Reyaz Rabbani Kashmiri
In the heart of Kashmir, where the youth often grapple with aimlessness and squandered potential, Dr. Tariq Ahmad Shera stands as a towering figure of hope and inspiration. A multifaceted social and cultural activist, accomplished drama artist, and founder of transformative organizations like Angel’s Cultural Academy, Shahr-e-Khaas Literary and Cultural Welfare Society, Shahar-e-Khaas Film Production, and Meeras Kashmir, Dr. Shera has dedicated his life to fostering peace, love, and development in the Valley. Hailing from Drabiyar, Habba Kadal, Srinagar, his journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in reshaping a community.
Dr. Shera’s academic credentials are as impressive as his social contributions. With an M.Sc. in Mathematics and a B.Ed. from the University of Kashmir, complemented by an M.A. in Urdu from Maulana Azad National Urdu University, he blends intellectual rigor with cultural activism. From a young age, his inclination toward social and cultural causes was nurtured by supportive parents and teachers, propelling him to establish platforms that empower Kashmiri youth to channel their talents constructively. Angel’s Cultural Academy and Shahr-e-Khaas Literary and Cultural Welfare Society have become vital spaces for artists to shine, offering opportunities that were once scarce in the region.
As a drama artist accredited by Doordarshan and All India Radio, Dr. Shera has left an indelible mark on Kashmiri entertainment. His performances in serials like *Tuj*, *Bangol*, *Hath Hoonah Kheth Zang*, *Wutrah Bunel*, and *Lareh Laar* resonate with audiences for their authenticity and emotional depth. His foray into Bollywood with roles in films like *Laila Majnu*, *Sarhad*, and *Enigma of Paradise*, as well as various web series, showcases his versatility and commitment to representing Kashmiri culture on a national stage.
Dr. Shera’s most profound impact, however, lies in his relentless fight against the growing scourge of drug abuse in Kashmir. His campaigns, such as the “Leave the Dark Room” event on September 4, 2019, at S.P. College, Srinagar, and the “Say No to Drugs” program on November 27, 2024, at Gandhi Memorial College, have mobilized communities and inspired countless young people to reject addiction. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan on September 1, 2022, at Tagore Hall, and the Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign on March 27, 2024, at Batamaloo’s Community Hall, exemplify his hands-on approach. I vividly recall attending his Drug Awareness Campaign on September 21, 2024, at Tagore Hall, organized by Shahr-e-Khaas Literary and Cultural Welfare Society. The event was electrifying, with passionate speeches, poignant performances, and a palpable sense of unity among attendees, all rallying for a drug-free Kashmir. His ability to connect with the youth, blending cultural performances with hard-hitting messages, left an enduring impression.
Beyond drug awareness, Dr. Shera’s cultural initiatives, like the Meeras Program on December 2, 2023, and the Mushaira on February 22, 2025, celebrate Kashmir’s rich literary and artistic heritage. His environmental efforts, such as the plantation drive on April 17-18, 2025, at Greenwoods High School, reflect his holistic vision for a thriving Kashmir. The Mehfil-e-Naat on March 24, 2025, at Tagore Hall, was another moment of cultural reverence, where poetry and spirituality intertwined to uplift the audience.
Dr. Shera’s contributions have earned him a slew of accolades, including the Real Hero Award (2021, 2022), UNESCO Award (2021), National Human Rights Award (2023), Guru Rabindranath Tagore Award (2023), Pride of Young Hindustan Award (2024), and an Honorary Doctorate for Social and Cultural Services in 2024. These honors reflect his global impact as a changemaker.
Dr. Tariq Ahmad Shera’s life is a clarion call to action. His work reminds us that Kashmir’s youth can reclaim their potential through creativity, discipline, and purpose. Supporting visionaries like him is not just a duty but a privilege, as they strive to restore the Valley to the paradise envisioned by poets of old: “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.”
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Reyaz Rabbani Kashmiri is a seasoned writer and cultural enthusiast from Srinagar, passionate about documenting the stories of Kashmir’s unsung heroes. With a deep connection to the Valley’s heritage, his works celebrate individuals like Dr. Tariq Ahmad Shera, who embody resilience and change.
