An open letter to IAS topper Shah Faesal and his reply
Dear Brother, first of all, I have to congratulate you, not because I am appreciative of what you have done, but because you got what you wanted to achieve.
The killing of your father “just three days before the medical entrance test” must be the single-most defining event of your life, so let me start my argument from that point of departure. Before that, you must have been in possession of various strands of political and ethical narratives, some of which ran towards azadi, some towards the uses and abuses of human rights, some more towards anger on the injustices your fellow Kashmiris were subject to, still others, it is true, towards the greatness of India as a country, its sheer size and diversity, its proud history etc. I can imagine the pain of your father’s death making you sift through these strands and gather the chosen narratives to forge the rope of your ambition. You must have made wishes by tying knots in that rope – one wish, one knot –an old Kashmiri tradition. You reached the first knot even as the rope was being forged when you were selected for MBBS. Now, by topping the Civil Services entrance test of India, you have arrived at the second knot of that rope.
I can only imagine how cathartic the news of your selection must have been to you. I can fathom the overpowering desire to join IAS instead of IFS to “cleanse the system” and “bring peace to Kashmir”. A sublime ‘constructive vengeance’ Freud would be proud to theorize on.
Sorry, Faisal, for giving such a harsh subconscious spin to your dreams. I apologize. Experience has made me bitter. Trust me, I am one with you on the irreplaceable loss of your father, but the fact remains that in Kashmir the fathers killed by the ‘Indian’ side outnumber the fathers killed by the ‘non-Indian’ side by a huge, huge margin. What about the children and dependants of these fathers? Are they wrong in not believing in a system which killed their fathers? Are they wrong in deciding not to cooperate with policies which they know from personal experience are only meant to brutalize and dehumanize? Are they wrong to pick up the stone of their sentiments and throw it at the visible symbols of oppression?
The bureaucrat in you must already say yes to all these questions. But I know, Faisal, that deep down, there is a poet in you. What does he have to say on this matter? These people, whose real or symbolic fathers have been killed by a system deaf to the wishes of the natives, are surprisingly similar to you; capable of falling in love, feeling pain, sympathizing with those in agony (as you as a doctor must have), responding to comments on facebook, seeking information from public offices and so on and so forth. Like you, they have weaknesses and strengths. Their life and opinion is molded primarily by their own experience, as is yours, only that their experience has been the almost opposite of yours. Now the oppressor wants them to forget everything and make peace. Imagine the killers of your father coming to meet and repeating Manto’s words to you: “Sorry, mishtake.” Imagine them trying to recruit you for their activities, thus making you an example others should follow. Imagine the lure of reconciliation without a resolution.
There are also the larger and deeper questions. For example, the contrast between deaths caused by individuals because of reasons which can only be available to individuals but not in pursuit of the stated aims of the ideologies they belong to, and the deaths caused by individuals not out of individual choices but because the system of which they are soldiers survives only through such terminal tactics. Is it just to treat one at par with the other? Oppression has the monstrous quality of seeping into the resistance and reproducing itself on the “other side”. How fair is it then to isolate individual acts of barbarity from their context and history? Unfortunately, the Indian Civil Services entrance test does not require one to read or think along these lines, so you are on your own here, Faisal.
You are an example because the rope of your ambition is long and therefore admirable. But an attempt will be made to craft this rope into a noose to hang the memories and the sentiments of the people; to employ your success in spearing the collective dreams of fellow Kashmiris; to use your story to obliterate history. You want peace, and so does every other Kashmiri, but there is a difference between peace and surrender and we need to delve deeper into this distinction before arriving at conclusions. You “want to set an example”, but young and inexperienced that you are, there is a fear that the example you set may be that of Hamlet.
Before I end, let me share one last concern with you. We are brothers, Faisal, and even though we may sore our throats over who is Cain and who Abel, it would be good to remember that in the fight between the two, only the devil benefits.
An ordinary Kashmiri.
Shah Faesal replies:
Slip into my shoes,wear my name-tag and then talk to Manu Joseph or anyone else. You will find it very difficult to articulate even your basic understanding of Kashmir. Not because you dont know how to,but because you know the perils of doing that.
F
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March 1, 2012 - 18:49
Awesome reply from Shah Faisal to some coward who’s trying to be “Chaudhary” of Kashmir under the veil of anonymity.. It’s absurd how some loser is trying to say that Faisal’s success will hinder the cause of Kashmir..
