Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Feb 5, 2026: In a moment of immense pride for District Kishtwar, Asif Hussain, son of Gh. Mohd Koli and a resident of Rahal Thal, Mughal Maidan, has created history by becoming the first student from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community of the district to qualify the prestigious NET-JRF in Kashmiri. The results were declared on February 4, 2026.
Asif’s achievement marks a significant milestone not only for his family but also for the entire region, inspiring countless students from remote and underprivileged backgrounds to pursue higher education and research. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree and is in the 4th semester at the Kishtwar Campus of the University of Jammu.
Adding to the family’s remarkable academic journey, Asif’s elder brother, Jaffer Tabish, had earlier qualified the JRF in Urdu in 2024, also becoming the first from District Kishtwar in that subject. Jaffer is presently pursuing his PhD at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
Hailing from a humble background, the brothers attribute their success to perseverance, discipline and the unwavering support of their parents. Their father, who runs a small bakery shop in Mughal Maidan, ensured that his sons received quality education despite limited financial resources. Today, with both brothers having cleared one of the toughest competitive examinations in the country, the family stands as a shining example of how dedication and hard work can overcome all odds.
Locals, students and well-wishers have hailed Asif Hussain’s success, describing it as a proud moment for Mughal Maidan and the entire Kishtwar district. Many expressed hope that his achievement would motivate more youth, especially from tribal communities, to aim high in academics and research.
