In a society where crises lurk around every corner, and social inequalities continue to plague our communities, the need for social workers has become more pressing and pivotal. People who work tirelessly behind the scenes, providing a safety net for the most vulnerable members of our society are the ones which must be appreciated on all fronts.

Despite their critical role, social workers often remain unnoticed and probably invisible, their work is often overlooked and underappreciated. Facing high caseloads, limited resources, and inadequate support, all while struggling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. As we navigate through the complexities of modern life, it's high time to fire a barrel of pressing questions,
What would our society look like without social workers? Would we be able to provide adequate support to those struggling with mental health issues, poverty, or trauma? Would we be able to address the systemic inequalities that perpetuate social injustices? The list is long and never ending and probably the answer to these questions is a resounding no, social workers are the backbone of our society, providing essential services that keep our communities strong and resilient.
Like everyone else, today I would love to pay tribute to a social worker who leaves no stone unturned in helping the youth in many ways. It would be wonderful to shine a spotlight on this unsung hero who is making a difference in the lives of people at the grassroots level. He is none other than Firdous Ahmad, popularly known as Fida Firdous, for his vast contributions to the social and intellectual sectors of Kashmir.
Born and brought up in the historical town of Langate, nestled in the foothills of the Kaijnag mountain range, Fida Firdous experienced firsthand the struggles of growing up in a middle-class family. His humble beginnings shaped his perspective on life. Despite financial constraints, like those faced by many middle-class families, his parents instilled in him strong values and a desire to make a positive impact on his community.
His resolve to create a better life for him and his community was indeed strengthened by the ladder of struggles he had to climb by himself as he marched on in life. Today Fida stands as a beacon of hope for downtrodden, marginalized and the vulnerable section of our society. His journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion and selfless service devoted to the betterment of our community. Fida Firdous is indeed a name synonymous with compassion and endless love for the community.
In this piece, I will highlight and delve into the remarkable story of this social hero, his notable achievements, and the lessons he has learned along the way. Although words may fall short in describing his accomplishments, I would love to highlight some key ones, written to inspire others to recognize the importance of social work in society.
As An Educational Counseller: Fida's dedication, expertise and compassion has been a driving force for him to be among the top educational counselors spreading across the length and breadth of North and South Kashmir. His unique ability to connect with people, understand their unique struggles and aspirations and to offer them tailored guidance is a rare gift. He has been instrumental in helping the students navigate the complexities of education from choosing the right courses to overcoming the learning challenges. This impact goes beyond the realm of education as he has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement for everyone around him.
Fida probably carries a ripple effect of positivity in his pocket, as evidenced by the organization of numerous educational counseling programs, career counseling sessions, and seminars across the length and breadth of the Kashmir Valley. Thousands of students have been motivated and nurtured to grow again, reaching the highest levels in society.
Fida Firdous has authored an initiative-cum-book for the Education Department titled Project Zamidari in District Kupwara, under the able guidance of the District Administration. This project has been highly successful in making teachers more conscious of their responsibilities beyond just teaching. The implementation of this initiative has saved crores of rupees while facilitating the renovation and beautification of hundreds of schools at the district level. Project Zamidari stands as a transformative effort aimed at reforming the educational system in Kupwara.
A Promoter of Border Tourism: His role has been pivotal in bringing the border district of Kupwara and parts of North Kashmir onto the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir by showcasing their natural beauty through various platforms. He authored one of the finest magazines, The North Kashmir Gazette, whose first issue, Offbeat Tourist Destinations of North Kashmir, was released by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, featuring a foreword with golden words from Raj Bhavan.
This magazine is the first of its kind, serving as a trilogue guide to these lesser-known tourist destinations. It not only highlights border tourism but also provides strategic roadmaps for its development. The magazine was later released by most of the Deputy Commissioners and was highly appreciated by the Tourism Department as well as the general public. This unique publication showcases the natural beauty and border tourism potential of Bungus, Monabal, Tangdhar, Teetwal, Keran, and Gurez, along with the mesmerizing valleys and mountain passes of North Kashmir.
Fida Firdous, as a promoter of border tourism, has written numerous research articles and created reels showcasing most of the border regions. He presents these through social media, effectively conveying the message to people both within and outside the country that the potential of border tourism is a new reality in Kashmir. His efforts highlight how border tourism can enhance engagement, boost the economy, and reinforce the fact that peace has finally prevailed along the borders.
Promotion of Kashmiriyat: Not only did he, along with his team, help revive the fading spirit of Kashmiriyat, but his dedicated efforts and contributions also played a crucial role in restoring it. This is evident in the second edition of his magazine, Kashmiriyat, published under The North Kashmir Gazette. The edition showcases real-life examples of brotherhood, unity in diversity, religious coexistence, culture, ethos, and the true spirit of Kashmiriyat.
The magazine was also released by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar. It presents authentic stories that exemplify Kashmiriyat, a cherished cultural identity recognized across the country.
A Peace Icon: Fida Firdous played a pivotal role during times of turmoil in Kashmir. As a peace ambassador, he not only guided the youth but also protected them from adverse influences. Serving as a bridge between the youth and the administration, he remained actively engaged at the grassroots level, helping young people develop a positive mindset and raising awareness about various government schemes.
Through guidance and counselling at different platforms and workshops, he focused on channelling the energy of the youth toward nation-building. His commitment to peacebuilding was reflected in his articles, speeches, seminars, and other initiatives, earning him recognition as a true icon of peace for the younger generation.
Founder of Kashmir Writers’ Association: Fida Firdous recently established the Kashmir Writers’ Association (KWA), a platform for budding writers. Before discussing the work and contributions of KWA, let me introduce what KWA is.
The Kashmir Writers’ Association is a group of like-minded individuals, including writers, authors, poets, literary enthusiasts, and social media influencers from across the valley, who are committed to promoting the rich literary traditions of Kashmir. They believe in the true representation of facts related to Jammu & Kashmir. Established in 2022 as a registered trust, KWA aims to promote and preserve the literary and cultural heritage of Kashmir.
KWA has gained significant popularity in just a few years by writing on various issues, organizing events and seminars, and participating in important conferences. It has been actively promoting a positive narrative and countering false propaganda in society. With renowned scholars and intellectuals as members, KWA has established units in every district of the valley under the slogan “More Power to the Pen.” It is the first initiative of its kind in Kashmir.
The establishment of such a platform for young writers is nothing less than empowering young voices and fostering a more inclusive, informed, and engaged society. Writers at the Kashmir Writers’ Association come from diverse backgrounds, sharing their perspectives and thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity as a whole. Under the dynamic mentorship of Fida Firdous, writers are encouraged to engage with pressing social and political issues, fostering a culture of critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.
Knowing that reading and writing in the age of AI are declining and putting the human brain at risk, Fida Firdous, a regular writer for Greater Kashmir, established this association with the primary aim of developing the human mind toward self-awareness, independent thinking, and content creation. The focus is on guiding the younger generation toward value-based human ideas and ensuring that future generations remain free from excessive reliance on machines, which have been proven harmful to human existence.