New Delhi: An epitome of courage in the face of adversity, Kashmir-born Sufeera Jan has become an inspirational story for her peers and even to those who have guided her in life.
The 15-year-old was thrilled to win the Global Education and Leadership Foundation (GELF) Scholarship under the India-US Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programme. But denied a passport to travel, her plans for studying abroad and dreams of widening her horizon came to an abrupt end.
Despite that, the teenager says, “I have not lost hope to succeed in life. My mission is to make my state and my country proud of me and I will keep striving to do so.”
Born to parents who had three sons and a daughter, Sufeera was sent to Gulshan-e-Banat orphanage, on the outskirts of Srinagar, when she was six-year-old.
“My father died of kidney failure in 2003. Realising that it would be extremely difficult for her to bring up five children on her own, my mother decided to send me to the orphanage. All these years, the orphanage hostel has been my home.”
When news of Sufeera’s scholarship and subsequent passport fiasco recently appeared in the local dailies, Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah intervened. He asked the concerned authorities to expedite the matter in Sufeera’s case and also promised to have all such pending cases of previous denials cleared.
But by the time the passport was issued in her name, Sufeera had missed the scholarship opportunity.
She speaks to Gulf News in an exclusive interview.
How are you coping up after not being able to avail the scholarship?
Even though I felt unhappy about it, I know there is no point in continuing to feel sad. I feel better by hoping that probably it has happened for some good and there is something better awaiting me.
What hurdles had you crossed to receive this scholarship?
I had received the one-year scholarship after qualifying a series of written tests and interview. The first hurdle was removed when I was given to write an essay on ‘What you want to be 15 years from now?’ I wrote what I feel strongly about that I shall work towards removing bloodshed and difficulties from my state and see that we live in peace and brotherhood.
Subsequent to that, I had to write all details related to my life, extra-curricular activities, hygiene, etc. Thereafter, I cleared the IQ and all medical tests. For the final interview, I visited Delhi and along with other students, participated in a debate on “Hollywood and Bollywood” movies. On clearing that round too, what clinched it all was my response to the question put by some American educationists, ‘Why I wanted to go to America’. I responded by saying: ‘India is a developing country, but America is known as a developed country. I want to see the development in the US and bring that to India.’
On what basis were you denied the passport?
It was denied to me because my paternal uncle was once affiliated with militant groups. Even though he surrendered in 1992 and has been running a normal life and his own business, it was ridiculous to have held me responsible for his past. Imagine, I was punished for something that happened when I was not even born! I felt very sad for my uncle when he conveyed that he felt extremely sorry and guilty that I was penalised for no fault of mine.
So, will it be possible for you to apply again and probably get lucky the next year?
It was a mere chance that I applied for the GELF scholarship. Its vision is to nurture young ethical leaders who could be future agents of change. It was basically meant for girls in Class 10 last year, but as they were preoccupied with their Board examinations, Papa ji (Zahoor Ahmad Tak), who is also my mentor and guide, suggested that though I was junior to them, I should go ahead and apply for the scholarship. I do not think another similar opportunity will arise, because now I am in Class 10 and preparing for my Board examinations.
Are you aware of other children, who have now or in the past, suffered the same fate as yours for no fault of theirs?
It is only now that I have begun to hear about such problems having arisen for other children also. But I hope the chief minister, who very kindly mediated in my case, will ensure that nothing of the sort happens anymore with any other person.
Where do your earliest memories take you?
My memories are of my home where I was born. But contrary to what people may think, I am happy at the orphanage among girls who I have been friendly with since childhood and we all are happy to be in the care of Zahoor ji, whom we all fondly refer to as Papa ji. To me, he is both — a father figure and a friend, who I can turn to advice and guidance at all times.
What are your education and future plans?
I want to fulfil my grandmother’s and my own wish by becoming a doctor and am studying hard for it. I want to be a good human being like my mentor and wish to help all the destitute in society.
