Visually Impaired Youth from Bandipora Clears UPSC Civil Services Exam
Bandipora, March 7, KNT: In a story of determination and perseverance, a visually impaired youth from Naidkhai village in the Sonawari area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has cleared the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
Irfan Ahmad Lone, son of Bashir Ahmad Lone, a casual labourer, secured All India Rank 957 in the final selection list announced recently, bringing pride to his family and the entire district.
His achievement comes despite severe physical and financial challenges faced by the family.
According to family members, Irfan’s father earlier earned around ₹3,000 per month as a casual labourer, a wage that was later increased to ₹9,000. Despite limited financial resources, he continued to support his son’s education.
Irfan lost vision in one eye during childhood after a pencil accident. Over time, his eyesight further deteriorated and he eventually lost vision in the other eye as well.
Recognising the need for specialised education, his father enrolled him at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun, where Irfan completed his schooling up to Class 12.
Speaking about the achievement, Irfan’s younger sister Shabia Bashir said the family always believed he would succeed because of his dedication and hard work.
“He has made the entire Bandipora proud today. Rising from such difficult circumstances and achieving this milestone is itself a great accomplishment for all of us,” she said.
After completing school, Irfan pursued higher education at Hindu College under the University of Delhi and later completed his postgraduate studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Family members said he was also offered an opportunity to pursue a PhD at the University of Oxford but chose instead to focus on preparing for competitive examinations.
Currently, Irfan is working as an Assistant Administrative Officer at the Life Insurance Corporation of India in Delhi.
Due to financial year-end work commitments, he could not immediately travel to his hometown after the results were announced.
His cousin Firoz Ahmad Tantary said the entire village has been celebrating since the results were declared.
“His father supported his education despite earning very little as a casual labourer. Today he has made not only his family proud but the entire area,” he said.
Since early morning, residents and well-wishers have been visiting the family’s home in Naidkhai to congratulate them on the achievement.
Meanwhile, former minister Naeem Akhtar also congratulated Irfan Ahmad Lone and his family, saying the success of a visually impaired youth from a modest background will inspire many young people across the region. [KNT]
