From Tent to Triumph: Bakerwal Girl Shabnam Sidiq Scores 92.6% in Class 12, Felicitated by Pulwama DC

In a heartwarming display of recognition for resilience and academic excellence, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, felicitated Shabnam Sidiq, a young girl from the Bakerwal tribal community, for her outstanding performance in the Class 12 examinations conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JK BOSE). Shabnam, who scored an impressive 92.6% (463 out of 500 marks), achieved this remarkable feat while living in a tarpaulin tent in the remote Panner Tral area of Pulwama district, South Kashmir. Her story, marked by determination and perseverance in the face of adversity, has inspired many and highlighted the transformative power of education.

A Life of Hardship and Determination

Shabnam Sidiq hails from the nomadic Bakerwal community, a marginalized tribal group known for their pastoral lifestyle. Living in the upper reaches of Khatwada Tral, her family resides in a makeshift tarpaulin tent, a far cry from the comforts of a permanent home. Her father, Mohammad Sidiq Bokda, earns a modest income as a laborer, struggling to provide for the family’s basic needs. The absence of a proper study room, private tuition, internet access, or even electricity posed significant challenges for Shabnam’s education. Yet, these obstacles only fueled her resolve to succeed.

Shabnam pursued her studies at a government school in her area, relying solely on the resources available to her. She studied under the dim light of a lantern, battling the elements—rain, cold, and distractions—within the confines of her tent. Her determination to rise above her circumstances and her unwavering focus on education set her apart. “I had no privileges, no separate room for studies, and no coaching. But I believed in my dreams and worked hard,” Shabnam shared during the felicitation ceremony.

Academic Excellence Against All Odds

Shabnam’s score of 463 marks in the JK BOSE Class 12 examinations is a testament to her academic prowess and grit. The results, announced in April 2025, placed her among the top performers in the region. Her achievement is particularly noteworthy given the lack of access to modern educational tools and the socio-economic challenges faced by her community. The Bakerwal community, traditionally engaged in herding and nomadic activities, often faces barriers to education, including limited infrastructure and seasonal migration. Shabnam’s success challenges these systemic constraints and serves as a beacon of hope for other students in similar situations.

Her academic journey was not without sacrifices. Shabnam dedicated long hours to her studies, often prioritizing her books over personal comfort. She credits her teachers at the government school for their guidance and encouragement, which played a crucial role in her preparation. “My teachers believed in me, and their support helped me stay focused,” she said. Her disciplined approach—covering the syllabus systematically and revising diligently—enabled her to excel in her exams.

A Felicitating Moment of Pride

On May 1, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, honored Shabnam in a special ceremony organized to celebrate her extraordinary achievement. The event, held in Pulwama, was attended by local officials, educators, and community members, all of whom gathered to applaud Shabnam’s success. Dr. Qayoom praised her resilience, noting that her story is an inspiration for students across the district and beyond. “Shabnam’s achievement is a powerful reminder that determination and hard work can overcome even the most daunting challenges,” he said during the ceremony.

The felicitation included a certificate of excellence and words of encouragement from the DC, who urged Shabnam to continue pursuing her dreams. He also assured her of the district administration’s support in her future educational endeavors. The event was widely covered by local media and shared extensively on social media platforms, with posts on X highlighting her story as a symbol of hope and perseverance. One post by @TheKashmirToday read, “DC Pulwama @basharatias_dr (IAS) Felicitates Tent-Dwelling Girl for Excelling in Class 12 Without Coaching,” capturing the sentiment of pride and admiration.

A Beacon for the Bakerwal Community

Shabnam’s success holds special significance for the Bakerwal community, which has historically faced socio-economic marginalization. Her achievement underscores the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering marginalized groups. It also highlights the potential of government schools in providing quality education to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Shabnam’s story has sparked conversations about the need for better educational infrastructure and support for tribal communities in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

Her accomplishment resonates with other stories of academic excellence from South Kashmir. For instance, in June 2024, girl students from Pulwama and Shopian districts excelled in the Class 10 examinations, with students like Mohsina Binti Maqbool scoring 99.2% and Shahzadi Lareba achieving 99%. These successes reflect a growing trend of academic achievement among girls in the region, despite systemic challenges.

Looking Ahead: Dreams and Aspirations

Shabnam aspires to pursue higher education and dreams of a career that will allow her to uplift her family and community. While she has not publicly disclosed her specific academic plans, her determination suggests she will continue to excel in her chosen field. The recognition from the Pulwama administration has boosted her confidence, and she hopes to inspire other students to persevere despite hardships. “I want to tell others that no matter how tough life is, education can change everything,” she said.

The district administration has pledged to support Shabnam’s future endeavors, potentially through scholarships or other educational assistance. Such support could be pivotal in helping her overcome financial barriers and access higher education opportunities. Her story has also drawn attention to the need for targeted interventions to support talented students from marginalized communities, ensuring that their potential is not stifled by economic or social constraints.

A Call for Systemic Change

Shabnam’s achievement, while deeply personal, also shines a light on broader systemic issues. The lack of basic infrastructure—such as permanent housing, electricity, and internet access—for tribal communities like the Bakerwals underscores the need for inclusive development policies. Investments in rural education, including better-equipped schools and access to digital learning tools, could empower more students like Shabnam to realize their potential. Additionally, initiatives to provide coaching, scholarships, and mentorship for students from disadvantaged backgrounds could bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement.

The felicitation of Shabnam by the Pulwama DC is not just a celebration of one girl’s success but a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize education as a tool for social change. Her story challenges stereotypes about tribal communities and demonstrates that talent and determination can thrive in the most unlikely circumstances.

Conclusion

Shabnam Sidiq’s journey from a tarpaulin tent in Panner Tral to being honored by the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama is a powerful narrative of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education. Her score of 92.6% in the Class 12 examinations is not just a number but a symbol of her triumph over adversity. As she continues her educational journey, Shabnam stands as an inspiration to countless others, proving that with determination, no obstacle is too big to overcome. The Pulwama administration’s recognition of her achievement is a step toward celebrating and supporting such stories of grit and glory, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.