Tag Archives: Muslims of Kashmir

Pulwama in the news again, for Simrah who scored 99.39 percentile in JEE

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pulwama (Kashmir), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Simrah Mir, a Kashmiri student, beat the odds to score 99.39 percentile in JEE Mains, inspiring countless students.

Simrah Mir, a JEE topper from Kashmir. | Photo by Special Arrangement

She comes from a region where resilience is a way of life. When Simrah spoke over the phone, her voice exuded conviction which only comes with a sense of achievement.

“At one point, I felt like giving up,” she began. Yet even her recall of desperation was in an unwavering tone.

Hailing from Kashmir’s Pulwama, a town often making the headlines for more negative than positive news, Simrah Mir has given a reason for the region to shine bright. Defying all odds stacked up against her, this young woman has brought immense joy and pride to the valley by scoring 99.39 percentile in the recently concluded JEE Mains this year.

Simrah’s is not just a personal victory but may well be an inspiration for countless students across Kashmir. Simrah, a student of a local government school, attended RISE coaching classes in Srinagar for JEE.

RISE is a coaching institute in Srinagar started by three former IITians: Salman Shahid and Imbesat Ahmad, both alumni of IIT Kharagpur, and Mubeen Masudi of IIT Bombay. Mubeen is a Kashmiri, says Mr. Shahid. “We started our institute in 2015 since we wanted to do something for Kashmir. When we started out, only a handful enrolled in our classes. Today, every year, some three to four students from our institute go to IIT and 70 to 80 students go to NIT. Twenty percent of these students are girls,” says Mr Shahid.

In an interview with The Hindu, Simrah spoke about her challenges, triumphs, and her fresh optimism for the road ahead.

She says: “At times, there were internet shutdowns, and many times it was a fearful environment at my hometown. My parents sheltered me from everything, even from what happening around our near vicinity. Then I moved to Srinagar. It was difficult to travel up and down daily from Pulwama every day for the coaching classes. It’s a long distance.”

Unlike many students who set their sights on JEE early on, Simrah’s decision to pursue engineering evolved over time. “It was a big step. Initially, I didn’t know much about JEE. I joined the RISE Institute, and there I got to know about the exam and started looking at engineering as a career. Later, I faced difficulties in my preparation. I felt like giving up, but my parents constantly supported and motivated me,” she continued.

What kept you motivated? What were the reactions of your parents, friends, and teachers to your preparations?

 Initially, when I was searching for an interest, my parents and relatives were pushing me towards medicine. I didn’t like Biology and I’m not interested in Medicine. From an early age, I was interested in Physics and Mathematics; I wanted to know about the subjects. I studied by myself. I used to read books other than my textbooks. Physics and Maths interested me.

Later on, I decided that it is a stream for me. I decided I had to take Mathematics and Physics as a career.

Any obstacles or resistance you came across while preparing for JEE? Did you ever think about what would happen if you didn’t get selected?

 There were definitely moments of doubt. And I used to have them often. As I said, I felt like giving up. JEE is a tough exam. I did think about what would happen if I didn’t get selected. But every time I felt low, my parents supported me. That helped me stay focused and push through the tough times.

I recently spoke to some people in Assam and learned that language, infrastructure, and cultural barriers can be obstacles in education. Did you face any challenges like that?

 Shifting to Srinagar was a big deal for me. I’m from Pulwama, and it was getting difficult. There were no coaching classes specifically for JEE preparations

I did think of going to Delhi or another State initially because there are good institutes there. But then I realised it might not be beneficial for me. I have never lived alone, and I felt like I should be close to my parents.

In Kashmir, students usually prefer medicine and becoming doctors, especially girls. It’s rare for a girl to take engineering as a career.

Did your school play any role in your success? Did they provide career counselling or extra classes for JEE aspirants?

 There was enough career counselling but no extra classes specifically for JEE aspirants. Most students in my school focused on board exams.

Nobody actually introduced the subject to me. I was inquisitive. There were some other students too who were genuinely interested to study and were inquisitive like me.

