Young bureaucrat from J-K emerges as an inspiration for Kashmiri youth

Dr. Jarangal hails from Talab Tillo area of Jammu. After deciding to serve the nation the best he can, he appeared for the prestigious civil services examination in 2009 and successfully cleared it.

He joined the services as an IAS officer and is now the Deputy Commissioner at Sri Muktsar Sahib in Punjab.

Dr. Jarangal has taken the initiative of implementing modern technology in resolving civil issues.

"I am presently posted in Punjab and here the energy of the people is more as compare to any other place. The personality trait is also very open maybe because it due to religion, which is very new. The secular credentials and openness of the people of Punjab is definitely more than others. Since I belong to J&K, my first love be that people. I even wanted to get J&K cadre. But, I consider myself lucky that I got Punjab, which is closer to J&K. It has culture similar to Jammu and many people from Jammu work here in Punjab," he said.

Like Dr. Jarangal, there are many other young bureaucrats from Jammu and Kashmir who are serving in different positions across the country.

The IAS officer says talented youths are often forced to move out of the insurgence-ridden state due to lack of opportunities.

"The militancy, which has impacted Jammu and Kashmir for the last 30 years, leaves fewer opportunities. There is no investment by private sector which means less opportunity. The youth can only showcase their talent if they come out of J&K. In today's era, which we call as globalization and liberalization, the whole world is connected. Here, in Punjab, almost every household has its member settled abroad. If it can happen in neighboring Punjab, why not in J&K?" he asked.

However, the bureaucrat believes things are changing for the better.

As more and more youths from the state make their mark in the civil services examinations, Dr Jarangal hopes barriers holding them back will be weakened soon.

"In recent years you may have seen the trend many people from J&K are joining civil services. Some of them have even got very good ranks. This years' 2nd rank holder is also from J&K. So, I believe if there was any barrier, it was mental rather which we see as part of society," Dr. Jarangal said.

Dr Jarangal and many other youths from Jammu and Kashmir are gradually coming into the limelight with their dedication and sincerity towards serving the country.

Steps have to be taken to tap the rich human resource from the state and ensure all facilities are available for the youths of the region.