By Suhail Khan
Celebrating the true unsung heroes, the sons of the soil of Baramulla, whose contributions, efforts, dedication, and love for this land not only instill pride in the hearts of all of Baramulla but also provide an opportunity to celebrate these unsung heroes.
Shaan-e-Varmul highlights remarkable individuals who, through their passion, strength, and hard work, are playing—and will continue to play—a vital role in Baramulla’s bright future. Whether in education, entrepreneurship, art, literature, sports, or any other field, there is no area where the unsung heroes of Baramulla have not made a significant impact on the progress, prosperity, and development of the region.
Baramulla holds a unique status among the beautiful towns of Kashmir and adds charm to the landscape of the region with its natural beauty. Sixty kilometers north of Srinagar, Baramulla is a picturesque town nestled among lofty mountains, situated along the banks of the Jhelum River in North Kashmir. It lies almost midway between Srinagar and Uri and is connected by the National Highway, which links Kashmir with the rest of India. Today, Baramulla stands as a vibrant microcosm of Kashmir’s pluralism. Home to the historic St. Joseph’s Convent School, the town showcases a rich tapestry of religious harmony, with St. Joseph’s Hospital and Church visible along the national highway. Just across the Jhelum River lies the revered Shailputri Temple, known locally as Devi Mandir, as well as the sacred Ziyarat Janbaz Wali for Muslims. A short distance away, the Gurdwara Chevin Pathshahi honors the sixth Sikh Guru, Hargobind Sahib. These religious sites, situated in close proximity to one another, symbolize the rich composite culture of Kashmir—a cherished legacy that has diminished since the 1990s but remains a vital part of the region’s essence, reflecting a unity that families have long celebrated.
When we talk about the heroes of this district, we see that despite being a place of diverse religious communities, this town has always stood together, granting it unique stature and honor. From the health sector to education, agriculture, and skill development, the heroes of Baramulla have excelled in every area, writing their own success stories and becoming an inspiration for the world.
These unsung heroes, without seeking the limelight or external support, have proven their excellence in every field and made Baramulla proud.
Let’s meet and celebrate those unsung heroes, who exemplify bravery and service to the nation.
Bravery & Service to the Nation
In Baramulla, Lets celebrate the extraordinary bravery of Wamiq Parvaiz and Moomin Mehraj, two young heroes who exemplified courage and selflessness in serving the nation. Their determination and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good inspire us all.
Wamiq Parvaiz — A resident of Ganaie Hamam, Wamiq bravely rescued a girl attempting suicide in the Jhelum River on March 1, 2023. Without hesitation, he jumped in and brought her safely back to shore. In recognition of his heroism, Baramulla police honored Wamiq and fellow lifesavers with tokens of appreciation.
Education & Literacy in Baramulla
Baramulla is witnessing progress driven by education and literacy, which serve as foundations for strong communities. Education empowers individuals, uplifts lives, and bridges divides. Local educators have played crucial roles in nurturing young minds and enhancing educational standards across the region.
Key Contributors:
Prof. (Dr.) Neelofar Bhat – Principal, Govt Degree College Baramulla, focused on women’s empowerment through education and improved academic standards.
Mrs. Farah Kazi- Head Teacher, Hamre. She enhanced curriculum, mentored teachers, engaged parents, and improved student welfare, fostering overall academic excellence.
Mr. Iftikhar Bashir – Principal GHS Doabgah. He organized enrollment drives and advocated for equitable education, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in schools.
Fr. Suresh Bittro – Principal of St. Joseph’s. His leadership emphasizes holistic education, kindness, and community engagement, shaping students into responsible individuals.
Balbir Singh Raina – Former CEO, Baramulla. He enhanced education quality, engaged the community in literacy initiatives, and led programs to improve school enrollment and retention.
Cultural Preservation in Baramulla
Baramulla is rich in culture, history, and tradition, with its heritage reflecting the values and stories passed down through generations. The preservation of this cultural identity is essential for future generations. Key figures in this effort include:
Dr. Mubarak Lone – A poet and academician committed to promoting Kashmiri culture through literature and community engagement.
Aijaz Ahmad Bhat – Renowned Pahadi singer contributing to the cultural landscape through music.
