(Interview) IAS Topper Success Mantras - Shah Faesal AIR-1 2009

Are you getting used to the limelight?
(Smiles) Yes! Initially it was a catastrophe trying to cope with the rush of people. But now I am getting used to it!

Does your being from Kashmir help because now people acknowledge the fact that it is a state that has potential?
These are popular perceptions. Whenever popular perceptions break it becomes news. Never has there been a topper from Kashmir so yes, it does significantly lend weight to my selection.

How have the people in your neighbourhood reacted?
Oh, the response has been unprecedented! The youth have found a new role model and an icon.

Are you comfortable with that status?
No, I don't like being cast into being a demi-god because if people put you on a pedestal today they may also nail you if you fail to meet their expectations.

How are you coping with these expectations and working towards meeting them?
Now that I have got a platform, I am speaking out not just about my achievements and myself but also spelling out the concerns of the youth in the state.

What are the concerns of youth in Kashmir?
The youth there has a lot of potential and talent and the willingness to work hard. They seek opportunities and a safe space to realise their potential and someone to trust them.  The curtain of suspicion that lies between you (the rest of India) and us needs to be removed.

The general perception is that many Kashmiri youth do not consider themselves part of the national mainstream. Is that the case?
It is all about perception. Since you do not have a sense of belonging and relation with and no information about the people in Kashmir the image you carry is that it is a tourist spot.  You need to see that there is human tragedy and pain in the region. Identify with that. Own the pain.

Despite having a strong background in science, why did you choose Urdu as one of your optional subjects?
The intention was to dispel the myth about Urdu being a downtrodden and a neglected language. I wanted to prove that Urdu too can fetch you laurels.

Was that your idea in appearing for the UPSC too? To break certain myths?
Yes. The fact that there haven't been many people from the Kashmir province to appear for the UPSC in the last 15 years was a motivating factor. I wanted to dispel the myth that we are incompetent people and the profiling that goes on...

How do you plan to reach out to the people of Kashmir if you get the Jammu and Kashmircadre?
First, I'd like to ensure safe space to the youth. Besides this, my endeavour would be to bring about more connect and communication between the young people in Kashmir and the government so their grievances can be addressed.

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Courtsy: getahead.rediff.com