Omar congratulates J&K candidates who cracked civil services

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today congratulated the candidates from the state who qualified the UPSC civil services examinations, saying their hard-work against all odds provided inspiration to the youth here.
"I congratulate the successful UPSC candidates from the state. Their individual stories of struggle and hard-work against all odds provided inspiration not only to the youth of the state but also for policy-makers who should endeavour to facilitate youth empowerment," Omar said here.
Nine candidates, including three women, from Jammu and Kashmir cracked the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) exams, the results of which were declared yesterday.

The former chief minister lauded 22-year-old candidate, Athar Amir-ul-Shafi Khan from south Kashmir's Anantnag district who is the youngest of the lot from the state.
"22-year-old Athar's success should be a beacon of inspiration for our youngsters. His success should inspire many teenagers, school students and college students to strive for excellence," Omar said.
The National Conference (NC) working president said the hard-work of those successful candidates who had been affected by the floods last year was inspiring.

"The stories of hard-work and dedication by these youngsters are inspiring. It is the duty of policy-makers to do everything necessary to facilitate the growth and empowerment of our youth and the trend of growing success in UPSC exams by our candidates is certainly a shot-in-the-arm for that cause," he said.

He said it was equally important to encourage those who tried their best but could not make it to the UPSC list this year. "They should not be disheartened but should rather treat this as an opportunity that motivates them to work harder and never give in," the NC Working President said.
He also congratulated all the candidates from other states of the country who qualified the exams.