Lot has been written about the youth of Kashmir who stand as an inspiration for others. Youth of Kashmir are able to show their worth in every field almost. Today we bring story of a young man from remote area of the valley who is engaged in providing platform for those who need it badly.
Born in the lovely surroundings of Langate, Kupwara, Fida Firdouse has emerged as an ardent voice of peace, prosperity, and brotherhood in the strife-torn region of Kashmir. Like any other child born in the 90s, Fida has witnessed the challenges posed by the instability of the region during his upbringing. Despite the obstacles, he was a dedicated boy from childhood, never allowing anything to hinder his passion for education and learning. He gained recognition for his advocacy of truth and inclusivity during his college days. His journey from the picturesque landscapes of Langate to becoming a distinguished Research Scholar, Writer, and Activist reflects a profound commitment to fostering positive change in a region yearning for stability. He has dedicated his life to fostering peace, understanding, and prosperity in the region. Fida Firdouse wears many hats, seamlessly blending the roles of a prolific writer, dedicated social worker, and enthusiastic coordinator of youth engagement programs. His journey encompasses not only intellectual pursuits but also an unwavering commitment to community development. He is a regular columnist for various dailies of J&K.
Fida Firdouse has been instrumental in coordinating the youth’s active participation in various government programs and events. His ability to mobilize and engage the younger generation reflects his dedication to nurturing future leaders and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
The echoes of Fida’s impact resonate through the public meetings, interactions, discussions, and workshops he has meticulously organized. Each event serves as a platform for dialogue, promoting peace, and envisioning development in the challenging landscape of Kashmir. With a strong emphasis on promoting border tourism, especially in North Kashmir, he and his associates have actively engaged in writing, and organizing seminars, and workshops to enhance tourism in the region. His writings have been featured in various national and local newspapers, focusing on destinations such as Gurez Valley, Bangus Valley, Lolab, Karnah, Keran, and Uri Baramulla. Going beyond physical initiatives, he utilizes technology to showcase the cultural richness of the region. He continually used social platforms to promote border tourism.
Established in 2021, Fida Firdouse serves as the founder and president of the Kashmir Writers Association. This initiative stands out as one of his most impactful contributions. The association serves as a unique platform, providing a voice for young writers, activists, and intellectuals in Kashmir. It creates a space for creative expression, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas. Under Fida Firdouse’s presidency, the Kashmir Writers Association played a pivotal role as the sole civil society advocating for the revival of the sacred Sharda Peeth Temple in Teetwal, Kupwara, in March 2023. Additionally, the association actively supported the opening of Sharda Peeth (POK) on the pattern of the Kartarpur corridor. In essence, Fida Firdouse’s activism goes beyond the conventional, influencing every facet of community life and empowering the youth to become architects of positive change. Fida Firdouse’s commitment to intellectual exploration is evident through his active participation in various think tanks, intellectual debates, discussions, and workshops. These engagements serve as platforms for dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of critical themes. Fida Firdouse, alongside various members from different regions, participated in the Indian Minority Foundation, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and the representation of diverse perspectives. Additionally, the Kashmir Writers Association (KWA) has been a consistent presence at various conferences focusing on cultural, tourism, and religious themes.
In his role as the President of the Kashmir Writers Association, Fida Firdouse has been at the forefront of organizing impactful events. The team, under his guidance, attended and contributed to conferences in multiple domains, furthering the cause of peace and development in the region. Fida Firdouse’s involvement extends beyond intellectual forums. He organized Civic Sense events at Anantnag, Baramulla, Sopore, and Kupwara, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility in community development. Moreover, his support for local authors was demonstrated through the unveiling and release of Haya Sajad Wani’s book in Kupwara.
Recognizing the power of social media as a tool for change, Fida Firdouse conducted social media workshops in Anantnag, Baramulla, Sopore, and Kupwara. These workshops, attended by hundreds of KWA team members and volunteers, aimed to harness the potential of social media for the betterment of society and the nation.
Engagement in Public Programs and Bharat Viksit Events: Attending various Public Darbar and Back to Village Programs, Fida Firdouse actively engages with the public, understanding their concerns, and contributing to grassroots initiatives. Additionally, his participation in Bharat Viksit events at several Municipal Headquarters underscores his dedication to holistic development.
In each of these endeavours, Fida Firdouse stands as a catalyst for positive change, utilizing events and conferences as platforms to drive dialogue, collaboration, and progress in the Kashmir region.
Organising Local Sports Events: Fida Firdouse has been actively involved in organizing sports events in his localities, demonstrating his commitment to community well-being. He played a key role in organizing a renowned Bangus Valley cricket and football tournament on the playfield of Baki-Aker, a village in Handwara. Recognizing the importance of sports in achieving both physical and mental fitness, Fida firmly believes that sports can contribute to eradicating the drug menace from the valley. In his efforts to promote sports, Fida goes beyond mere encouragement; he arranges sports kits, bats, and other necessary equipment for local players. His dedication to fostering a healthy and active community underscores his belief in the transformative power of sports.
Fida Firdouse’s commitment extends beyond intellectual and organizational pursuits to impact education and community engagement directly. He earned accolades for his dedication to education by receiving the Best Teacher Award at Army Public School Badkote Handwara, Kupwara for his exceptional efforts in the enrolment drive during 2005-2006. Beyond the classroom, he functioned as an educational counsellor and coordinator, playing a vital role in enrolment campaigns targeting school dropouts in North Kashmir.
His influence is not confined to educational circles only, he has contributed significantly to shaping public discourse. He has written a compelling series of articles on peace and development, disseminating his thoughts in various state-level newspapers and magazines.
As a writer, Fida Firdouse has authored several books and assumed the role of Chief Editor for The North Kashmir Gazette, a magazine set to launch in January 2023. This groundbreaking publication will focus on off-beat tourist destinations, promoting border tourism in what is expected to be a pioneering initiative. Fida’s literary contributions, including “Project Zamidari,” underscore his dedication to educational reform
As mentioned earlier, KWA was established in 2021, with its foundation laid by Fida Firdouse. The Kashmir Writers’ Association stands as a fervent and vocal advocate for the Kashmiri ethos, known as Kashmiriyat, characterized by secularism and brotherhood. Its initiatives are centered around fostering unity irrespective of people’s faith, caste, and creed. The association consistently takes a leading role in embracing and promoting endeavours that advocate for secularism, brotherhood, and peace. Comprising essayists, poets, painters, and motivational speakers, the Kashmir Writers’ Association is a well-organized group dedicated to serving society intellectually.
The association, under the vigilant leadership of Fida, has achieved remarkable milestones in a short period. Despite being in its infancy, it has garnered significant popularity on social media, reaching more than sixty thousand people in the last two months. With nearly 500 members across J&K, the association, guided by Fida’s stalwart leadership, has conducted five workshops in various locations, focusing on developing civic sense and the role of social media.
Fida recognizes the aspirations of the youth, acknowledging them as the power of the future. He mobilizes and prepares them to become future leaders, emphasizing the importance of being conscious and conscientious citizens. Providing a splendid platform for young and budding writers, speakers, anchors, and artists across diverse genres to showcase their talents on different stages, Fida exemplifies the qualities of a real and selfless leader.
Excerpt from Syed Jahanzeeb
The views expressed in the piece are the writer’s personal opinions. Global Kashmir News does not endorse any individual’s personal viewpoint.