Meet Kashmir Activist Mudasir Dar: President Awardee Fighting To 'Reclaim Kashmir’s Youth' From Terrorism

In a region infected by terrorism, Kashmir and its people are now more than willing to focus on development and positivity. While the region has been contributing more to sports, many individuals have also decided to help the underprivileged in society, assisting them in overcoming obstacles. One such inspiring story is that of Mudasir Dar. 

Who Is Mudasir Dar?

Mudasir Dar is a social activist from Jammu and Kashmir. He was born and raised in the scenic village of Mughalpora, Pulwama, in South Kashmir. As a child, he joined the World Organization of the Scout Movement in the 5th grade, where he was administered a pledge to work for humanity. According to reports, Mudasir later joined 'The Sajid Iqbal Foundation for Peace and Human Rights', a nonprofit organization that provided aid to flood victims in 2014 when Kashmir was ravaged by devastating floods.

Mudasir oversaw the foundation's relief activities and worked to help those impacted by the catastrophe. According to reports, his efforts did not go unnoticed. For his contributions to social service, he was honoured with the prestigious Rashtrapati Award (President's Award), and in World Scouting, he received the Rajya Puraskar Award (Governor's Award). Mudasir's focus has always been on youth participation and peace-building in society.

A Friend In Need

Mudasir reportedly organized numerous youth interaction programs in South and Central Kashmir to engage young people and keep them away from negative influences such as drug addiction and militancy. He also reached out to students who were unable to attend school due to the unprecedented shutdown in Kashmir after August 2019. Mudasir donated study materials and stationery to hundreds of children in South Kashmir districts, helping them stay focused on their studies and away from harmful distractions.

During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Mudasir took his activism to the next level. According to reports, he helped 500 impoverished families by providing them with food, medicine, and other essential supplies. As the coordinator of The Sajid Iqbal Foundation, Mudasir also distributed oxygen cylinders to hospitals across Kashmir. In an effort to steer youth away from violence and drug addiction, he actively involved hundreds of young people in mainstream activities in the Shopian and Pulwama districts. His work reportedly helped save 39 young people whose lives were on the verge of rebellion against the government.

Additionally, Mudasir has been successful in engaging young people from "No Go Zone" villages like Kareemabad, Lelhar, Parigam, Murran, Tahab, Koil, and Gulzarpora. A defining moment in Mudasir's life occurred in March 2019, shortly after the tragic Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 44 CRPF soldiers. While in Delhi with a cousin who needed hospitalization, Mudasir was denied accommodation at a hotel simply because his Aadhar card showed he was from Pulwama. This experience deeply affected him, making him realize that while a few individuals from Pulwama had chosen the path of violence, the vast majority of its people were peace-loving. So, he decided to change the perception of his hometown in other parts of the country.

In response, Mudasir began working with the local administration and police to improve the image of his district, which had become infamous for various reasons. He also used sports as a tool to promote peace and development. A particularly significant moment in Mudasir's work came in the village of Lelhar, a place once notorious for organizing massive funerals of terrorists. 

In a historic first, Mudasir helped hoist the national flag in this village. The event was nothing short of transformative; for the first time, the national flag was raised, and the villagers showed genuine love and respect for it. Thousands of people gathered to witness and celebrate the occasion. The ground was lined with 125 national flags, a sight that filled Mudasir with pride.