and prepared for a tougher challenge. In recently declared UPSC results this Srinagar girl secured 115th rank, reports Umar Mukhtar

Last week, Bisma Qazi, 25, an engineering student from Gopal Pora locality created history of sorts by securing 115th in Civil Services.

Bisma, who lives in a newly constructed house on Srinagar outskirts, did her schooling from Mallinson Girl’s School.

After that she did her engineering in electronics and communication from SSM College Pattan.

Once she cleared her Class 12 exams, she got selected for BVSC and engineering courses. “I wanted to crack MBBS test but somehow I could not,” said Bisma.

But she didn’t lose her heart, instead started to stay focused on her studies. “Failure didn’t dishearten me,” said Bisma.

While doing graduation Bisma kept her eyes on the UPSC. But till the time she completed her graduation she stayed focused on engineering. “Once I completed my graduation then only I dedicated my energies to UPSC,” said Bisma.

But the race to reach the top was not an easy one as Bisma thought earlier. The first hurdle came in September 2014, when entire valley got inundated by floods. “Entire city was under water. I was holed up inside my house,” recalls Bisma. “I couldn’t even get study material. There was nothing available in the market.”

It was then Bisma decided get admission in a residential coaching academy at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. “Back home even internet was a luxury. I realized that I was losing precious time so I moved out,” said Bisma.

In 2015, Bisma first appeared in UPSC but couldn’t make it. “I was not sad as I knew it is not easy crack in the first go,” said Bisma. “This helped me get acquainted with the nature of the exam.”

This year when Bisma appeared for the second time in UPSC, she was sure to make it to the final list. “I didn’t prepare in the conventional way as such,” said Bisma. “I believe number of hours one spends studying hardly makes any difference.”

For Bisma the quality of study material is the key to success.

Bisma, who chose anthropology as optional subject for her main exam, is interested in studying societies. “For such a high level exam, one needs to have proper guidance, else it is not possible to crack it,” said Bisma.

Interestingly, Bisma would try again if she fails to get into IAS cadre, as desired. “I will definitely go for up-gradation of my rank if I don’t get the desired post,” said Bisma. “I am not yet sure if I will get IAS or IPS. But, I get IPS, I will join but at the same time I will retry.”

Eldest among her siblings Bisma’s father Mohammad Shafi Qazi, is a business man.

This year UPSC has recommended 1099 candidates for various government services, apart from 220 in the waiting list. Those selected will get either into Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) or Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.

“I have kept my fingers crossed. The tough part is over,” said Bisma.

Tens of thousands of students seeking higher studies in various professional colleges are put to severe problems in absence of private education set up in the state. Zafar Aafaq offers details of how the private educational sector from plains takes its classrooms from Srinagar

In mid June, when a local educational consultancy hosted an Educational Expo, hundreds of students aspiring to get a professional degree turned up at Indore Stadium in Srinagar, not far away from the Amar Singh College, the nerve centre of Kashmir’s new Cluster University. More than a dozen colleges and universities, operating from across India, had set up stalls to cash in on the student aspirations.

Aspirants being counselled about various courses by the consultants (KL Image)

Mostly, the student preference was Bachelors in technology and engineering.

Khursheed Khan, 17, had come from Pulwama to find the “right” college that matches his specifications: affordability, reputation and distance from home. His first encounter at the fair happened to be with a Noida based University which had planted a stall right in front of the entrance.

In a persuasive tone, the Proctor of the University tells Khan that their institution is among the best private universities in India. The large billboard constituted a wall of the stall carried a wide angle image of the building. Overawed by the photo of the campus, Khan felt convinced that this university must be definitely the best. But once he was told that he has to pay more than one lakh rupees per year, Khan’s interest start faded. Slowly, he moved out to another stall.

In one “shop”, a man, in his early fifties, representing a Dehradun based university lectures Khan and a group of boys on how to choose a university.

At the very entrance of the next stall, set up by Lovely Professional University Jalandhar, the receptionist asks Khan to fill up the form before any conversation starts. This is the exercise Khan performed at Sharda University stall as well. In fact all the stall owners seek basic details of the aspirants that help them create a data bank to see market choices. It helps them in following up the interactions.

“What was your percentage in twelfth standard?” the receptionist asks Khan.