Which branch of engineering attracts you the most? And why? And have you thought about any specific college you would like to join?

 I have not thought about it. Of course, I want to go to the best college. I want to go to IIT.

Personally, I want to take Computer Science Engineering, but I don’t know exactly what will happen in the future. I haven’t researched much yet. It also depends on my rank and how I perform in the JEE Advanced exam.

What do you wish to become eventually?

 As of now, my goal is to pursue Computer Science Engineering. I would see where my passion takes me eventually.

What advice and tips you would want to give to JEE aspirants from your region?

 In Kashmir, many students, especially girls, hesitate to choose engineering because it’s not the common path. But if you genuinely enjoy Mathematics and Physics, you should give it a chance. It’s important to be practical.

JEE is tough, and there will be challenges. But if you take it step by step and stay disciplined, you can do it.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Education / by Mantasha Ahmed / February 15th, 2025

Greening the waste stream

Agriculture (since June 07th, 2021), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sadiwara (Anantnag District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Farooq Ganai’s approach to recycling food waste is benefitting him and the community too. Fayaz Wani highlights Ganai’s eco-friendly entrepreneurship.

Jammu & Kashmir :

A lawyer by profession and a former sarpanch Farooq Ahmed Ganai, who is also known as a ‘garbage man’, has successfully grown saffron by using compost made from vegetable scraps generated at his home.

His actions have a message that not only can discarded waste contribute to a cleaner and greener environment but it can bring wealth as well.

He is leading a “quiet revolution” of turning waste into wealth and now, wants to educate people about the incredible potential of managing waste.

“I had started the initiative ‘give me garbage, I give you gold coins’ in my village (Sadiwara in Anantnag district) when I was sarpanch of the hamlet. The motive behind the initiative was to attract people and inform them as to how worthy the waste is,” Farooq told The Morning Standard.

Now, with this latest effort, he has been stressing behavioural changes – segregating waste at source, i.e. dividing waste into multiple categories but mainly organic (food waste) and recyclable (plastic, paper etc.)

“From the last year, I have been working on it. People usually throw the domestic waste in rivers and nallahs, and it leads to choking of drains and unhealthy living conditions during the rainy season,” Farooq said.

“I segregate whatever waste is generated in my home. The onion, potato, banana and orange peels, and egg shells; whatever has to be discarded in the form of domestic waste, I segregate it from non-organic waste,” he said.

The primary objective of this, he said, is to promote source segregation of waste at the household level and use the food waste for composting. Now, this effort has led to the successful cultivation of saffron in his garden.

Saffron, known as red gold, is traditionally grown in Pampore and adjoining areas in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. It requires specific climatic conditions, and its cultivation has remained confined to some areas of the district.

Recalling how he got the idea of growing saffron in his village, Farooq said when he had to say “no” to a friend who had asked him if saffron is grown in his village.

“It pinched me and also motivated me to grow saffron,” he said. “I got some saffron corn from a farmer from Awantipora in Pulwama. He provided me 60 corns on October 2 this year, and I sowed those corns using the domestic waste and other things,” the lawyer-cum-farmer mentioned, holding back the excitement.

Farooq said what followed was nothing short of miraculous. “Within just 19 days, the first saffron flower bloomed. And I have harvested 85 saffron flowers so far,” Farooq said.

According to him, the result proves two things – with proper management, organic waste can be turned into wealth and traditionally climate-specific crops like saffron can be grown in different parts.

“If we can grow saffron using domestic waste as compost, we can turn all the waste in our surroundings into a resource, which will not only make our environment clean but also help us monetarily,” Farooq said.

He now plans to adopt four households in every village and teach the villagers about source segregation, which he hopes will lead to behavioural change.

Through education, community involvement, and transformative potential of waste, Farooq is hoping to pave the way for a cleaner, greener and wealthier Kashmir.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> The Sunday Standard / by Fayaz Wani / November 24th, 2024

Yameen, Zubair showcase their green urban transportation startup in Shark Tank India-4

Business & Economy, Green Products, Transport, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Sheikh Yameen, and Zubair Bhat, Co Founders of Zubair Curve Electrics at Shark Tank India- 4 Show

Two young Kashmiri men’s startup of providing eco-friendly urban transportation solutions may not have won them funding from the judges of Shark Tank India-4, a business reality show on Sony Television, but it won their immense admiration and exposed their successful business model to a larger world.

