At the India TV 'She' Conclave, prominent voices from Jammu and Kashmir came together to share their journeys of leadership, resilience, and social impact. The session featured Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board; community development professional and researcher Anika Nazir; and cricketer Jasia AkhtAr.
During the conversation, the speakers spoke about their personal journeys, challenges faced by women in the region, and the growing opportunities for women across different sectors. Andrabi shared her experiences in public leadership and governance; Nazir discussed her work in community development and research, while Akhtar reflected on her journey in sports and her role in promoting women's cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on growing up in Kashmir and entering politics
Speaking at the India TV 'She' Conclave, Syed Darakhshan Andrabi reflected on the changing status of women in society. She said that earlier, the birth of a daughter was often met with disappointment in many places, but over time, the social environment and values have evolved.
Andrabi said she feels proud to be an Indian woman and shared memories of growing up in Kashmir during a difficult period. She recalled that when she was in Class 8, the situation in the region was extremely challenging, and even going to school was difficult. Despite these circumstances, her parents ensured that education remained a priority.
Talking about her entry into politics, she said the journey was far from easy. According to Andrabi, stepping into public life meant facing hardships, opposition, and uncertainty. "When we decided to move towards politics, it was not easy. We had to walk through thorns and darkness," she said, adding that the environment at that time was very different and required immense courage to move forward.
Jasia Akhtar on threats and her journey in cricket
Sharing her story, Jasia Akhtar spoke about the challenges she faced while pursuing cricket in a conflict-prone region.
She recalled a frightening incident from 2006 when she stepped out of her house to buy medicine for her sister and realised that armed men were following her. According to Akhtar, the men questioned her identity and even threatened her family. Despite the fear and uncertainty, she remained determined to pursue her dream of playing cricket.
"My goal was always to wear the Indian team jersey," she said, adding that her father encouraged her to never step back from her ambitions. She said she promised her parents that she would achieve her goal and continued to pursue cricket with determination.
Akhtar also shared that she eventually left Kashmir in 2012 to continue her journey in the sport. She noted that choosing cricket as a profession also brought its own challenges, including cultural expectations and criticism. However, she remained focused on her dream.
Anika Nazir on breaking social barriers
Young social activist Anika Nazir spoke about her passion for social work and the challenges faced by women who try to step outside traditional roles.
Nazir said she had always enjoyed speaking and expressing her views since childhood. She recalled receiving recognition in the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao competition, which further encouraged her to pursue meaningful work. However, she said working as a woman in society is far from easy. According to Nazir, many people expect girls to follow a traditional path of early marriage and limited opportunities. She added that during her college years, she faced severe bullying, as some people questioned why she wanted to step outside societal expectations.
"I may be rebellious, but I am also strategic. My aim is to bring long-term change," she said.
Working with victims of terrorism
Nazir also spoke about her work with families affected by terrorism in Kashmir. She said many of these families have lost loved ones and have lived with grief and hardship for decades without proper recognition.
According to her, interacting with these families is an emotional experience. "When you sit with them and listen to their stories, it becomes impossible to leave without tears," she said. Nazir added that recognising their pain and supporting them is an important step towards justice and healing.
'Women's journeys are never easy'
Returning to the discussion on women's struggles, Andrabi said that the path for women entering public life is rarely smooth. She noted that at times even families and close relatives express doubts, which makes the journey even more challenging.
She recalled a time when she stood alone holding the Indian flag while many around her distanced themselves. According to Andrabi, some relatives and acquaintances chose to step away during difficult moments.
Despite these challenges, she said she takes pride in her political journey and in being associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party. Andrabi added that her association with the Bharatiya Janata Party played an important role in shaping her path and enabling her to serve as the chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board.
Inspiring the next generation
Reflecting on the progress made in women's cricket in the region, Akhtar said that when she first started, she was among the very few girls pursuing the sport in Kashmir. However, the situation has gradually changed. "Today, parents call and ask us to guide their daughters," she said, adding that it is encouraging to see more young girls coming forward to take up sports and pursue their dreams.
The discussion at the India TV 'She' Conclave highlighted the resilience, determination, and courage of women from Jammu and Kashmir who continue to break barriers and create opportunities for the next generation.