“Ek Musalman tab tak acha Musalman nhi ho sakta, jab tak woh acha Insaan na ho.”

Azhar Shaheen, a passionate Kashmiri journalist, has dedicated his career to amplifying the voices of the unheard and striving for positive change. Here’s Azhar’s remarkable journey and commitment to making a difference in his community.

Azhar embarked on his journalistic path with a clear mission – to become a voice for those who often go unheard. He studied Mass Media and Journalism in Hyderabad and shared, “Mai logo ki awaz pahucha saku apne platform se. Aur meri dil ki khwaish thi ki mai logo ke liye kuch karu.”

Initiation through EYGC

Azhar’s transformative journey took a significant turn when he joined the EYGC program. Engaging in various activities and social action projects, he learned the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. Reflecting on his experiences, Azhar stated, “Rubaroo mein aane ke baad maine samjha ki har taraf ki baatein samhni chahiye.”

During the program, Azhar and his group took on the challenge of addressing discrimination against the transgender community. Their impactful social media campaign sparked conversations and raised awareness. Azhar actively engaged with those who held opposing views, showcasing the power of dialogue in fostering understanding.

Working in the Community

Azhar’s commitment continued with the program. He actively participated in Agaaz, extending the impact of social action projects. Beyond that, Azhar collaborated with NGOs, sharing Rubaroo’s learnings and approaches with his community in Kashmir.

“Yaha Kashmir mein mai NGO’s ke saath collaborate krke unhe Rubaroo ke learnings aur taur tarike share krta hu for change making. Yaha par kafi masle hai aur jo maine talim hasil kiya hai uske madhyam se mai khud bhi apne ek project pe kaam kar raha hu aur as a journalist apne medium use kar raha hu.”

The Vision Ahead

Azhar believes that media is the fourth pillar of democracy, and it is his responsibility to ensure that the voices of the people reach the administration. His dedication has inspired fellow youth to join this noble cause. Looking forward, Azhar envisions opening an NGO dedicated to underprivileged communities. He emphasizes, “NGO’s government ka kandha hai kyunki woh jaha woh nhi pahuch sakti, NGO’s pahuch sakte hai aur logo ke beech rehkar unki baat samjh sakte hai.”

In conclusion, Azhar, both as a journalist and a changemaker, encourages everyone to go beyond media narratives, stating, “Media stories ka 100% vishwas na kare, khud logo mein jaa kar baat ko samjhe aur apne decision le.”

Share your thoughts and join hands in celebrating Azhar’s commitment to positively impacting society!

About The Author

Faiz Jiwani

Living by the principles of humanity, striving for pluralism, orating a story of millions of dreams, transcending thoughts into writing, and a budding researcher willing to unearth the mysteries of consciousness! That defines me the best! I’m a passionate Content Writer cum Storyteller, a Facilitator working on interfaith, gender, and youth development, and a Co-Founder of The Dialogue Project. You’ll find me engrossed in deep conversations, listening to music, watching great films, and always up for a chat!

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