Srinagar: Shabnam Sadik, a student from the nomadic Bakerwal community in Khatwada, Tral, has scored an outstanding 92.6% (463 marks) in the Class 12 examinations conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE).
But her performances are not statistics—these are testaments to a fighting spirit conceived under the shadow of adversity. With a tarpaulin-roofed tent shared with no electricity, internet, or individual coaching, Shabnam was educated on cold nights and hot afternoons. Her father is a daily wage earner, mother a housewife, and both illiterate—but never ceased inspiring their daughter to dream big.
“I belong to a poor family. My parents have struggled a lot to support me. I had no coaching, no internet. I studied in a government school and used YouTube when I could. But I stayed consistent,”said Shabnam, her voice steady and full of quiet pride.
While her parents could not guide her academically, her maternal uncle, a teacher, became her mentor and helped shape her study strategies. “My uncle was a big support. He helped me understand how to approach the syllabus, clear concepts, and stay focused,” she said.
Shabnam strongly believes that success doesn’t depend on private coaching. “Our government school teachers were excellent. Everything is available online today. What matters is consistency, clarity of concepts, and faith in oneself.”
When the results were announced, Shabnam was overwhelmed. “I didn’t expect such high marks. My father hasn’t heard the result yet—he’s still at work, unaware that his daughter has made him proud.”
With a spark in her eyes and fire in her voice, Shabnam says, “My goal now is to crack the UPSC. Inshallah, I will try my best to serve the nation.”
Her story is a moving reminder that brilliance can rise from the most humble of places. From a plastic tent in Tral to the halls of India’s toughest civil service exam, Shabnam Sadik’s journey has just begun—and it is already inspiring thousands.— (KB)