“It is below 70,” Khan responds. The receptionist tells khan that he can still avail scholarship, if he qualifies the University’s Scholarship Test.

In one “shop”, a man, in his early fifties, representing a Dehradun based university lectures Khan and a group of boys on how to choose a university. He tells them before asking about the fee, you should check some other things which include if the university has an R&D department and how reputed it is, what alumni say about the university, and whether it is recognized or not.

Khan takes a round of the hall and comes with a bag full of positive assurances, promises, claims like 100% job guarantees, no hostel issues, cosy hostel rooms, alumni confessions. Some of the institutes try to persuade him by showing him photographs of celebrities “who often visit their institutes”. He returned with a good load of broachers, carrying pictures of the campuses, visiting faculties, alumni and prospects of high salaried jobs, and higher studies abroad.

After filling a dozen chits, he leaves the hall without actually zeroing in on any one institute. “I am not sure which one to choose, because there is not much difference in terms of what they offer,” Khan said. “Going by their claims, all institute seem similar.”

In all the stalls he came across hosts telling him that there are only a few seats left. “You should hurry up because by the first week of July the admission session will be over,” he heard almost everywhere. Some institutes offering low fee broachers to visitors, one of the event organisers said, end up in a sort of extortions. “They charge hefty amounts of fine for not adhering to institute rules and at the end of degree the total money paid is almost equals the institutes seemingly expensive.”

These fairs are just one of the formal exercises aimed at phishing the clients. Scores of colleges and institute have already setup their offices in Srinagar and some peripheral districts. Besides, there is a huge network of consultancies having tie ups with these institutes of India and even abroad.

This being the season of admissions in plains, every day newspapers are stuffed with advertisements of colleges and consultancies making same promises. Some even hawk 100% job placements.

Kashmiri students studying across India often land in hostile situations when host societies react to events not even remotely connected to Kashmir. This has created a chain of events every time India and Pakistan meet on the cricket pitch. This has led to a new priority for students seeking admissions outside: How secure and friendly the campus and hostels are?

This priority of students has helped counsellors to take up this issue first. They assure that campus and hostels are guarded by security guards, hostels are on campus or just a few kilometres from campus. Meals are healthy and hygienic. There are residential apartments for students in the area if they wish not to stay in the hostels. If the campus is located in rural belts, the admission counsellors put it in a way that the student feels as if it is the city.

Aspirants visit consultancies in Srinagar and outside to know about the courses offered outside J&K (KL Image)

With a huge network of consultancies spread across Kashmir, the challenge for aspirants is how to choose even a consultancy. There is fear and cynicism in the mind of the aspirant given that cases of deceit and cheating from local consultancies. To manage this tension, the educational institutes especially from North India , now send their own people, mostly comprising alumni, teachers or administrative staff to their newly set up “regional offices.”

Consultants at the consultancies have their own methods to prove their authenticity. “We have a policy that if we cannot furnish the admission confirmation letter to the student in one week, we return the money,” says Imran Farooq, an engineer, who runs a consultancy at Baghat Barzullah. “We have a very huge success rate as we do admission, directly.”

Farooq’s consultancy has tied up with almost all the institutes seeking students from Kashmir. His desk is full of prospects copies and brochures of institute that have now become familiar among aspirants. From South to North of India, from Bangladesh to Iran, Farooq is a consultant of every institute.

But all the glitters are not gold. Students who are already studying or have completed their degrees in these institutes don’t sketch a good picture of their institutes. Dawood Lone of Kupwara landed in a teaching shop in Ambala Haryana. He was shown beautiful images of hostel rooms fitted with ACs and comfortable bed. He did not know it was a bait. Once there, he found it wrong.

“There are frequent power and water outages in the hostel” Dawood alleged. “Most of the teaching staff is not qualified, many of our teachers have just B-tech, with no or little experience and they are assigned to teach students perusing B-Tech.”

But all the glitters are not gold. Students who are already studying or have completed their degrees in these institutes don’t sketch a good picture of their institutes.

Similarly a counsellor of an engineering institute in a dusky village in Palwal (Haryana) had told Rahil Malik, a student from Srinagar, at the time of counselling in 2012 that their institute is just located in the immediate outskirts of Delhi. He found it located 80 kilometres from Delhi border”

Even campus placements claims are a hoax. Aadil Mir, from Baramulla, completion of B-Tech in 2014. Then, he was offered a job as a customer care executive in a local company in Chandigarh. For Rs 9000, a month, he worked for six months and returned home.

