by: Zaika Showkat
The journey of Khuram Shabir is one that many can relate to, yet few can truly understand. Born into a middle-class family, he had humble beginnings, but his aspirations always soared higher than the clouds. Like many others, Khuram’s path was filled with challenges, confusion, and moments where the future seemed uncertain. However, it was his relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering belief in himself that transformed those challenges into stepping stones toward success.
Khuram’s academic journey began with the decision to pursue science, a choice that many in his situation might make. He completed his 10+2 from Biscoe, a path chosen out of passion but also laden with uncertainty about what would come next. “What now?” became a constant question. Growing up in an educated family, the pressure was always there, but Khuram’s parents provided him with something invaluable: the freedom to choose his path. There was no pressure to become a doctor or an engineer. His future was his own to shape.
However, the road wasn’t easy. In 2013, Khuram faced his first real setback. Despite preparing well for the JKCT exam, his dreams were crushed due to corruption and exam malpractices. The frustration and disappointment were overwhelming. After that failure, he found himself lost, unsure of what to do next.
It was his father who encouraged him to pursue a BBA, leading Khuram to Islamia College. But instead of finding solace in his new environment, he encountered chaos. The atmosphere was not what he had hoped for, and his once-clear vision became clouded by depression and confusion. Six months into his program, he felt like he was losing himself, his passion dimming.
At that moment, his sister, living in Delhi, intervened. She urged him to come to Delhi University, believing that new opportunities awaited him there. And so, without any set goal or clear direction, Khuram left for Delhi, hoping to find the clarity he desperately sought.
His journey through Delhi University became the turning point in his life. Initially, unsure of what subject to pursue, he turned to his sister for guidance. When asked what interested him, Khuram’s response was simple: “I like clouds, rain, mountains.” It was a whimsical answer, but it led him to Geography – a subject that combined his love for the earth with his need for direction.
With newfound determination, Khuram excelled at Delhi University. Exposure to the academic world broadened his horizons. Conferences, lectures, and meetings with renowned scientists sparked his intellectual curiosity. He began to explore, not just his own potential, but the vast world around him. The exposure he received was life-changing, igniting a fire within him that would fuel his journey ahead.
His academic prowess was further proven when he qualified for the entrance exams at prestigious institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia and Jawaharlal Nehru University, securing an All India Rank of 10 for his master’s program at Jamia. His hard work and dedication had finally begun to pay off.
But Khuram’s journey was far from over. After completing his master’s, he faced the difficult challenge of qualifying for a PhD. Despite qualifying for NET and SET multiple times, he found himself repeatedly pushed back by the harsh realities of politics and nepotism. The system that was supposed to reward merit seemed to favor connections over qualifications. Despite securing an All India Rank of 3 in the PhD entrance exam at Delhi University, Khuram was denied admission multiple times due to the corrupt practices that plagued the institution.
Nevertheless, Khuram did not let this injustice break his spirit. He shifted his focus to teaching, realizing that his true passion lay in shaping the minds of the next generation. In 2019, he officially began his teaching career, helping students prepare for competitive exams like UPSC and NET.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and life threw yet another challenge his way. His family’s financial situation crumbled as his father lost between 30 to 40 lakhs in business. In those dark days, Khuram’s strength was truly tested. He began teaching full-time, earning just ₹7,000 a month to support both his family and himself. Despite the meager earnings, he worked tirelessly, dedicating himself to the students he taught and the future he was building.
Returning to Kashmir in September 2021, Khuram continued his mission to uplift others through education. Over the course of his teaching career, he has helped thousands of students qualify for competitive exams, with over 3,000 successfully achieving their goals. His journey from a confused student to an accomplished educator is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
Today, Khuram Shabir stands tall, not only as a teacher but as a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream. His story teaches us that life will present obstacles, sometimes so large that they seem insurmountable. But with courage, faith, and determination, even the darkest clouds can be turned into a bright future.
His journey is not just about academic success; it’s about finding one’s purpose amid uncertainty, standing firm against the odds, and rising every time life tries to knock you down. Khuram’s life is an inspiration, a story of triumph that will continue to motivate students for years to come.
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