By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: A Srinagar-based entrepreneur and social activist, Affan Yesvi, 27 was recognised as India’s Top 100 Young Leader’s Award 2017 at an award function in New Delhi on Sunday, January 15.
Yesvi, who has received awards in the past for his social activities, is a regular contributor to Huffington post, Hindustan Times, The Tribune, DailyO, The Quint and the First Post and also presented research papers in various international conferences.
“Awards like these act like a motivation to work more selflessly. They encourage me and my team to work hard and serve more,” a jubilant Yesvi told TwoCircles.net.
He founded a non-profit organization by the name of ‘The Inner Call – a forum for Evolution, Development and Awareness’ in 2009 which has been contributing in spheres of mental health, environment protection, women empowerment, youth activities and social research with the aim of promoting human values.
“I have been working in Jammu and Kashmir along with working whereever I see the opportunity. I serve in an individual capacity or through my organisations. I have organised few programs outside Jammu & Kashmir too,” Yesvi told TCN.
In 2011, the young social activist founded another non-profit organisation, Yasawi Foundation, dedicated to promote research and aesthetic development in the world of Sufi heritage.
“Yasawi Foundation has been actively conducting Sufi Workshops and research in mysticism. Currently, I am working on Sufi Project through Yasawi Foundation. I would be holding a Sufi talk event on Wednesday in New Delhi. I am also planning on organising a Sufi conference in Summer in Kashmir Valley,” says Yesvi.
Yesvi is the second youth from Kashmir to receive the honour. Amood Gulzar, from Baramulla district, was also selected for 100 young Leaders Award 2017 by Indian Youth Forum.
A social activist and worker, Gulzar is currently pursuing masters in commerce from the Aligarh Muslim University. He has been working as the member of Aligarh based non-government organisation ‘Soch–beyond the imagination’ through which he has been instrumental in providing social interventions back in Valley and elsewhere.