In last many years a lot of students went to study on the basis of Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS). As the government agencies work at their own pace, some of these students faced humiliation and threats of expulsion.

“Often students were barred from submitting examination form initially,” says Zakir Dar, who is studying in a Rajasthan University with PMSSS support. Zakir said he was taught by very poor teachers who were not qualified.“I would never suggest any one to come to this university.”

The number of students going out for studies has been on increase. Market estimations suggest that barely 15000 students had moved out for studies in 2005 which has gone up to 35,000 a year now. This number can sustain any number of private universities in J&K but the government is seemingly unwilling to permit investment.

(Names of the students were changed on request)

Amjad Khan was an engineering graduate when he obliged his parents and flew to US for further studies. Holding a responsible position in the Microsoft and an acknowledged cricketing star in US, Khan is keen to see how technology can be used to help pellet blinded youth manage their lives, reports Aakash Hassan

Amjad Khan standing along with his mates in his early days in US.

Year 1990, for tens of thousands of youth, was the year of making choices. Certain choices were voluntary and many were in response to what was happening around.

In the Srinagar’s Barzalla locality, the situation triggered a mêlée within the mind of a young man who had just completed his engineering. He was caught by CRPF and released but the scare had reached his home. The family decided to send him away, a well maintained family tradition for decades now.

Scion of a well established family, Amjad Khan, then 24, had completed his engineering in electronics and communication from Regional Engineering College (REC) Srinagar. He had not received his degree certificates. But his father, a retired chief Conservator of Forests, was on his head. He wanted him to move out of a fast changing Kashmir.

The tall and smart Srinagar boy was aware that a he will live a comfortable in the west. But, he was not at peace with himself. He was fighting a disagreement within himself. A passionate cricketer, Khan thought cricket was over. “The worst thing for me when I left Kashmir was that I will not be able to play cricket any more,” Amjad, now 50, said.

Khan was an established cricketer. He had represented J&K’s under-19 team. Besides, he was captain of the University of Kashmir team. Later, around 1988, he made it to Ranji Tropy as well. Scoring 42 runs at a batting average in the two matches he played against Delhi and Haryana, it was going to be his last match for his team. By then, situation in Kashmir had turned even worse. In 1989, J&K did not participate in the Ranji Trophy.

FINALLY in 1990, Khan took off for United States of America. “For next six months I worked as data entry operator because my degree certificate was yet to reach me due to bad situation in valley,” Khan said. Almost a year after, he finally received his engineering degree from Srinagar, a pre-requisite for further studies.

Amjad Khan with Pakistan star cricketer and former skipper Wasim Akram.

Khan decided to opt for masters in computer sciences. But top class education in a new world did not encourage Khan to forget his old love, the cricket. “I started playing cricket for the local clubs and I maintained my passion more than that of home,” Khan said.

The life in US was an eye-opener for him. “We have great family values back home unlike that place. But, I was shocked to see how everything was so well organized. Any work, you say it, would take place in systematic manner,” Khan, who had flown for a brief visit to Srinagar, said.

It was the era of technology becoming into every sphere of life especially the computer. “Technologically offered lot of opportunities ,” he said. “After completion of my masters, I started working for US based small technology companies.” Working in various companies, he moved up the ladder and continued improving his profile. In 2006, he landed at Microsoft, the software giant.

“One of my friends and colleague who joined Microsoft,” Khan remembers. “After his two to three years tenure he notified me for that company was hiring.”

Khan was reluctant to apply. He admits he was genuinely afraid in working with one of the world’s most prestigious company. But destinies overtake personal choices. He applied, underwent a rigorous interview process and was eventually hired.

His entry into MS coincided with his stardom in the sport, his passion. Khan was a top cricketer in US.

INITIALLY, Khan started playing for the New York Eagles, a Caribbean-centred club in USA. Later given his excellent batting skills, he led the team for next three championships in the Commonwealth Cricket League, the largest league in America.

In 1996, he moved to Northern California but his cricketing did not cease. He begun bagging records on his name and was one of the famous run scorer in American domestic Cricket for close to two decades.