Sheikh Anzar Amin- A poet and educator focused on preserving Kashmiri literature and heritage through poetry and literary events.
Shaheed Nazir – A social activist and cultural activist dedicated to advocating for Kashmiri language and culture through media and literary initiatives.
Tarique Ahmed Chaluku – Engaging with the community at Govt Degree College Baramulla, promoting cultural awareness and education.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS
Entrepreneurship and business are vital for economic growth and innovation, and Baramulla is fortunate to have visionary individuals leading this charge. Entrepreneurs such as Mehak Khurshid (Baker/Chef), Syed Murtaza Qadri (Businessman), Mudasir Ahmed Bhatt (Farmer), and Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat (Businessman) have created job opportunities and contributed significantly to the local economy. Their hard work and perseverance inspire others and foster a spirit of self-reliance and innovation in the community. By nurturing business ideas and empowering future entrepreneurs, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Baramulla.
Mehak Khurshid – Baker/Chef
Mehak Khurshid, a 26-year-old from Salamabad, Uri, is a trailblazing baker and chef in a traditionally male-dominated profession. Her passion for baking ignited in her teenage years, leading her to establish a successful home-based bakery. Despite societal challenges, Mehak’s resilience has inspired other women to pursue entrepreneurship. She actively engages in community initiatives to empower women and shares her skills with aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Mudasir Ahmed Bhatt – Farmer
Mudassir Ahmed Bhatt, a 27-year-old farmer from Heewan Narvaw, has pioneered saffron cultivation in Baramulla—a region where this crop was not traditionally grown. His innovative approach has sparked interest among local farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and economic diversification. Mudassir’s achievements have garnered recognition in various media outlets, highlighting his significant impact on the agricultural landscape of North Kashmir.
Another Unsung Hero from Baramulla Championing Kashmiri Youth and Industrial Growth
In the realm of unsung heroes, Lt. Gen R. S. Reen, Director General Quality Assurance in the Indian Army, stands out as a beacon of hope for the youth of Baramulla. A proud son of the soil, this 1986-batch officer is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy and an advocate for integrating Kashmiri talent into India’s success story.
With a solid educational background in Electrical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, and advanced studies in Communication Engineering, Lt. Gen Reen’s commitment to his roots is unwavering. He passionately believes that Kashmiri boys possess immense potential and should have opportunities to thrive in sectors beyond government jobs.
In a candid interview with Kashmir Despatch, he expressed his longing to see more Kashmiri youth in the Indian Army, stating, “Our Kashmiri boys are equally good as the youth of the rest of India. Let us facilitate their entry into the industrial sector and integrate them into the fast-paced success of our nation.”
Lt. Gen Reen envisions Baramulla and Kupwara becoming industrial hubs, particularly in tourism and the manufacturing of winter clothing for defense forces. His ambitious plans could create thousands of jobs and boost local economies. He emphasized the need for enhanced rail and all-weather road connectivity to facilitate business growth in North Kashmir.
A distinguished professional, Lt. Gen Reen has a rich background in quality assurance and engineering, holding multiple certifications and having served in senior leadership roles throughout his career. But despite his extensive travels and responsibilities, Baramulla remains close to his heart.
Rooted in Gohan village, Lt. Gen Reen maintains strong ties with his hometown, frequently mentioning his family and childhood experiences there. His journey is not just a personal achievement but a call to action for the bright future of Kashmir’s youth.
Lt. Gen R. S. Reen embodies the spirit of service, dedication, and leadership, inspiring a generation to dream big and seek their rightful place in the narrative of India’s progress.
Together, these visionary leaders, cultural custodians, and enterprising individuals are shaping a brighter future for Baramulla through education, tradition, and entrepreneurship. By embracing learning, we can cultivate a stronger and more united society, while also ensuring that Baramulla’s rich heritage remains vibrant and celebrated. As we move forward, let us support their efforts and inspire the younger generation to cherish our cultural legacy. Furthermore, we should recognize and honor these entrepreneurs, who exemplify the spirit of innovation and drive community upliftment. Let us salute these true warriors of our nation and commit to working together to protect and celebrate the soul of Baramulla.
Author is a Journalist can be reached at [email protected]
