Shah Faesal is a name that shines bright in Jammu and Kashmir. Born on May 17, 1983, in a small village called Sheikh Nar in Kupwara’s Lolab Valley, his life is a story of hard work, bravery, and never giving up. From becoming the first Kashmiri to top India’s toughest exam to facing challenges and bouncing back, Faesal’s journey inspires many. At 42, he’s now a senior officer helping his home region grow stronger, proving that dreams can come true even in tough times.
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Growing Up in Kashmir
Shah Faesal was born into a family of teachers. His parents, Ghulam Rasool Shah and Mubeena Shah, taught in a government school in Sogam, Kupwara. They loved education and passed that love to Shah, their eldest child. He studied in an Urdu-medium school, where his father helped him with English and math. But life wasn’t easy. In 2002, when Shah was 19, tragedy struck. Militants killed his father for refusing to help them, leaving the family heartbroken. They moved to Srinagar, and Shah turned his pain into purpose.
He studied hard and earned a medical degree (MBBS) from Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar, winning a gold medal as the top student in 2008. He also got a master’s degree in Urdu, showing his love for learning and his culture.
Breaking Barriers with UPSC
Shah didn’t stop at medicine. He wanted to serve Kashmir in a bigger way. In 2009, at age 26, he took the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, India’s toughest test for government jobs. He shocked everyone by getting the highest marks—1,361—and became the first Kashmiri to top it. Choosing Urdu as his subject, he joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the Jammu and Kashmir cadre. “I wanted to change things for my people,” he said.
Serving Kashmir
As an IAS officer, Shah worked in tough areas. From 2011 to 2013, he was Deputy Commissioner in Kupwara, helping with schools, roads, and disaster relief. Later, in Baramulla (2013–2015), he managed floods and trained young people for jobs. In Bandipora (2015–2016), he worked on saving water and helping communities. In 2018, he went to Harvard University in the U.S. on a Fulbright Fellowship to learn about governance and solving conflicts, making him even better at his job.
A Bold Stand
By 2018, Shah felt frustrated. Kashmir was facing violence, and he didn’t like how things were handled. His tweets about “killings” and the struggles of Indian Muslims got him in trouble with the government. In January 2019, at 35, he quit his IAS job, saying he felt like part of a system hurting his people. “I couldn’t stay silent,” he wrote on Facebook.
Shah then entered politics. In March 2019, he started the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement (JKPM) to give Kashmiris a new voice. But in August 2019, when the government removed J&K’s special status under Article 370, Shah was detained for over a year under strict laws. It was a tough time, but he stayed strong.
A New Chapter
In 2021, Shah was freed, and he closed JKPM. His resignation was never fully accepted, so in April 2022, the government let him return to the IAS. He started as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, then moved to the Ministry of Culture in August 2022, working on projects to celebrate India’s heritage. In September 2025, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him a “second chance” and restoring his “dignity.”
Now, Shah has a big new role. On October 3, 2025, he was named Central Prabhari Officer for Bandipora, a remote area in Kashmir. His job is to improve schools, healthcare, farming, and roads, making life better for people there.
A Family Man and Voice for Change
Shah is married to Mutahida Wasim, a Kashmiri woman, and they have a young son. On X (@shahfaesal), he shares thoughts on life, culture, and progress—like praising a film about India and Vietnam or speaking out against disrespect at Kashmir’s Hazratbal shrine. He calls his journey one of “creative destruction,” always finding new ways to grow.
Why Shah Matters
Shah Faesal is more than an officer. He’s a doctor, a poet, and a son of Kashmir who faced loss, rose to the top, and dared to speak out. His return to Bandipora shows his heart is still with his people. As Kashmir sees new changes—like snow in Gulmarg and trains bringing cars to Anantnag—Shah’s story reminds us that one person’s courage can light the way for many.
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