My name is Owais Amin Khan, hailing from the quaint village of "Nikas," just 5 kilometers from Pulwama.
Currently pursuing a BA LLB program from the Main Campus of Kashmir University, my journey with Kashmir Education Initiative began in 2017 when I earned the title of a KEI scholar after acing the Talent Search Examination. Before this, concepts like mentorship programs and the significance of communication and leadership skills were unknown.
The initial interaction with the Kashmir Education Initiative opened my eyes to their mission and goals, enlightening me about the positive impact they aimed to instill in the younger generation. As a teenager in transition, KEI swiftly ushered in notable changes in my life, offering not just monetary scholarships but also invaluable mentorship and personality development programs. These proved crucial during those formative years, providing the understanding and support every student requires.
Whether facing the 2019 shutdown and internet suspension in the valley or enduring the global lockdown due to COVID-19, KEI consistently stepped up, guiding us when others struggled to provide resources. Amidst the challenges, the team went door to door, delivering offline video lectures and study materials to scholars, ensuring every student was provided with the necessary tools for learning.
The COVID-19 lockdown, despite its challenges, played a pivotal role in my personal development. With time for introspection, I identified and honed my inner talents, thanks to the introduction of various online courses by Kashmir Education Initiative. From tech workshops to personality development and arts, I actively participated in workshops and webinars, discovering my interests and aspirations.
I owe a significant part of my transformation to KEI, which helped shape my skills and passion, providing direction and wings to my raw emotions and interests. Shifting my career from a medical background to law, I successfully qualified the national-level exam 'CLAT' without any coaching, armed with the time management and problem-solving skills acquired from KEI's annual workshops.
During the lockdown, the photography courses launched by Kashmir Education Initiative, featuring top-class mentor Mr. Suhail Mir, were a standout experience. This particular course uncovered my inner passion for visual arts and photography, evolving into a hobby. Presently, I collaborate with 'realme,' one of the leading smartphone brands, as a content creator – a feat made possible by my newfound love for photography and personality development through KEI workshops.
In recent years, I developed an interest in conflict management and peacebuilding. In 2023, I secured a spot in the Peace Practice Alliance class of 2024, an international online fellowship by the Euphrates Institute and U-Peace University (affiliated with the United Nations). KEI's earlier exposure to conflict management concepts and leadership skills paved the way for me to grasp opportunities typically beyond a freshman's reach.
I am grateful to KEI for introducing me to peacebuilding, leadership skills, and conflict management concepts early in my development. These insights have enabled me to comprehend the opportunities provided by institutes like Euphrates Institute and U-Peace University, shaping my goals with clarity.
The consistent and timely contacts from KEI's teams, inquiring about my journey's progress and offering assistance, remain unwavering. While my four-year scholarship journey may have concluded literally, the impact and clarity instilled by KEI will remain indefinitely.