Kashmir, an area of conflict and disputes for years, has always remained deprived of economic and infrastructural progress. However, some Kashmiris don’t seem to be affected by these circumstances. They’ve cut their way through various struggles and made it big in the world. And not just that, their hard work and approach continue to prove an inspiration for the Kashmiri youth! One such inspiring individual is Dr. Syed Ishfaq Bukhari from Kupwara. Let’s see why he is an inspiration for the youth of Kashmir and signifies the academic progress that the region has been making lately.
Who is Dr. Syed Ishfaq Bukhari?
36-year-old Dr. Bukhari belonged to a lower-middle-class family from the Sogam village of the Lolab valley of the Kupwara region of Kashmir. He completed his schooling in his village. Syed always aspired to become a teacher. Accordingly, he pursued graduation from GDC Kupwara in humanities and post-graduation in Education from Kashmir University. Further, after post-graduation, he joined GDC Kupwara as a contractual lecturer. He had also completed distance B. Ed from Kashmir University by this time.
After working as a contractual lecturer for two and half years, he quit his job to pursue M. Phil in Education from Lovely Professional University. After appearing for the final viva of M. Phil, he passed the UGC examination and became the second JRF candidate of Kashmir University in Education.
Furthermore, Bukhari rejoined Kashmir University for a doctorate in Education, which he completed in around two years. The completion marked a record in KU’s education department. While pursuing the doctoral degree, he qualified for the SET exam and became the first person in J&K to have a Ph. D, UGC-NET, M. Phil, SET, and JRF in education.
Bukhari worked in KU’s education department for almost a year on a contractual basis. He shouldered the responsibility of general line teacher twice and joined BHSS Tekipora Lolab, wherein he led extra-curricular activities such as debates, seminars, etc., and the regular teaching he used to do. During these days, he appeared for a JKPSC interview and was chosen as an assistant professor in education at the second rank in the higher education department.
After only 20 days, Bukhari appeared for another interview in KU and was selected as an assistant professor in Distance Education Kashmir University. Currently, Dr. Syed is coordinating for several education programs such as MA Sociology, MA Education, etc. Thus, he has set an example in academics and proved himself an inspiration.
Associations and Positions eContent Developed
- “Elementary Education—– Universalisation its problems and remedial measures” for B.A Hon’s (1st & 2nd year), paper: Development of Education system in India. Assigned by EMMRC, University of Kashmir
- “Problems of Girl’s Education – Involvement and Retention” for B.A Hon’s (1st & 2nd year), paper: Development of Education system in India. Assigned by EMMRC, University of Kashmir
- “Operation Blackboard” for B.A Hon’s (1st & 2nd year), paper: Development of Education system in India. Assigned by EMMRC, University of Kashmir
Seminars/ Workshops and Conferences Attended
Dr. Syed has participated in various seminars, workshops, and conferences throughout his career so far. Some of them include,
- Participated in a two-day international conference on “Professional Development of Teachers and Teacher Educators” organized by All India Association of Educational Research (AIAER) jointly with Lovely Professional University (LPU) – 2010.
- Subject expert by Principal GDC Sogam and GDC Kupwara to have a deliberation on New Educational Policy on September 15, 2015 and September 17, 2015 respectively
- Three-day International Conference on “Indian Education: The Positive Turmoil” organized by Educational Technology and Management Academy in Habitat Centre at New Delhi – 2011
- Two-day International conference IEC2015 on “Learning Technologies in Education” and Presented Paper entitled “Learning in Digital Society: A Global Perspective” organized by Faculty of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, from February 24-25, 2015.
- Paper presentation in “One Day Regional Seminar”, on “Study of Awareness of Educational Thought of Dr. Iqbal among High School Students of District Kupwara”, organized by Directorate of Distance Education, University of Kashmir, on November 9, 2017
- Chairperson for a technical session in a One Day Regional Seminar on Science Education Challenges and Prospects organized by Directorate of Distance Education, University of Kashmir on February 28, 2018
(Source – http://kashmiruniversity.net/Diqa/Resume/drishfaqgowher.pdf)
Dr. Bukhari’s Achievements
Some of Dr. Syed’s achievements include,
- Over ten research publications in journals of national and international reputation with impact factors
- Written two books – An Introduction to Education and Understanding Issues of Contemporary Education
- Extension lectures in several higher educational institutions in and beyond the state
- Presented many papers in several conferences at national and international level
People like Dr. Bukhari prove that education can make a difference in society. With several degrees to his credit, he is working towards bettering the education sector. He has contributed to the education field through his paper presentations, books and work.
Thus, he is an inspiration for the youth in Kashmir and an epitome of the wonders that education can work when leveraged appropriately. We hope to see many like Dr. Bukhari for the bright future of education in Kashmir.
