Opinion | Mehak Khursheed: From Bakery Chef to “Uri ki Beti”

People in such societies consider some jobs and roles to be the exclusive right of males, and women have their own social spheres. However, at times, one finds people who, through sheer determination and hard work, succeed in making people think differently about their abilities. Such a person for me is the lady Mehak Khurshied of Uri, who is called ‘Uri ki Beti’ now. Her success as a bakery chef, a social worker and a motivational person shows her hard work and contributions to society.

Mehak’s story began in Uri, a town known more for its resilience than opportunities. Like many young women in the region, she grew up in an environment where career choices for women were limited and public visibility often came with criticism. Despite these social realities, Mehak chose a path that was uncommon for women in her area. She trained and worked as a bakery chef, becoming the first woman at the district level to enter the profession.

It might seem that baking is an everyday job for someone but for Mehak, this job was more than that. It was a means of achieving independence and confidence. For people living in a community that discourages women from pursuing careers in skilled jobs, this was a sign that women could excel even in areas meant for males. By standing professionally in the kitchen of the bakery, she broke all those stereotypes quite silently.

However, the journey was far from easy. Choosing a public profession exposed her to social criticism and judgment. People questioned her choices, while others doubted whether a woman could sustain herself in such a field. For many individuals, such pressure can become discouraging enough to force them back into silence. Mehak, however, responded differently. Instead of allowing criticism to limit her, she treated it as motivation to move forward.

Over time, her confidence grew beyond her profession. She gradually became involved in community activities, local programs, and social events. Her communication skills and ability to connect with people helped her build a respected presence in the community. What started as a small involvement in local events slowly turned into active participation in social work and public engagement.

One of the significant achievements in her life was being named the first woman Radio Jockey at Uri 90 FM. In an area where women never had a say in media circles, this accomplishment held some social weight. Mehak utilized the platform of radio to engage with her audience and become a voice recognized by many people in their homes. She used the platform to discuss issues facing the youth and create social positivity.

Her work on the radio was not limited to entertainment alone. It also created a sense of representation for women who had long remained absent from such public roles. Young girls could now see someone from their own town confidently speaking, hosting programs, and interacting with society in a professional environment. This visibility itself became inspirational for many families and young women in Uri.

As her public involvement increased, Mehak’s focus gradually shifted towards social activism and women’s empowerment. She started participating in awareness programs, volunteer activities, and community initiatives aimed at supporting women and youth. Rather than limiting herself to speeches, she worked directly with people at the grassroots level. She encouraged women to pursue education, learn skills, and believe in their own capabilities.

Her way of becoming involved in activism was always very practical and relatable. The reason for that is that Mehak had firsthand experience of all the social issues that women had to face in small towns since she had faced them too. She could relate to people in a natural way, whether she was mentoring youth volunteers, organizing events, or inspiring students.

Apart from social work, Mehak also developed a reputation as an event manager and organizer. Through these responsibilities, she worked closely with community members and younger volunteers, helping them participate in constructive activities. Her leadership style remained grounded and community-oriented rather than formal or distant. Many people appreciated her ability to manage responsibilities while maintaining close ties with local society.

The impact of her efforts gradually brought recognition from different institutions and organizations. Over the years, Mehak received several honours for her contribution to women’s empowerment and social service. These include the Young Achiever Women Award, Shaan-e-Varmul Award, “Uri ki Udan” recognition, Best Social Activist Award on 26 January 2017, and Young Achiever Women Award presented on 15 August 2023, among others.

These awards are significant for their own sake, and at the same time show how, by being constantly active in the community, one can make a difference. In many respects, the success of Mehak served as an example for other women from little villages like Uri that women can become respected and acknowledged through determination and diligence.

Another significant aspect of Mehak’s personality is her role as a motivational speaker. Drawing from her own experiences, she speaks openly about struggle, criticism, self-belief, and perseverance. Her speeches are not based on abstract ideas but on realities she has personally lived through. This makes her message more genuine and relatable, especially for young women trying to build confidence in difficult social environments.

She often encourages women to focus on education, develop practical skills, and participate actively in society rather than remaining confined by fear or hesitation. Her words carry weight because they come from lived experience rather than theory. Many young girls in Uri and nearby areas now view her as a source of encouragement and possibility.

Alongside all these responsibilities, Mehak continues to balance family commitments and social work. Managing public responsibilities while remaining connected to family life is not always easy, especially for women who are often expected to prioritise one role over another. Yet, Mehak’s life reflects how both responsibilities can coexist with determination and support.

For today, the achievements made by Mehak Khursheed are much more than that of an individual story, but indicate the slow transformation taking place in societies wherein women have started making their presence felt in the realms of education, profession, leadership, and social service. From being the first bakery chef of Uri to getting acclaim as a social worker and leader, she has defied all societal boundaries placed on women.

She inspires the world that change doesn’t necessarily have to come through mass movements or strong individuals. Rather sometimes it may be an individual’s choice to continue regardless of the negativity around him/her. Mehak has become an example of turning challenges into chances with consistency and perseverance. In today’s time, the term “Uri ki Beti” is no longer a mere nickname associated with her; rather, it is an accolade given to her by the community in recognition of all her efforts and achievements.

arjunabi831@gmail.com