The game went on and his passion amplified with every stroke on the green turf of America. Khan has secured record high score for a batsman in North America. This milestone was achieved by him when he scored 304 runs in a quarter final match for United Cricket Club against Berkeley Cricket Club in the Northern California Cricket Association in 1999.

Amjad has been listed as one of only three players to have scored a triple century in any form of limited over’s cricket.

It was the time when a Khan was nicknamed ‘AK47’ in US.

After showering another bullet stroke in a match in 2012’s final of the Eastern American Cricket Association, Amjad achieved another set record again by scoring the “Fastest century in US cricket history”. In just 56 balls, he made it to centaury with his flawless strokes with 9 fours and 7 sixes.

“Due to cricket I was able to visit different countries of the world,” says a proud Amjad. Amjad has also played against famous Pakistani crickets, Waseem Akram and Shahid Afridi in a double play tournament. In the archival videos of the match Amjad can be seen hitting Afridi and Akram hard with sixes and fours.

Amjad Khan with Shahid Afridi.

In 2000 he was selected to play for the United States listed A team.

Khan was conferred as Man of the Match for performance in the 2002 ICC Americas Championship against Bermuda that was played in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Amjad Khan has completed working as an engineer for Microsoft for eleven years.

From last nine months he is looking at company’s sales and technical department in Dubai office. My work is to look after 79 countries from Pakistan to South Africa,” Khan says.

IN HIS recent visit to Kashmir, Khan turns nostalgic. “If somehow Kashmir would turn into the Kashmir of 1989, I will be back like this,” he says talking about his “diverse multiethnic religious upbringing.” He talks about his friends, Sikhs and Pandits and regrets that “many youngsters might have grown up with Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs”.

In Kashmir, Khan is also working with a non-profit, an NGO. He wants to help the youth were blinded by pellets in Kashmir.

“I am working with a software designer Sakib Sheikh. He lost his eyesight when he was seven. He went to blind school in London and then joined Microsoft,” says Amjad. In Microsoft, Sheikh built an application for visually impaired.

By the help of this application, if one is sitting in a room and a blind wears glasses, it tells him about the surroundings. It will actually visualize for the blind person,” Khan explains the working of the application. Amjad said he is exploring ways to get that in Kashmir for the people especially hundreds of youth who have lost vision by pellets.

“I am working with Sakib in England to see how we can we find a way here,” he says explaining his plans to manage the budgets as the gadgets are expensive.

KHAN believes that Kashmiris are intelligent and have the capacity to do the best in the world. “They are most intelligent and smart,” Khan said. “I have travelled around and realised this.” However, he insist on channelizing the talent properly. “Here is lack of role models and that has created a vacuum,” Kha said. “Kashmiris working abroad in different top companies of the world are holding very senior decision-making positions.”

Khan said the youth in Kashmir are pretty savvy and the issue is how to take it to the next level and make career from it. “If a blind person can build software that is going to revolutionize world for the blind, think the potential for normal human being,” Khan said.

Amjad, however, is against the idea of youth leaving for better opportunities. “We don’t need to trigger brain drain,” Khan said. “We better try to figure out how to create sustainable models here. At my time there were limited avenues but not anymore.”

At the same time, Khan said there is responsibility for the people who have moved out of Kashmir and learned a trait. “They must link up with the society back home and help people,” Khan said. “The willing youth in Kashmir should be made part of the technology learning process and it will help.” The internet has started changing things, across the world. “When I had to apply in an American University, the communication was all based in postal mail. It would take months to correspond,” Khan said. “Now it is called snail mail as people communicate within seconds.” People across the world are using internet as it has led to a sort of kevel playing field for everybody.

AMJAD KHAN is a successful man. His passion for cricket has given him a social ranking in US. He works for one of the software giants in the world. Bt he misses Kashmir. “Summer of 1989 was the last best one,” he says in nostalgic tone. Perhaps that was why that before packing his luggage, he played few quick cricket matches in Amar Singh College Srinagar premises with young blooded youth, surprising them by his “old man” skills.

Job consultancies that have mushroomed in Kashmir are preying on the lower middle class and making quick millions. In absence of a regulation system, they have ended up ruining careers, finds Saima Bhat

His father is a chemist and elder brother working in a private firm. The two earning hands, however, didn’t change the family’s hand to mouth state. So, Shahid (name changed), 23, a resident of Batamaloo, the chemist’s son wanted to support his family so that his two younger siblings could continue their studies.

