J-K: Meet Mohammed Shafiq from Rajouri who qualified UPSC CAPF amid scant facilities

Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 12 : Mohammed Shafiq, a resident of a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir has qualified UPSC (CAPF) Central Armed Police Forces exam as an assistant commandant officer despite inadequate facilities and set an example for the region.
Shafiq hails from one of the remote villages, Hyatpura in the Manjakote Tehsil of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Hyatpur is situated 40 km away from the district headquarters.
By qualifying the tough examination despite suffering from lack of amenities in the region, he has become a source of inspiration for many young individuals by reflecting the academic prowess and determination of Kashmiri students.
Shafiq opened up about his approach to conquering one of India's most challenging exams - UPSC. He emphasized that his journey was full of hurdles and troubles but due to constant support from family and with continuity and consistency, he eventually succeeded.
Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Shafiq said, "I am a resident of village Hyatpura of Manjakote Tehsil of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. I have studied at government institutions only and I have worked at various places. My journey was indeed difficult but I have worked continuously and consistently and qualified UPSC exam."
"Our financial condition wasn't that sound due to which we went to school in Manjakote on foot only. I have done my college from Rajouri. Due to financial constraints, I couldn't stay in Rajouri which is why I have to travel to Rajouri daily. I used to board the first bus from Manjakote, then I took an auto and after changing 2-3 times I used to reach college. After all these efforts, my attendance was above 95 per cent."
He highlighted the constant support from his parents and termed them the reason behind his success.
"Of course, my parents have supported and encouraged me a lot since childhood. They have supported me in my failures too. They are the reason behind my success," Shafiq said.
Opening up on his challenging journey further, Shafiq highlighted that he always wanted to serve the country. He also lauded the role of Indian Army in supporting the locals and youths in the region.
"My journey was challenging and tough due to financial constraints and a lack of awareness. But slowly-slowly I got different opportunities and got to know the different avenues of life after which I worked on myself. Since childhood, I wanted to serve the nation, as our first exposure is from the military and paramilitary. The way the Army has supported us a lot under the Sadhbhavana operation has impacted a lot of youths who want to serve the nation," he further stated.
Shafiq's parents also opened up on their son's success and said that he has achieved this after facing a lot of difficulties in life. They also emphasised the value of education.
"We all are very happy. Our family is happy. He will serve the nation. he had faced various difficulties since childhood," Shafiq's mother, Shamim Akhter said.
"We are residents of Hyatpura, Manjakote. After hard work, we have taught our children. Our children have worked a lot. They have also studied after a lot of hurdles in their way. There was no road to the school which is why they had gone to the school on foot. Whether the parents are rich or poor, it's their responsibility to send their children to school so that they can serve their nation. We live in Hindustan this is our country and we are Hindustani. we should serve our nation," his father Barket Hussain said.

His brothers Bilal Choudhary and Mohammed Rafiq also lauded Shafiq's success and said that he underwent a lot of difficulties and they are very proud of him.
"We are very happy for his success. He has faced a lot of difficulties in studying but eventually succeeded and we are proud of him. We will also follow in his footsteps and I hope we will also become something with his support. Currently, I am also studying with him," Bilal Choudhary said.

"We all are proud that our brother has achieved this success and made our area infamous. The message is that our parents have supported him in his journey and worked hard so that he can study, we can study," Mohammed Rafiq said.

Hashim Khushal, who is a cousin of Mohammad Shafiq, also opened up on his success saying, "Since childhood, he has worked a lot...He is very hardworking, and patient and loves to lead a simple life. In our area, we didn't have the atmosphere for studying but he stayed self-motivated, kept his vision simple and worked hard to achieve his goals. He is a source of motivation for all our family members."