Suhail Khan
Bandipora, Oct 14 : Meet Shabnam Kousar, a Bandipora resident of northern of Kashmir who has made a significant impact on education despite facing threats from militants.
Shabnam’s courageous decision to save education has yielded fruitful results, transforming a school from having just 4 students to now accommodating 500 students. The school, which Shabnam joined in 2004 during a time of high militancy, has flourished under her leadership and is now recognized as one of the top institutions in the Bandipora district.
In an exclusive interview with The Web Story, Shabnam shared her unforgettable journey, recalling the initial days when she took the bold step of joining the army school. She said my motive then, as it is now, remains steadfast: to contribute to society and ensure that future generations are not deprived of education, regardless of how society treats me.
Shabnam, while narrating the challenges she faced along the way, from being targeted and mistreated to enduring personal hardships, However, my unwavering passion and determination never wavered. My inner conviction reassured me that I was on the right path, and today, I took pride in the decision I made back in 2002, she said.
She said that at the initial stage, when I joined the school with only four students, but without taking my decision back and not letting down my inner consciousness, for which I came forward today, the school shines with a roll of 500 students and 30 staff.
About the support Shabnam said in my emotional journey, I credited my uncle for being a pillar of support and encouraging me to pursue the path I had chosen.
She said at Initially, my parents too were apprehensive and unsupportive of my decision. Despite facing opposition from various segments of society, I never wavered. I believed that with determination and a desire for change, brighter days would come, and indeed they did, as today I witnessed 500 students enrolling in the school.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Shabnam emphasized that material wealth is of little consequence when one has the will to serve society and bring about positive change. She sent a message to females, urging them to turn the negativity of those who try to weaken them into sources of strength, paving the way for a bright and successful future.
Shabnam Kousar’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how one person’s determination and dedication can transform lives and pave the way for a better society.