In 2012, when Shahid passed his 12th standard, he uploaded his resume on an online job portal, OLX. Soon, he started getting calls from a local consultancy, KGN Consultancy, in Rajbagh. After initial reluctance, the caller, who identified himself as Saleem Manhas, persuaded for a meeting. There, he was introduced to a lady, Humaira, principal of a local kindergarten Smiling Strawberries. They said they are partners with contacts in Qatar.

A convinced Shahid left his passport with them, to process his documents and get the visa as soon as possible. But before leaving for Delhi, Shahid was asked to pay Rs 25,000 and he was given a receipt (of school). Then there was a long pause for three months but an anxious Shahid would call them quite often. “Once they felt I may create a problem for them they asked me to pack my bags as my visa was ready,” Shahid remembers.

In Delhi, Shahid and another job-seeker were asked to pay Rs one lakh each to a consultant, who, Manhas said was his associate. “We were given multiple tourist visas to Malaysia,” Shahid said. “Our tickets were ready but we had to cancel them because of certain immigration rules like having the minimum US $ 500. As a result, we had to cancel our tickets a number of times which led to an escalation in our expenses by Rs 40,000.”

They eventually landed in Kula Lalampur. For two days, they stayed at the airport waiting for the local agent to receive them. They would call Manhas and he would tell them: ‘the agent is coming’ or ‘why do not you hire a hotel’. Then finally, he told them to go to another state for twenty days. The two boys moved out of the airport and were wandering, seeking some agent to own them.

“Instead we once found ourselves locked in a local hotel room,” Shahid remembers. “They had seized our every belonging including our passports and were threatening us.”

Luckily, however, Shahid found their passports in a table drawer; they stole them and literally ran away to the airport, from where they called Humaira. “She started crying on phone and at the same time she threatened us of registering a police case.”

For next six days, they stayed in the airport and somehow got in touch with a Kashmiri who took them home and finally helped them fly back to Delhi.

In Srinagar, they went to Raj Bagh police station where they lodged FIR 98/2014 under section RPC 420 against Manhas and Humaira. “Later, Police informed us that the accused are residents of Poonch and they (police) won’t go to Poonch,” Shahid said. Two years have passed and there is no update. “Who will pay me for those horrible days,” Shahid asked.

Police said there are countless cases of this nature. “Number of registered cases won’t give you an exact number of duped cases,” one officer, speaking anonymously, said. “Victims approach police just for recovery of their money because they know the judicial process is long and expensive. They do not come to us for justice, by the way.”

With surging unemployment, these cases are widespread. In June 2017, Haji Ghulam Mohammad Mir of Konan, Bandipora allegedly duped over 600 aspiring job seekers, including 150 students, by minting crore of rupees from them. Posing as “licensed/authorised agent”: for various Middle East companies, Mir sells his “dream jobs” and then switches his phone off.

An insider says each consultant earns nearly Rs one crore a year, which doubles if the size of the consultancy is big.

Dubai, where already more than 10,000 Kashmiris work, is the dream destination. The “consultants” get them visiting visa and bid them adieu. But most of the aspirants manage to return with great difficulty.

In November 2017, at least 13 youth who had gone to work as security guards are returning after a month’s struggle. With six of them already home, seven are still stuck in Dubai. Nine of the youths are from Srinagar City and two each are from Pampore and Islamabad.

One of the youths who succeeded in reaching home said they were promised a job in Dubai by Srinagar-based Al Safeer International Consultancy. At the Constancy’s Zaldagar office, they paid Rs 40,000, per head, an amount later increased to Rs 90,000. They were supposed to draw a salary of Rs 40,000, excluding the accommodation charges, to be borne by the employer.

Again, they reached home with the help of Kashmir ex-pats. Since they had overstayed their visa, also allegedly fake, they had to pay a penalty of 5000 Dirham (Rs 89000) each. Now the agency is claimed they were duped by their Dubai partner.

Offering a peephole view of consultancy functioning, one consultant, wishing anonymity said: “For admission in colleges in India and Bangladesh, the college gives us commission of minimum Rs 2 lakh per student. And the cost increases with the lower rank of colleges and with more students. We earn from colleges and then from students as well.”

