From Bijhama to the Nation’s Pride: The Inspiring Journey of Raja Azhar Asif

By Raja Abid

In the serene and picturesque village of Bijhama, nestled amidst the lush green valleys of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, a new ray of joy illuminated the household of the Raja family in August 2000. It was the birth of Raja Azhar Asif, a moment that filled our home with laughter, excitement, and the sweet chaos that only a newborn can bring.

For us, the children of the family, Azhar was more than a baby brother — he was a new toy, a new companion, and the center of everyone’s attention. His arrival turned our childhood into a celebration, and from the very beginning, he carried an aura of innocence, sweetness, and curiosity that made him everyone’s favorite.

Azhar’s early childhood was marked by simplicity, warmth, and affection. He was sweet by nature, always calm and gentle, though a little crazy at times — in a way that made him endearing to all. What stood out most was his intelligence and sharp mind. Even though he was not one to spend long hours buried in books, he somehow managed to grasp concepts quickly and always topped his exams. His ability to study less yet score more became almost legendary in our family. It was not luck — it was his natural brilliance and deep understanding that set him apart from others at this age.

 

Early Schooling and Childhood Memories

Azhar began his education at Radiant Mounty English Medium School, Bijhama,. He studied there till the 5th standard, consistently standing among the top students. His teachers admired his discipline and soft-spoken nature, while his classmates found in him a loyal friend who never argued or boasted about his achievements. He was the kind of student who learned quickly, remembered deeply, and lived humbly, qualities that would define him throughout his life.

After completing his primary education, Azhar appeared for the entrance examination of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Shahkote, one of the most prestigious chains of schools in India, known for identifying rural talent. When the results came out, Azhar’s name was among the selected students, a proud moment for our family.

I still vividly remember the day he left for JNV Shahkote, around 20 kilometers away from our village. We carried with him a small bundle of belongings a towel, bedding, and a few essentials. No phone, no gadgets just innocence, ambition, and determination in his eyes. Watching him leave, we felt both proud and emotional, not realizing that this journey was the beginning of something far greater than we could imagine.

“When he left home for Navodaya Vidyalaya, he carried nothing but a towel, bedding, and dreams in his eyes. That small bundle of belongings held the weight of a family’s hope — and a village’s pride.”

Life at JNV Shahkote — The Foundation of Discipline

Life at Navodaya was different disciplined, structured, and competitive. Azhar adapted quickly. Despite being away from home, he never complained or lost his calm. He was obedient, respectful, and focused, embodying the best of family values and personal strength.

We used to meet him occasionally during school vacations, and every time, we could see how he was growing not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually.

He had a few favorite games, some of which we often advised him to avoid, fearing he might get distracted. But Azhar was never the one to lose sight of his goals. He managed to balance academics and recreation effortlessly.

During class 8th, he got his first phone a small step into the digital world. One day, he sent me a Facebook friend request, and I advised him to delete his account immediately, fearing it might distract him from studies. Without a word of argument, he deleted it the same time . That single act showed his maturity, obedience, and respect for elders qualities rare in teenagers.

 

Journey Through Senior Secondary Education

After passing class 10th with flying colors, Azhar took admission in Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) Gingle, a well-known institution near Baramulla. Those were crucial years classes 11th and 12th the period when most students seek expensive coaching for board and competitive exams.

But Azhar had a different philosophy. He firmly believed in self-study. He trusted his ability to grasp and understand rather than memorize. Without any coaching or external help, he once again excelled in his exams, continuing his streak of academic brilliance.

His confidence in self-learning would later become the foundation of his biggest success cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination without formal coaching, a feat that very few in the country can claim.

 

Engineering Journey — GCET Jammu and the Pandemic Phase

After completing 12th, Azhar appeared in the Common Entrance Test (CET) for engineering. True to form, he qualified with good rank and got admission in Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Jammu, in the Electrical Engineering branch.

College life was a new chapter — filled with challenges, freedom, and new experiences. But destiny had other plans. Just as Azhar began to settle in, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and all colleges shut down indefinitely. Students returned home, unsure of what lay ahead.

During this uncertain period, Azhar chose not to waste time. Instead, he began assisting in our family business — a drug store and multi-utility store in Bijhama. Despite being a qualified engineer in the making, he never considered any work too small. He managed the shop, interacted with people, and supported the family wholeheartedly.

To give him some pocket money, I once discussed with Papa and Uncle, and we decided to give him ₹50 per day. Though it was irregularly paid sometimes skipped for weeks Azhar never complained. He accepted it with a smile, reflecting his humility, patience, and contentment.

After about one and a half years of helping at home, colleges reopened. Azhar returned to Jammu, completed his engineering course successfully, and graduated in October 2022. While others celebrated with grandeur, Azhar quietly resumed helping at home humble as ever, focused as always.

