In the quiet hamlet of Mori, nestled in the remote and hilly terrains of Bunjwah in Jammu and Kashmir, a story of perseverance and determination began on February 1, 1995. Born into a middle-class family, Dr. Faquir Mohammad defied all odds and carved a path of academic excellence that culminated in the completion of his Ph.D. from the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
From the outset, Faquir’s journey was anything but ordinary. He began his education at the Government Middle School Mori, excelling with a first-division in 2008. His secondary education was completed at SWR Virender Kumar Government Higher Secondary School Binoon, where he graduated in 2010. Despite limited resources, Faquir continued to pursue his dreams, completing his Higher Secondary School Examination at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Kishtwar in 2012 and earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Government Degree College Kishtwar in 2016.
As his academic journey progressed, Faquir’s ambition grew stronger. He qualified for the State Eligibility Test (SET) in 2017 and pursued a Master’s degree in Urdu from the University of Jammu, graduating in 2019. But this was just the beginning. Determined to delve deeper into his field of interest, Faquir enrolled at AMU to undertake a Ph.D. under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Sultan Ahmed. His research focused on a thought-provoking topic: “Critical Interpretation of Urdu Non-Fiction in Contact with Uttar Pradesh Perspective of India.”
Through his doctoral studies, Faquir explored the unique contributions of Uttar Pradesh to Urdu literature. “Delhi and Lucknow have their distinct identities in the history of Urdu literature,” he explained. “While Delhi is known for its Sufism, purity, and passion, Lucknow is celebrated for its literary elegance and cultural richness. Uttar Pradesh has been the cradle of Urdu literature, fostering its growth in cities like Aligarh, Allahabad, Faizabad, and Banaras.”
Faquir’s academic dedication was unparalleled. Between 2017 and 2024, he qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET) under UGC a remarkable eight times, underscoring his intellectual rigor and commitment to excellence.
For the people of Bunjwah, Faquir’s achievements were nothing short of historic. As the first-ever Ph.D. holder from the Scheduled Tribe community in the region, his success symbolized hope and inspiration for a community often marginalized and overlooked. His journey became a testament to the transformative power of education.
Reflecting on his path, Faquir shared a profound message: “Life is filled with challenges, but it is up to us to overcome them. Education is the key to breaking barriers and achieving dreams. Our society is burdened by ignorance and unnecessary rituals, but through learning and understanding, we can rise above them. Forgiveness and empathy are essential for building better relationships and fostering a harmonious society.”
His words resonated deeply with the people of Bunjwah. Socio-political activists and community leaders, including Shah Nawaz Hussain, Ishtaq Wani, Saddam Hussain Kither, Mohd Ali Kasana, and Ashiq Hussain Wani, praised and congratulated Faquir for his monumental achievement.
Dr. Faquir Mohammad’s journey from the remote hills of Bunjwah to the hallowed halls of AMU is a story of resilience, determination, and unwavering faith in the power of education. His success serves as an inspiration not only to his community but to anyone who dares to dream big, proving that no obstacle is insurmountable when one is armed with knowledge and perseverance.
(The author, Shafqat Sheikh, is a freelance writer and columnist from Bunjwah, Kishtwar. He can be reached at freelancershafqat@gmail.com or +91 9419974577.)