For providing jobs, the consultants have to get in touch with the agents associated with big companies. “Bigger companies like in Gulf do not go for direct recruitments. Their HR’s outsources the hiring process. It is this third party that sells these posts to smaller agents like us. If they sell it to us for Rs 50,000, we take its double amount from the candidates,” the insider said.

In Kashmir, class fourth jobs that require 10+2 qualification are in great demand. “These youth usually belong to lower-middle-class backgrounds and once they are duped, it hardly makes a crisis,” people well-versed with the system said.

In 2011, Bilal Ahmad Wani, 25, a resident of Pulwama, after graduating thought of shifting his base to Saudi Arabia. His father, a labourer, was unable to meet all expenses of his family of four members. As a result of which his two sisters had to drop out from school in class 10th.

Wani used to see an advertisement in local newspapers daily: “coffee makers needed for Saudi”. On basis of this, he enrolled himself for a diploma in hospitality management. Finally, in 2012, he got in touch with a local consultancy, Al Riyaz International at Red Cross Road, who helped him to get a job in Riyadh as a coffee boy for which he paid Rs 85,000.

Next day he was asked to immediately leave for Mumbai, where he was made to sign a ‘handwritten job contract’ of a storekeeper against a payment of 1200 Riyal. His tickets were delayed for ten days and he had to bear those expenses himself.

Once in Saudi, Wani was surprised to know that he was made to sign the contract of a labourer for two years. “The room they provided was a filthy pit. You won’t believe how I lived in those circumstances,” Wani said. A year later, in 2014, when Kashmir was flooded in September, Wani pleaded before his boss to let him go home as his home was under water. He was given an ‘exit visa’ means for next three years he can’t travel to that country.

At home, Wani has started working with a local restaurant to help his father. “Before moving to Saudi, we had a small piece of land of 25 marlas and I requested my father to sell it off at Rs 3.75 lakhs.” Out of that amount he spent Rs 2.5 lakhs for his diploma course at International College of Aviation (ICA), Parraypora. “I convinced my father that I’ll earn later and will buy much bigger property,” says disheartened Wani. “At ICA, we were told that after our diploma, we will get jobs where we will earn Rs 40,000. Leave money aside, even their certificates are fake.”

An apple grower’s son completed his post graduation in food technology and got a “job” in Riyadh. There, he was given the job of a sweeper. “Everyday, he would call, the family would get into mourning,” his father, who wishes to stay anonymous, said. “Finally, I negotiated the deal with his employer and paid him a huge penalty and he set my son free.”

His dream is to reinvent Kashmiri traditional attires and make them fashionable again. Aabid Hussain talks to this young fashion designer from Pulwama about his journey

As a young boy Shahid Rashid Bhat, now 22, would sit at a local tailors shop for hours, watching him play with threads and cloth. “It fascinated me as a child,” said Shahid, now a known fashion face who tailors his designer himself.

As he grew up, Shahid, a resident of Pulwama, came in contact with a person named Sam Williams on facebook. Williams, a fashion choreographer, after looking at Shahid’s designs, suggested him to pursue a career in fashion.

“I used to upload textile, Mehandi, tattoo and costume designs on facebook. Williams liked them a lot,” he recalls. “I had no idea what fashion designing meant.”

After Williams’ advice, Shahid searched possible places where he could pursue a fashion designing course. There he learned about National Eligibility Entrance for Designing (NEED). Shahid qualified the test and was admitted in Pearl Academy of Fashion and Designing. “At that time I was studying B.Com from Srinagar. So instead of leaving it mid-way, I finished both,” said Shahid. In 2015, he was chosen as Designer of the Year by the Fashion Designing council of India, said Shahid.

Shahid managed his expenses as student by doing mehandi designs and working as a freelance model. “For first two years I managed on my own, then in the final year my father helped me,” said Shahid.

After graduation Shahid was selected by Pantaloons as fashion illustrator. “My dream is to reinvent Kashmir’s traditional dresses and give them a new life,” said Shahid.

Shahid wants to use his experience as fashion designer to help modify existing designs used in Kashmir. “I am emotional about my roots,” said Shahid, who has briefly stint as radio jockey and script writer for City FM JK.

Recently Shahid started a fashion designing school at home where he teaches more than 25 students. Shahid also launched his label SRB Style Statement and a website.