Sheikh Yameen, and Zubair Bhat, co-founders of Curve Electrics, got many heads nodding in appreciation when they said at the show in two years, their startup has helped environment by saving 145 metric tonnes of carbon emissions.

The mission Curve Electrics, launched in the summer of 2023, began with 50 e-bikes in Srinagar  from 11 docking stations, in collaboration with the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL). The number of e bikes has since grown up to 150 in Srinagar.

They also provides these services In the neighbouring Ganderbal district’s Central University of Kashmir (CUK), and the Hindu shrine of Mata Kheer Bhawani, Tulamulla.

“We have already completed 55,000 rides, 720,000 km and have saved 145 metric tonnes of carbon emissions….it is equivalent to the planting of 7200 trees”, during the last one and a half years, said Sheikh Yameen, Managing Director of Curve Electrics.

At the show, Sheikh Yameen, and Zubair Bhat said though at present their operations are limited to Kashmir Valley, they wanted to expand operations to other mountain towns such as Shimla and Mussoorie.

 They also spoke about do business in college campuses across the country. They have shortlisted 1,400 campuses where they can expand their business. The entrepreneurs said that they have devised their bikes, and these are available through a mobile application and the users are not asked for seudirty deposits.

 Yameen said, “Shark Tank India gave us an incredible platform to share our dream of revolutionizing urban mobility. Coming from Srinagar, this journey represents not just Curve Electric, but the untapped potential of Kashmiri youth. We’re excited for what lies ahead”

Sheikh Yameen and his friend, Mohsin Bashir are the co-founders of this startup. Yameen had completed his MBA in Finance and Marketing from The University of Kashmir, while his friend Mohsin Bashir was studying Management in the US.

The two pitched their sustainable e-bike service Curve Electric to the panel of ‘sharks’, which included Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, and newcomer Kunal Bahl.

Peyush was “very impressed” by the entrepreneurs’ ability to erase all the onboarding issues that customers might have. Vineeta explained, “There is a little complexity here. There is a lot of dependence on governments, and from what I’ve seen in all the other companies, the setting that you have to do with governments and local bodies, becomes a make-or-break situation. Your expansion will not depend on your ambition; it will depend on where you get the local support”.

Yameen nodded in agreement, and said that they haven’t had any losses yet, and have raised a round of investment already, valuing their company at Rs 8.5 crore.

Each of them backed out of the deal, but Peyush bid the founders farewell at a positive note. Addressing Yameen, he said, “It’s like looking at a mirror, you are me. You are saying everything I would have said 10 years back. The detailed customer-focused obsession you have, I have not seen in Shark Tank in four years.” In the end, the two entrepreneurs walked away with no deal, but loads of positive wishes.

Curve Electric’s pitch stood out not just for its business potential but also for the pride it brought to Kashmir. The team’s efforts reflect the entrepreneurial energy brewing in the Valley, proving that innovation knows no boundaries, Sheikh Yameen observed.

He said that the overwhelming response from the sharks and viewers alike has bolstered Curve Electric’s vision and opened doors for new opportunities. By fusing modern solutions with the rich cultural backdrop of Kashmir, the startup is paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future, leaving an indelible mark on India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Ehsan Fazili, Srinagar / January 11th, 2025

Atiqa Mir only Asian shortlisted for Iron Dames Young Talents programme

Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Winners will benefit from tailored development programmes and mentoring from experienced motorsport professionals at Iron Dames.

Mir will compete in the Iron Dames Young Talents selection round in Italy on July 29-30

Nine-year-old Atiqa Mir, from Kashmir, has been shortlisted for the Iron Dames Young Talents programme. The new initiative has been launched by the same squad that made history last year as the first all-female team to win a race in the World Endurance Championship (at the 2023 8 Hours of Bahrain).

