Baramulla: Defying the financial constraints and hardships of being a resident of a far-flung village, Syed Adil Zahoor of Hajibal Baramulla has become the second person from Kashmir to qualify for the prestigious Indian Statistical Services (ISS) examination bringing laurels to not only to Baramulla but to entire Jammu and Kashmir.
Adil cracked the examination in his first attempt and is currently serving as Panchayat Accounts Assistant in Block Development Office Qaziabad in Kupwara district.
“There is no substitute for hard work. I always keep my father’s toil and struggle in mind who worked to feed his family on meager wages. I too struggled a lot and finally, I am jubilant to qualify for the ISS exams,” Adil told Kashmir Images in an exclusive interview.
“I had to foot miles to reach the high school and college located in Baramulla as there was no road connectivity in my village. Later, we got it later but it is completely hilly. Still, we don’t have mobile connectivity,” Adil said.
Adil’s message to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir is that hard work is key to success which every aspirant does but success kisses the feet of only those who work and act smartly in current times.
“One must have a firm belief, confidence, and positive attitude in oneself and give his best. Then leave success to Almighty and there should no regret for not giving the best,” he added.
Son of a private school employee, Adil Zahoor after thanking Almighty Allah credited his success to his parents who he said have faced a lot of hardships for him besides he mentions his brother, cousin brother Ashiq Hussain for his handholding.
“I am proud to be a student of Government Middle School Hajibal where I found wonderful teachers for my primary education. I did secondary schooling education from Government High School Baramulla and qualified for my 12th class exams from Government Boys Higher Secondary School Baramulla. Later I did my Bachelor of Arts from Government Degree College Boys Baramulla,” said Adil.
He pursued a Master’s degree from the University of Kashmir where he qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship in 2020. He qualified for the Accounts Assistant examination conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board in 2021 landing him his current job.
The last Kashmiri who passed the examination is Haji Altaf who is now holding the Deputy Director General position. He earlier headed the NSSO operations in Kashmir as well.
The picturesque village Hajibal is nestled in lofty mountains. It is 14 kilometers away from the main town of Baramulla and is designated a tourist destination.
While the entire village is jubilant, hundreds of people, relatives, and friends visited the family of Adil to greet the family as soon as the news broke about his selection in the prestigious ISS examination.
Adil’s friend and cousin brother Ashiq Hussian said that his achievement is surely going to inspire many young boys and girls in fulfilling their goals in life. The best part about him is his humility and temperament. Even after this remarkable achievement, he is in a state of tranquility.
“No passion is small or big, it’s your dedication and hard work which defines your life. But success stories like these are proof that one can achieve anything if he has the courage and dedication to pursue his or her dreams,” he said
Penitently, two brothers namely Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari and Syed Sajjad Bukhari from the remote village Hajibal have already passed the JKAS exam, and these two youths are currently posted at higher positions in the civil and police administration of Jammu and Kashmir.
