Abrar Bhat
I am writing this article to share an interesting story of a ordinary man (still young, in his 30’s) who overcame all obstacles, hardships and worked relentlessly to get his life together and became such an inspiration to us all. I can say with confidence that his struggles over the years, and his learnings transformed him from an ordinary man to an extraordinary man as he continues to inspire me and many others by his milestone successes one after another.
The only objective of writing this article is to highlight and reiterate the fact the struggle and hard work never goes unrewarded particularly when an individual is backed by the power of supplication (Dua) by nears and dears and well wishers. Also, I am confident to say that this story will inspire the readers of this article particularly the young people many of whom tend to give up in their lives when they are pitted against hardships and struggles.
It won’t be fair if I keep you readers in illusion about this character anymore and I must introduce him now and share his impactful story. Dr. Mudasir Akbar Shah of Lolab valley endured the grave challenge of pursuing education amid the turbulence in 1990s in his small native Lalpora town and life continued to pose more struggles as he grew up but he never looked back.
Grit & Determination
Mudasir’s years long journey which eventually began and continued for long with facing hardships ne after another to achieving remarkable success is a testament to the fact that hard work, faith and Dua are UNBEATABLE come what may in am individual’s life
Even he did not stay most of times in his home for around 13 years as safety concerns forced the boy to seek shelter with relatives and friends but he stayed firm and continued to pursue education.
Mudasir faced obstacles in his early education as security scenario in his native Lalpora town deteriorated in 1990’s when militancy at its peak disrupted every aspect of life including his schooling to a great extent.
Lack of basic amenities, proper classrooms, qualified teachers, and even necessary textbooks amid the turbulence made the matters worse for Mudasir but this all did not deter him from pursuing his goals.
Despite these adversities, the young boy displayed immense resilience and grit and continued his struggle to pursue education. He stayed miles away from family to prepare for competitive exam. Tragically, during this period, his father passed away but again he stayed firm and committed to his goals.
He found solace and strength in his faith and the unwavering support of his family, particularly his grandfather and teachers. Recognising the boy’s potential and unflinching commitment, his family, particularly his grandfather and teachers, guided him to boarding school, which proved to be a turning point in his life.
The boarding school enabled him pursue education, foster discipline and further boosted his confidence. The young boy found inspiration and motivation from his peers to excel in his studies.
Although the boarding school also faced shortage of experienced faculty but the determination of the students including Mudasir led to their progress. He took full advantage of staying in boarding school, which limited his visits to home and the young boy focused entirely on his studies.
Overcoming hardships
Driven by dedication, determination and discipline, the young boy achieved milestones one after another. He successfully qualified the entrance exam and secured seat in prestigious engineering colleges.
Remarkable Achievements
Despite tragedies and hardships, he pursued higher education and completed B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD from top Indian institutions including Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. He is known as a competent lecturer, Assistant Professor, researcher, and scientist, still working intermittently in various credible institutions globally.
Not only did the boy excel academically, but he also made significant contributions to his community and field of expertise. He worked as an assistant professor in Ethiopia under the United Nations Development Programme, at NIT Srinagar, and in Malaysia. Presently, he holds a position at one of the top universities in Saudi Arabia, King Fahd Petroleum and Minerals. His research on converting locally available walnut shells into biofuels is aimed to boosting the local economy and foster sustainable development.
Alongside his professional endeavours, he also dedicated his time and efforts to run a local NGO “Civil Society Lolab EK EHSAS” which focus on education, health, and social achievement. He is providing immense support to the youth in his community to enable them realize their full potential. Through free tuition and counseling, he is determined to empower the young generation and pave the way for a brighter future.
In 2016, and 2019, Dr. Shah initiated a tuition-free school at his residence, imparting hundreds of free education.
Supplication- silent but impactful tool
Throughout his arduous journey, the power of Dua radiated brightly. His grandmother passionately prayed for his success, envisioning him becoming an engineer, a doctor, a professor, and even a minister. The young boy, filled with innocence and curiosity, would question the possibility of achieving all these aspirations. Yet, his grandmother’s unwavering response would always be that with the help of Almighty Allah, everything is possible.
Little did they know at the time that her prayers would shape his future in an unimaginable way. The heartfelt prayers of his grandmother, coupled with the unwavering support of his mother, played a crucial role in his success. Their supplications to Allah during the darkest moments of his life provided him with the strength, resilience, and guidance needed to overcome obstacles. The power of Dua, deeply embedded in Islamic teachings, emphasizes the importance of calling upon Allah in times of need. Muslims are encouraged to engage in Dua not only for themselves but also for their loved ones and the wider community.
The inspiring story of this young Kashmiri man serves as a powerful reminder of the potency of Dua in Islam. Hardwork and determination of course leads the way. It highlights the transformative effects of faith, perseverance, and the profound impact of prayers offered by loved ones. As believers, we should recognize the significance of Dua in our lives and embrace it as a powerful tool for seeking guidance, strength, and blessings from the Almighty.