Mir is the only racer from Asia to be shortlisted for the first selection round that will be held at Italy’s Franciacorta karting track on July 29-30.

  1. First selection round in Italy on July 29-30
  2. Mir has top three results in the DAMC and UAE IAME Series

Iron Dames Young Talents programme

Iron Dames says the main goal of its new Young Talents initiative is to “identify and develop young kart racers between the ages of eight and 13”. A total of 20 young female racers have qualified for the selection round at Franciacorta, where they’ll compete in a series of scouting events.

Junior racing giant Prema Racing will help assess the candidates based on their driving skills, work ethic and “ability to embody the spirit and attitude of the Iron Dames”. Those who impress will earn the chance to join the Iron Dames stable and benefit from tailored development programmes, mentoring from experienced motorsport professionals and access to world-class training facilities.

Besides being the only Asian, Mir is also the youngest racer shortlisted in the Mini Category. “I’m truly honoured to be shortlisted for the Iron Dames Young Talent selection process. It motivates me further to perform and improve my skills as a driver. I will work hard and prepare myself better than ever to come out on top in the selections and make India proud,” she said.

Atiqa Mir: Climbing up the karting ladder

Mir has already built an impressive racing resume with outings in India, the UAE and Europe. She started karting at the age of six and made her competitive debut in 2021. Since then, she’s gone on to finish third overall in the 2023-24 DAMC (Dubai Autodrome Motorsports Club) Cup and second overall in the 2023-24 UAE IAME Series Rookie Championship.

Of course, racing runs in Mir’s blood. Her father, Asif Nazir Mir, was India’s first National Karting Champion and also raced in Formula Asia. “[My motorsport journey] started when I was three-four years old, watching my dad race at the Dubai Kartdrome,” Mir told Autocar India. “He gives me a lot of tips on the track, and we practice everything on our home simulator, which I drive on every day.”

Mir had competed in the Indian National Karting Championship in 2022. And she’s back this year, competing in all five rounds in the Micro Max category this time, racing for team MSport. And she’s already made a podium appearance, having finished third in Round 1.

This year, she also had her first taste of racing in Europe as part of the CEK (Campeonato de España de Karting) series. “The drivers are really competitive there,” she shared. “But the tracks there are like my style. That’s why I’m getting better and progressing.”

We’ve seen growing female participation in motorsport recently, further propelled by the new F1 Academy and even the success of Iron Dames. But there’s still a long way to go. “There are only three-four girls [competing in Europe with me], so not many, but they’re more than in Dubai. But that motivates me a lot,” added Mir.

She already has her sights on F1 and highlights Max Verstappen as a racer she looks up to. “I want to race in F1 because it’s the top 20 best drivers of the world, so it’s really rare to compete with them. I want to be the first girl driving in F1, and I want to do what’s never been  done before.”

source: http://www.autocarsindia.com / Autocar / Home> Motorsports News / July 09th, 2024

Kashmiri Techie Muneeb Amin Bhat Honored in NASA’s ‘Hall of Fame’ for Cybersecurity Contributions

Amazing Feats, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Zungalpura Village (Kulgam District, Kashmir), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Kulgam, South Kashmir :

Muneeb Amin Bhatt, a talented techie from Zungalpora village in Kulgam district, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being inducted into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s prestigious ‘Hall of Fame.’ This honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to identifying and addressing data breach vulnerabilities, a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Previously recognized by Apple’s ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2023, he reported his findings through NASA’s Vulnerability Disclosure Program.

Muneeb’s achievement not only brings pride to his hometown but also emphasizes the global significance of cybersecurity. In an era where safeguarding sensitive information is paramount, his work highlights the crucial role individuals play in protecting digital landscapes from potential threats.

Currently, Muneeb is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications (BCA) through Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). His dedication to his studies, coupled with his exceptional skills in cybersecurity, has propelled him onto an international platform, showcasing his potential and determination.

