TCN News
Bandipora, Kashmir: Growing up in Lawaypora, a small village in bandipora, Kifayatullah was the first child in his family to attend school. His father is a farmer. Kifayatullah soon realized that many children in his community were deprived of this basic right.
Kifayatullah Malik told TCN, “My desire to serve the community was sparked by the difficulties and hardships I encountered during my school days. I was driven to social work by a dream that no other child should experience the hardships I endured”.
Kifayatullah Malik, 25, is a mountaineer, young leader, and social worker. He graduated from the University of Kashmir with a master’s degree in social work. As a committed social worker, he advocates for Underprivileged people, especially women, children, and youth.
Children in hilly regions are encouraged to play sports and go to school by Kifayatullah. Additionally, he gathers used textbooks and gives them to students in need.
In remote areas such as Ketson, Dakhi, Dangarnar, Chinchar, he has set up awareness camps on topics including drug misuse, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment. His efforts in social forestry and tree planting are also worth mentioning.
He mentioned the lack of finance as the main obstacle, adding that I primarily rely on crowd-funding to carry out my purpose.
Kifayatullah Malik is currently the district coordinator for REACHA (Research and Extension Association for Conservation of Horticulture and Agro-forestry), which works to increase economic opportunities, enhance education, and close the digital divide in underprivileged areas of J&K. In addition, he has served under “Bal Raksha Bharat,” an organization that is vital to improving rural communities’ access to healthcare, education, and livelihood.
President Draupadi Murmu presented him with the esteemed President’s Award for Social Work and Community Welfare in 2021-22. Other honors that Kifayatullah has received include the Best Forest Friend Award for planting trees from the Jammu and Kashmir Social Forestry Department, the Ambassador of Humanity Award 2024, the Global Human Rights Award, the ADG’s Appreciation Award 2019, and the award for social work in 2024.
Kifayatullah Malik says, having millions is not necessary to make a difference. A small act of kindness can have a significant impact. Simple actions like providing guidance to a child, giving someone a book or a pen, feeding a poor family can bring great rewards. Try it and see the positive change you can create!