Visually Impaired Youth from Kashmir Triumphs in UPSC Civil Services Exams
In the serene village of Naidkhai in Bandipora, Kashmir, a wave of festivity has swept through the Mirpora locality. The source of this jubilation is the remarkable achievement of Irfan Ahmad Lone, a visually impaired youth who has successfully cleared the prestigious UPSC civil services examinations. As news of his success spread, visitors have been flocking to his modest home, guided by excited children eager to share in the celebration.
A Home Overflowing with Joy and Guests
The Lone family's one-storey house, humble in its structure, proved insufficient to accommodate the steady stream of well-wishers pouring in to congratulate Irfan. In response, his father, Bashir Ahmad, a daily-wage labourer with the irrigation department, took the initiative to set up a large tent in the lawn outside their home. This makeshift arrangement now serves as a welcoming space for guests, symbolizing the overflow of pride and happiness that the family feels.
Sitting inside the tent alongside his daughter Shabia, a class 11 student, and son Mujtahib, who is in class 10, Bashir was visibly overwhelmed with emotion. He recounted the moment he received the life-changing news: "On Friday evening, Irfan called me from Delhi and shared the happy news. We had been waiting for this day for years. I just cried with joy." The proud father revealed that Irfan sent him the result list via WhatsApp, which displayed his rank of 957, and the information quickly disseminated throughout the village through social media channels.
A Journey Marked by Struggle and Resilience
Irfan's path to success was paved with significant challenges and adversity. According to his father, Irfan was born healthy, but tragedy struck at the age of four when a neighbourhood boy accidentally inserted a syringe into his right eye, causing severe damage. "It happened sometime in 2002. I took him to Chandigarh, where doctors said he could be operated upon when he reaches 10. We returned and admitted him to a school," Bashir explained. However, misfortune struck again when a fellow student pushed Irfan, resulting in a pencil injuring his other eye.
The family sought medical help extensively, first at the Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar and later at AIIMS in Delhi, where they stayed for 14 months in hopes of restoring his eyesight. "Even after several surgeries, nothing changed and we returned home heartbroken," Bashir recalled. Back in their village, many advised enrolling Irfan in a special school for visually impaired children in Srinagar, but Bashir was disheartened by its poor condition upon visiting.
Determination and Educational Pursuits
Undeterred, Bashir learned about the Model School for the Visually Handicapped in Dehradun and, with unwavering determination, managed to enroll Irfan there after a year of effort. Irfan excelled academically, passing class 12 with distinction, graduating from Hindu College in Delhi, and completing a master's in political science from JNU. He secured a job at PNB, worked for about 18 months, and then qualified as an assistant administrative officer in LIC, posted in Delhi.
His pursuit of the civil services was a testament to perseverance. In his first attempt, Irfan cleared the prelims; in the second, he made it through the mains; and finally, in his third attempt, he achieved qualification. Bashir supported his son's education through immense sacrifice, visiting Dehradun four times a year and even selling land to fund his studies. "Those were tough times, but tough times don't last," Bashir reflected, highlighting the family's resilience.
Inspiring a New Generation
Irfan's achievement has not only brought pride to his family but has also ignited aspirations within his community. His younger sister and brother now dream of becoming IAS officers, inspired by his success. Villagers note that Irfan's accomplishment serves as a beacon of hope, motivating not just his siblings but children across Kashmir to pursue their dreams against all odds.
This story of triumph over adversity underscores the power of determination and the impact of unwavering parental support, setting a powerful example for future generations in the region.
