Srinagar, Oct 1, KDC: In an inspiring feat of dedication, perseverance, and hard work, Sheikh Anayat Bashir, a resident of Vijpara Hajin Sonawari in Bandipora district, has qualified the prestigious UPSC Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination 2025, securing an impressive All India Rank of 34.
Coming from a modest background, with his father working as a farmer and his mother as a homemaker, Anayat described his success as a story of perseverance, discipline, and sacrifice. Married with two children, he managed to balance family responsibilities, a full-time government job, and the rigors of UPSC preparation.
He has been serving as a Panchayat Secretary in the Rural Development Department since 2015 and was posted in Block Naidkhai of Sumbal when he achieved this milestone. Speaking to Kashmir Dot Com, Anayat said he worked tirelessly to balance work and study. He says, “I used to wake up at 4 a.m. and study till 8 or 9 in the morning before leaving for work. After returning from my job, I again continued my preparation late into the night.”
Initially, Anayat had no knowledge of the ISS exam. He said it was only after another Kashmiri candidate, Sheikh Aadil from Baramulla, qualified that he became aware of the opportunity. “That gave me the know-how and motivation to attempt it myself,” he said. For the past two years, he prepared intensively, also applying for the Assistant Director Planning (UT-level) examination as the syllabi for both were similar.
Anayat, who holds an MSc in Statistics and an MEd from the University of Kashmir, is known in his locality for offering free tuition and teaching mathematics to underprivileged students. He described this as one of his ways of giving back to society even while pursuing his own academic goals.
Behind his success, he said, was immense sacrifice not only by him but also by his family. “For the last two years, I hardly gave any time to my wife and kids. I often asked my wife to stay with her parents so that I could focus fully on my studies. She never complained and kept supporting me silently. This achievement belongs to her, to my parents, and to my children,” he said with emotion.
Anayat also acknowledged the guidance of his colleagues and officers during his preparation. “Officers would encourage me a lot. I am especially grateful to Sahir, KAS, who helped me with study planning and motivation,” he said.
His achievement has brought immense pride to his village and the entire Bandipora district. Many see his success as proof that with hard work, dedication, and family support, even the toughest dreams can be realized.
Political leaders from Sonawari also expressed their admiration. MLA Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone, congratulated him through a social media post, writing that he was gladdened to inform people that Sheikh Anayat Sahab, a resident of Vijpara Hajin Sonawari, had qualified for the UPSC Indian Statistical Service exam. He described Anayat as a brilliant scholar and said the accomplishment would inspire everyone who dreams of achieving their best in life.
Similarly, Former MLC Sonawari, Yasir Reshi, praised the young achiever, describing him as the son of his close associate Bashir Ahmad Sheikh. He said Anayat’s success was a proud moment for his family and the entire area and added that the achievement would serve as an inspiration for the youth of Sonawari.
For the people of north Kashmir, Sheikh Anayat’s achievement is more than an individual success story, it is a reminder that with discipline and perseverance, even the sons of farmers from remote villages can rise to the highest echelons of India’s civil services.
Anayat himself wants his story to serve as motivation. “I want Kashmiri youth to know that nothing is impossible if you have the willpower. No background or circumstance can stop you if you stay focused. If I can do it, anyone can,” he said with a smile. (KDC)
