During one of my routine visits to the local community, I had the privilege of encountering a young Kashmiri girl named Abirow Ashraf. Initially perceived as an ordinary individual, she possessed an inspiring story that compelled me to share it with a wider audience. Abirow, a 17-year-old girl, emerged as the top scorer in this year’s 10th CBSE board exams, securing an outstanding 493 out of 500 marks in Kupwara district. Her achievement not only showcased academic excellence but also established her as an inspiration and role model for other Kashmiri students. Her story is not only about academic success but also reflects her determination, passion and a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact on her community.
Hailing from a highly educated family, with both her father and mother serving as government teachers and with two sisters, Abirow grew up in an environment that fostered intellectual pursuits. During our conversation, driven by curiosity, I inquired about the factors that motivated her to achieve this significant milestone. Her response was very simple yet profound. She recounted an incident after her pre-board exam, when one of her classmates confronted her and derided her capabilities, suggesting that excelling in board exams was beyond her reach as a girl. In response, Abirow responded with a patient smile and gracefully moved away, yet deep down, those words deeply resonated with her. She embraced the remark as a challenge and transformed it into the driving force that propelled her towards success.
Abirow embraced this adversity and embarked on a journey of relentless effort and perseverance. Seeking guidance from her teachers, parents, and elder sister, she embarked on a diligent path of preparation. She conscientiously engaged in mock tests, adhered unwaveringly to the fundamental principles of each subject, and sought clarifications for any doubts she had by consulting her classmates. She revealed that the fear of failure lingered within her, but she harnessed that fear as a guiding compass, ensuring that she remained on the right track to achieve her goals. Her unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit brought immeasurable pride to her family and garnered admiration from her peers and society at large.
During our subsequent interactions, Abirow shared her aspiration of becoming a cardiologist. I was profoundly impressed by her response to my query. Her reasoning was twofold: firstly, the scarcity of doctors in Kashmir would provide her with ample job opportunities and secondly, she possessed a deep-seated desire to serve the impoverished and remote community in North Kashmir. Beyond her academic pursuits, the young girl’s aspiration to become a cardiologist in the future reveals her compassion and desire to help others. Her choice of profession reflects a genuine concern for the well-being and health of her community. By aspiring to become a cardiologist, she aims to address the prevalent health issues in her village and provide access to quality healthcare, thereby improving the lives of the people around her. Although medical school lies in the distant future for Abirow, she is acutely aware of the series of goals she must accomplish before she can don the coveted white coat. Today, she stands as a role model, driven by the aspiration to inspire and uplift her fellow Kashmiri students. In her district, she has become a symbol of unwavering determination, relentless hard work, and resolute perseverance, demonstrating that with unwavering dedication and a focused approach, one can overcome formidable challenges and achieve remarkable success. Her achievements not only inspire students in the realm of academics but also instil a profound sense of motivation and ambition across various domains of interest. She serves as a luminous exemplar, dispelling the notion that one’s background or geographical location should never serve as constraints on their potential or hinder the pursuit of their dreams.
It is important to note that assuming the role of a role model comes with a set of responsibilities. Young Abirow must continue nurturing her personal growth and development, maintaining humility and empathy while supporting and encouraging others. By sharing her experiences, offering guidance, and fostering a supportive environment, she can empower other Kashmiri students to surmount obstacles, embrace their inherent potential, and aspire to reach unprecedented heights. The exceptional academic achievement of this young Kashmiri girl has not only brought her personal success but has also positioned her as an emblem of inspiration for other students in the region. Her aspirations include kindling inspiration and motivation among her peers, dismantling stereotypes, and encouraging others to believe in their own abilities. Her story serves as a potent reminder that with unyielding determination, unrelenting hard work, and the right support system, anyone can surmount challenges and achieve greatness.
