Srinagar | : Ahata Waqar Chanapora, a day care and recreation center for senior citizens, held an impressive function to honor the renowned academician, writer, and social activist Dr. Farooq Ahmad Peer, former Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE).
The event, which brought together a diverse group of senior citizens, students, writers, poets, and cultural activists, featured an interactive program where speakers praised Dr. Peer’s significant contributions. The event was among others attended by Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, former Secretary General Administration Department and Chairman of the J&K Public Service Commission (PSC). Dr. Waseem Raja, Joint Director Tourism Kashmir, Farooq Geelani, former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Peerzada Abdal Mehjoor, acclaimed broadcaster, writer, and President of the J&K Mahjoor Foundation.
The speakers at the event lauded Dr. Peer’s commitment and contributions to educational reforms during his 18-year tenure in the higher education department. His time as a member of the JK Services Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB) was also highlighted for the transparent selection of approximately 4,000 educated youths.
In his address, Dr. Peer, father of the youngest IAS officer in Kashmir, Faz-lul-Haseeb Peer, shared his life journey and experiences. He emphasized the importance of social commitment, consistency, and hard work to achieve life’s goals. He described adversity not as a barrier but as a “catalyst for growth and resilience.” He also stressed the importance of learning the Kashmiri language, noting it is an optional subject for UPSC and PSC exams.
Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, in his presidential address, shared his own administrative experiences and urged for selfless service and compassion to address societal problems. “Mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive,” he stated, encouraging youth to organize social discourses to foster thoughtful interactions on education, values, and community engagement.
Other speakers also shared their views, with Dr. Waseem Raja describing Dr. Peer’s journey as a “role model.” He emphasized that social interactions with experienced individuals like Dr. Peer enhance community cohesion and promote holistic well-being. Peerzada Abdal Mehjoor and Farooq Geelani also spoke on the importance of community support and collaboration. The event, which was moderated by Dr. Laila Sultana, began with a prayer, including a Tilawat of Quranic verses by Haji Gh Hassan Shah and a Naat-e-Sharief by Javed Ahmad Baigh. Chairman of Ahata Waqar, Ab Gani Paray, welcomed the guests, while organizer and former Director of Doordarshan, Shabir Mujahid, delivered the vote of thanks. Secretary Er. Khazir Mohd Trag and Qazi Ab Rashid also spoke at the function.
