Tag Archives: poonch

Even though civil services has become popular among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, those from border areas and with limited resource still lack the necessary exposure to competitive exams. But the aspirants of the valley have a reason to cheer now. In the months of November and December, comprehensive Mock Tests, called Very Similar Test, on the lines of UPSC exams were conducted in Poonch and Jammu, thanks to the collaborative effort of over 200 volunteers and multiple organizations. Ably led by Dr. Shamim Banday, noted Zoologist, Educator, Reformer and Social Worker of Poonch, who had conceptualized the exams, they were a big success and saw participation of over 2000 students in each city.

Fringed by Pir Panjal range and bestowed with verdant green meadows, alpine mountains and stunning natural lakes, Poonch is one of the most scenic places in Jammu and Kashmir. However, bounded by Line Of Control on its three sides, the area is in the news these days for its counter insurgency operations. In the midst of the tensions prevailing in the area, here is a zoologist who is spinning the web of skills development among the masses for their social upliftment. Meet Dr. Shamim Banday, an award winning professor of Zoology working in Government Degree College (GDC), Poonch; who has been instrumental in making his district shine on the world map.