A week back, in collaboration with a local school, Shahid took part in Asian Designer’s Week at Delhi

Shahid wants to revive traditional Kashmiris designs and make them relevant as per current fashion. “Kashmiris can wear their own traditional clothes but with some modern designs,” Shahid.

Shahid feels there is a taboo attached with traditional Kashmiri attires like Pheran. “Outsiders see a person wearing Pheran as someone illiterate.”

Shahid recalls how during checking by government forces his fellow passenger was asked to remove his Pheran while he was not. “I realized design matters. I want to reinvent Pheran keeping in mind local sensitivities,” said Shahid.

Recently, Shahid’s Pheran designs are in demand in Pakistan, UK, Afghanistan and other countries.

At present Shahid has twenty-two employees working at Pulwama and Dalgate units. He also has four workers at his shoemaking unit in Delhi.

In order to pursue his dream career Shahid had to face a lots of criticism from people around him. “I never confronted them, rather I want my work to speak for itself,” said Shahid. “My work is my answer to all the criticism.”

Shahid is working on new designs that he will launch in Ramadhan. “These designs will be in sync with local aesthetics,” said Shahid.

Shahid still recalls his first ramp-walk where he stood like a mannequin. But once he overcame his hesitations, he started interacting with other models. “I organized a fashion show at Pulwama Degree College in 2013.”

Shahid is currently pursuing his masters in Craft Designing from Kashmir University.

Her father came to Srinagar as a tourist but could not go back. Before he passed away, he told his daughter to teach the people she knows the best, the dancing, reports Saima Rashid

Parul was only five when her teachers saw a ‘star of tomorrow’ in her. In an annual school function, her dance performance left the audience stunned. When she turned 14, her poetry started getting telecast on a website that had a global audience. So, before coming out of school, she had already made a good image in the world of creativity.

Parul Kapoor, now 28, has a hybrid identity. She was brought up in Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh.Kashmir was her holiday destination; she did half of her schooling in Delhi and rest of her studies in Punjab.

But when she participated in “Ms Punjab” contest 2010, she introduced herself as a Kashmiri competitor.

“I still remember the loud clapping of the audience when announcer read out my name because Kashmir’s participation is always appreciated,” Parul said.“And then you get a special attention from everyone. I would get a lot of encouragement from the Jury.”

In 1990, Parul’s father had landed in Valley as a tourist but Kashmir’s beauty fascinated him so much that he never returned to his homeland. He passed away a few years back and even his last rites were performed in Srinagar.

Now his daughter is a name in the fashion world and runs a dancing cum acting cum singing academy in Srinagar.

“During my holidays in Kashmir, Papa would take me on a Shikara ride. He would very proudly ask me if I have ever seen such beauty anywhere else.Before leaving this mortal world, he had asked me to share my skills with the people of Valley. This is one of the reasons why I opened Kapoor’s Talent Academy in Srinagar,” she says.

It was during her school days, a known personality of Punjab approached her and introduced her to a TV channel. Soon, she started working there as a chief Coordinator.

“I participated in every contest and would win them as well. So, I had gained a good media coverage, and this is where he spotted me,” Parul said. “I am really grateful to him, as he appreciated my talent.”

Parul has worked in various motion pictures as well.She has various music albums to her credit. “Then I turned to choreography and choreographed songs for many Punjabi films.I got an opportunity to work as an assistant director in Punjabi movies as well,” Parul said.

Parul had tried her luck in almost everything and she succeeded as well. But then she started looking for talent in colleges and universities. She started conducting workshops and auditions. In various universities, she said, Kashmiri students had a lot of urge to learn dancing and singing. “Their request and my father’s will were the reason for opening this academy in Srinagar,” she said.

Paul later started a show Pa Ma Ga Re Sa in Srinagar that continued for 28 episodes. All the Jury and production team for this singing show had come from Mumbai and Delhi.

A big achievement in Parul’s life was when Darshan Raval, (Jury in Zee TVs’ Dancing show DID), gave her a franchise of his Western Dance Academy. Her academy, not all polishes your talent but at the same time makes you participate in events. “Events have been successful enough,” Parul says.

Boys and girls come from Islamabad, Kokernag and other far-flung areas to learn creative things from Parul. Not only youth, but their parents are supportive enough to learn such thing. “We have a student from Islamabad as well who has taken a room on rent just to be regular at the Academy. We even take care of his studies here,” she says.

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