Undeterred by the odds

ANJUM BASHIR KHAN KHATTAK, 28 Surankote, KAS officer, Poonch

BECAUSE

He topped the prestigious Kashmir Administrative Services (KAS) exam 2014, becoming the first ever person from his district to achieve this feat. This erstwhile Maths teacher did not go to any coaching centre and did his preparations all by himself.

SECRET OF SUCCESS

Utmost belief in almighty, sincerity and dedication in performing a task, plus the motivation which I get from the challenges I faced in my childhood. A mix of these characteristics motivated me to embark on this journey and reach where I am. I hope I will continue to improve myself.

THE GOAL NEXT

Getting into the administration services is just the beginning, my real goal is to serve the masses and maintain my integrity and selflessness throughout my administrative career. I want to use this platform for the interests of the society at large. My real success would be to achieve something tangible for my people and the nation. I want to be able to make a difference.

THE ROLE MODEL

Prophet Muhammad is my role model. His life is the lighthouse of my endeavours. It teaches me the core values required to be a good administrator, and more importantly, a good human being. His ideals of peace, tolerance and sympathy kept me on the right track in the times of turbulence, bloodshed and hatred. I am what I am because of Him.

BY THE WAY

I am closely associated with some nongovernment organisations which work for the socio-economic upliftment of the deprived sections of society, and educate them about their rights, government schemes and policies.

I also collaborate with Initiative for Competition Promotion (ICP), a nonprofit organisation, which provides guidance, material and free boarding facilities to civil service aspirants in the state.

SECOND OPINION

“Kuchh log they jo waqt ke saanchey mein dhal gaye, Kuchh log they jo waqt ke saanchey badal gaye.”

–A teacher