Visually challenged Muslim labourer’s son in J&K cracks civil services

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir celebrated a moment of pride as a visually impaired JNU graduate, a labourer's son, and a serving JKAS officer cracked the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination-2025, showcasing determination and inspiring many, PTI reported.

Having lost an eye in an accident at school during his early childhood, Irfan Ahmad Lone never let the impairment come in his way.

Lone, a resident of Manzpora in the Naidkhai area of the north Kashmir district, secured an all-India rank (AIR) of 957, bringing pride and celebrations to the frontier district.

Lone did his schooling from the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun. He then graduated from the Delhi University's Hindu College and studied Political Science at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

He cracked the probationary officer examination of the Punjab National Bank and is currently working as the assistant administrative officer in the Life Insurance Corporation.

His success has not only drawn appreciation from people in the district but has also become a source of inspiration for the youngsters. Lone's friends, family and neighbours say the success reflects Lone's years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work.

"His journey shows that with determination and focus, even the most challenging goals can be achieved," Lone's cousin, Feroz Ahmad, said, as people dawn upon his residence to extend their congratulations to the family.

One of the neighbours said Lone's father, who worked as a casual labourer on meagre wages, never let the family's financial condition come in the way of his son's education.

Shabia, Lone's younger sister, said the family always believed in him.

"I congratulate him on this great success. I always believed in my brother that he would succeed in this exam. I could see him working very hard for this. He was managing his job as well, but he was very dedicated and hard working," Shabia said.

She said Lone has not only made the family very proud, but he has made the whole district proud.