Bhatt’s recognition by NASA serves as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that with passion and commitment, individuals from any background can make significant contributions to global security. His journey from a small village in South Kashmir to receiving acclaim from one of the world’s leading space agencies is a testament to the potential that lies within every individual, regardless of their origins.

This accolade not only celebrates Muneeb’s technical prowess but also puts a spotlight on the importance of nurturing talent and providing growth opportunities, especially in fields as critical as cybersecurity. As the digital world continues to expand, the need for skilled professionals like Muneeb becomes ever more evident, ensuring a safer and more secure future for all.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / May 27th, 2024

Kamran Khan, first Kashmiri gets prestigious Australia Day achievement Medallion

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , ,

JAMMU & KASHMIR / Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

First slide

Srinagar: 

In a momentous stride towards recognition, Kamran Khan, a distinguished Kashmiri currently based in Chennai, has been honoured with the Australian Government’s prestigious Australia Day Achievement Medallion.

Bestowed on January 26, 2024, this accolade is a recognition for exceptional performance in government projects or core duties, by Australian Government departments and agencies.

Presently Kamran serves as Senior Director for South Asia for Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Australian Government.

He has been a diligent student at the revered Burn Hall School in Srinagar.

In 1992, he left Kashmir to pursue his remaining education and graduated in Automotive Engineering at the University of Madras, where he ranked 3rd across the state of Tamil Nadu, showcasing his academic prowess.

Since 2010, his strategic acumen has been pivotal in shaping the infrastructure industry and fostering foreign direct investment into Australia as part of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, under the Australian Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, exemplifying his commitment to economic growth and global collaboration.

As the first Kashmiri to receive the Australia Day Achievement Medallion, Kamran stands as a symbol of pride for Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing the immense talent emerging from the region.

Beyond the accolades and titles, Kamran Khan embodies the spirit of a reformer, committed to ushering in positive change for his community and country.

His recognition by the Australian government not only celebrates Kamran’s achievement but also serves as an inspiration for the entire Jammu and Kashmir community and symbolizes the possibilities that arise when perseverance meets opportunity.

source: http://www.risingkashmir.com / Rising Kashmir / Home / by RK News / February 02nd, 2024

Jaan Nissar Lone receives global humanitarian award for uniting the world through music

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , ,

Sheeri (Baramulla District) JAMMU & KASHMIR / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

Jaan Nissar Lone receives global humanitarian award for uniting the world through music | Hindi Movie News - Times of India
Jaan Nissar Lone receives global humanitarian award for uniting the world through music© Provided by The Times of India


Jaan Nissar Lone was graced with the illustrious global humanitarian award by the World Humanitarian Drive. He is mainly known for his song ‘Harmukh Bartal’ featured in Manoj Bajpai Starrer Webseries ‘The Family Man’. This momentous occasion, graced by esteemed luminaries, reverberated with the essence of his contributions to the realm of music, particularly his role in fostering a sense of unity among diverse populations, including those residing in the picturesque yet troubled valley of Kashmir.

Jaan Nissar Lone’s musical artistry has transcended geographical confines and tugged at the heartstrings of individuals from all walks of life. His melodious compositions served as a wellspring of inspiration, galvanizing countless souls to embark on a journey characterized by love and mutual comprehension, not just for their homeland but for the entire global community. Through his educational music videos, he has empowered a legion of youthful enthusiasts to partake in endeavors aimed at heightening awareness of human unity, thus laying the foundation for a more harmonious and all-encompassing world.

Jaan Nissar Lone receives global humanitarian award for uniting the world through music | Hindi Movie News - Times of India

The World Humanitarian Drive lauded Jaan’s remarkable endeavors in employing music as a unifying conduit, capable of bridging divides between communities and nations.

The ‘World Humanitarian Drive’ founder Dr Abdul Basit Syed lauded Jaan’s remarkable endeavors in employing music as a unifying conduit, capable of bridging divides between communities and nations. Lone’s journey as a musician and humanitarian transcends borders, languages, and cultures to promote harmony and peace worldwide. His work resonates with people globally, earning him recognition as a symbol of peace and tranquillity.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Times Entertainment> Hindi> Music / November 08th, 2023