Karnah boy cracks IIT, a historic milestone for Tangdhar

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-06-04 23:12:45 |

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KS News Desk

Srinagar, June 4: In a remarkable achievement that has brought pride and hope to the border district of Karnah, Faizan Shakeel, a student of RISE Institute, has cracked the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) entrance exam.

He has become the first student from his Tehsil to do so.

Tangdhar, a remote area nestled in the Karnah region near the Line of Control (LoC), has long endured the harsh realities of conflict.

The region frequently witnesses cross-border shelling, and during the India-Pakistan War, the area was evacuated for the safety of civilians.

Despite these challenges, Faizan’s determination, resilience, and hard work have illuminated a new path for youth in one of Kashmir’s most underserved regions.

“This is not just Faizan’s achievement—it is a victory for every child in border areas who dreams beyond the mountains that surround them,” said Salman, co-founder of RISE and an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur.

“Our mission at RISE has always been to make quality education accessible to the most marginalized, and Faizan's success is a testament to what is possible when potential meets opportunity," he said 

Speaking on his achievement, Faizan Shakeel recalled the days when the sound of shelling would shake walls of his house.

"But I never let it shake my will. Cracking IIT from Tangdhar felt impossible at times, but RISE helped me believe that even from the remotest corners, we can reach the top if we don’t give up," he said.

Mubeen Masudi, co-founder of RISE said Faizan’s success is not just academic but symbolic as well.

"It proves that talent exists in every corner of Kashmir, even in conflict zones like Tangdhar. All it needs is a chance. We are incredibly proud to have been part of his journey and hope this moment inspires a thousand more dreams in border villages," he said.

Faizan joined RISE through its outreach initiative, which identifies and mentors talented students from underserved areas.

With consistent support and coaching, Faizan defied the odds and broke through barriers that many from his area had long considered insurmountable.

His success story sends a strong message: geography should not define destiny.

Faizan now joins the ranks of India’s brightest minds and is poised to begin a transformative journey through one of the world's most prestigious engineering institutions.

This landmark accomplishment is expected to inspire countless other students from conflict-affected regions to dream big and aim higher.