 

The Turning Point — Beginning of the UPSC Journey

None of us had ever imagined that Azhar would one day aim for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — the toughest exam in India. Like most families, we believed it required coaching in Delhi, 18-hour study schedules, and huge financial expenses, things beyond our imagination. But Azhar thought differently.

While managing shop duties, he began preparing quietly, studying 6 to 8 hours a day. His routine was simple work during the day, study at night, and make up for any missed hours later. His discipline was unmatched. He never sought attention or sympathy; instead, he let his dedication speak for him.

In 2023, Azhar appeared for the UPSC exam for the first time. When the prelims result came out, he had cleared it — a moment of uncontrollable joy for all of us. We celebrated as if he had already become an IAS officer, not realizing that mains and interview still lay ahead.

I put this good news on my socal media account and faced criticism as he could not clear the mains that year, it didn’t break his spirit. Instead, it strengthened his resolve and gave us all hope.

The Final Attempt -Triumph Against All Odds.In 2024, Azhar appeared again. This time, he was even more focused. He cleared the prelims and mains, but this time we kept the news confidential, sharing it only within the family. offered to arrange coaching for his interview in Delhi, but he politely refused, saying he preferred to continue self-study. His confidence was unshakable.

 

We respected his decision

When his interview date was announced, I accompanied him to Delhi, along with my friend Dr. Raza, who generously offered his flat for our stay. Reaching Delhi was not easy. That night, when we arrived at the flat in Old Delhi, tired from travel, we discovered that the electric meter was missing there was no light in the flat. We tried everything to arrange power but failed. Late at night, exhausted and hungry, we had a light dinner under the glow of mobile flashlights and slept.The next morning, Azhar was shifted to Jamia Hamdard Hostel. We had to get him two suits, shirts, and ties for the interview, as per UPSC requirements. The budget was kept tight Rs. 6,000 for this purchases by myself .

We searched the markets all day and somehow managed to buy the clothes within the set budget. My friend offered money, but I refused, as I wanted Azhar to understand the value of budgeting and discipline.

All family members contributed altogether for Delhi trip, we carefully managed everything — from formal clothes to accommodation learning along the way that dreams don’t need luxury; they need determination.

Finally, the day of the interview arrived. Azhar and me reached UPSC Gate No. 1, completed all formalities, and waited outside with prayers and hope. The family back home offered namaz-e-shukrana, and even the kids prayed for his success.

Each interview usually takes around 30 minutes, but Azhar’s continued for about 45 minutes.

When he walked out, his calm smile said it all he had done well. His confidence in discussing the questions made me proud. That evening, we had dinner together at a famous restaurant in Delhi Lajpatnagar celebrating his composure and positive energy.

But destiny once again tested our patience. When the results were declared in April 2024, his name was missing from the final list. It was heart-breaking.

Later, we learned that he had the same marks as the last qualified candidate, missing by the zero margin pure bad luck. The entire family was shattered, yet we held on to faith.230 posts were kept reserved and were supposed to be declared in upcoming months . We prayed again, and on 28/10/25 evening, Azhar called to say just one line:

“Bhai, I made it” and shared the selected list in our family WhatsApp group .That moment cannot be described in words. We cried, laughed, and thanked God all at once. Within minutes, the news spread like wildfire. When I posted it on social media, and within an hour, thousands of calls and messages poured in. It wasn’t just Azhar’s victory it was Bijhama’s victory, Uri’s pride, and Kashmir’s inspiration.

 

Celebration and Legacy

Over the next few days, nearly ten thousand plus people visited our home to congratulate him. From relatives to friends, locals , media to police and civil administration everyone came with flowers, sweets, and warm wishes. Our humble home turned into a festival ground. Azhar, as always, remained calm and composed, greeting everyone with a smile and humility that melted hearts.

He had become the first-ever UPSC qualifier from the entire Sub-Division Uri, a historic achievement that filled every Kashmiri heart with pride. His journey was no longer just his own — it had become a symbol of hope for every young dreamer who believes that background, money, or big-city coaching are not prerequisites for success.

 

The Message of His Life

Raja Azhar Asif’s story is not merely about cracking an exam. It is about discipline, humility, and self-belief. It’s about the strength of rural youth who rise from small villages with big dreams. It teaches us that success is not determined by where you come from, but by how much you believe in yourself and how consistently you work toward your goal.

He proved that patience can beat privilege, and self-study can rival the best coaching institutes. His journey reminds us that the real power lies not in facilities, but in faith in one’s abilities, and faith in God’s timing.

From a small boy carrying a towel and bedding to school, to a young man walking confidently into the UPSC interview hall, Azhar’s life is a testament to the power of simplicity and perseverance. His story will continue to inspire generations, not only in Kashmir but across India.

For us, the family, he remains the same humble, respectful, and soft-spoken. For the world, he is a symbol of determination and excellence. And for Bijhama, he will forever be remembered as the boy who turned dreams into destiny.

 

Author can be mailed at bmeoboniyar@gmail.com