Faesal topped the 2009 Civil Services Examination, results of which were declared on Thursday, becoming the first Kashmiri to do so.

His father, a teacher, was killed by unidentified militants in 2002 at his village in Sogam-Lolab in Kupwara district. Faesal, who was then a student, was shattered.

But he resolved to make true the dream of his slain father, who wanted Faesal to reach professional heights. Faesal went on to do his MBBS, but after it, preferred appearing for the Civil Services.

Faesal had made up his mind not only to appear for the examination but also to top the list. “Topping the examination has given me immense satisfaction. More so because I am a Kashmiri,” he said.

Breaking the myth
“I wanted to prove wrong the belief in Kashmir that no Kashmiri can top the examination. I dedicate my success to my family and friends. I badly miss my father, but I am happy to have made his dream come true,” he said.

He appealed to the youth of Kashmir to compete in the examination and prove their mettle. “Some of us may not have the facilities those in other parts of the country have. Yet our difficulties must not stop us,” he said.

His topping the examination brought in jubilations from the Kashmiri youth and accolades from leaders including Chief minister Omar Abdullah.
DH News Service