March 2, 2012 - 16:15
The replay is really from a person who lives upto his strenght.Shah Fasal is were he is by his own effort and on this position he is being Truthful surely TIME WILL DECIDE.
March 3, 2012 - 10:04
I completely agree with Shah Faesal,It is very difficult to tell the true facts about the kashmir to the fellow indians when the give you the respect’ It takes courage to do so.p…L
March 3, 2012 - 11:03
@Anonymous: Great simply great.
@F: The end wasn’t that lucid.
@Time: Do reveal the truth and let it bring no more blood with it!
March 3, 2012 - 11:07
@Anonymous: Great simply great.
@F: The end wasn’t that lucid. If Anonymous irritated you with being Anonymous, you irritated all with too much figurative language e.g. greens and saffron. Any clarifications?
@Time: Do reveal the truth and let it bring no more blood with it! Enough we saw of it.
March 3, 2012 - 12:59
@F: You were replying to an Ordinary Kashmiri and unfortunately your words don’t carry the strength to console his wounds. There is always an excuse for the truth and there is always an excuse for that excuse. Ordinary Kashmiri did not wanted to you fight for him but, for yourself. And if you feel that you have been alienated, then certainly you’re one. When a person’s life is on stake, that person can’t let the time decide his fate. Oppressed can’t let the time decide the period of his oppression. He fights now. Or never.
September 16, 2012 - 16:27
Well said, Salafi.
November 16, 2012 - 12:04
@Salfi : its easy to complain .Anyone can do that and if u really want to help urself stand for it ,find a remedy .Dont think that complaing about anything is equivalent to doing something about it.Faisal did things if not for the whole community then at least for himself .And keeps on reiterating that he will work for ur emancipation ,all he needs is a little support from u people .
I am not part of kashmir but all iknow after watching him is that its not a cakewalk to do things that he did but u could try to imitate and emulate his principles and his affectionate craving towards his work . It cud very well pull people outta their miseries
March 3, 2012 - 13:50
Both are right…..!annoymous exposes his wounds and F tries to justify his stand on issue….its kinda fertile dialogue but i have heard that those who are powerful should accept responsibility,F has a wider audience n his views matter more then those of an ordinary kashmiri…F has kinda credibility n all the media generated hype n glamour…though i accept he performed a rare feat…but his feat is not going to change anybodys fate nor is it such a great feat that he assumes the role of saviour n lone fighter for kashmiri people…he is just a carrier man…n history doesnt remember carrier men but it remembers the great men……….let a few years pass n he will be part of state machinery which brutilises its own subjects,violates human rights,indulges in fake encounters,loots tax payers money,n kills for no reason……….
March 3, 2012 - 13:52
Both are right…..!annoymous exposes his wounds and F tries to justify his stand on issue….its kinda fertile dialogue but i have heard that those who are powerful should accept responsibility,F has a wider audience n his views matter more then those of an ordinary kashmiri…F has kinda credibility n all the media generated hype n glamour…though i accept he performed a rare feat…but his feat is not going to change anybodys fate nor is it such a great feat that he assumes the role of saviour n lone fighter for kashmiri people…he is just a carrier man…n history doesnt remember carrier men but it remembers the great men……….let a few years pass n he will be part of state machinery which brutilises its own subjects,violates human rights,indulges in fake encounters,loots tax payers money,n kills for no reason……….wait n watch…..time will decide all…
March 3, 2012 - 13:52
Both are right…..!annoymous exposes his wounds and F tries to justify his stand on issue….its kinda fertile dialogue but i have heard that those who are powerful should accept responsibility,F has a wider audience n his views matter more then those of an ordinary kashmiri…F has kinda credibility n all the media generated hype n glamour…though i accept he performed a rare feat…but his feat is not going to change anybodys fate nor is it such a great feat that he assumes the role of saviour n lone fighter for kashmiri people…he is just a carrier man…n history doesnt remember carrier men but it remembers the great men……….let a few years pass n he will be part of state machinery which brutilises its own subjects,violates human rights,indulges in fake encounters,loots tax payers money.
March 3, 2012 - 23:34
both corrupted
March 4, 2012 - 23:18
F-has cmeup wid a sarcastic snappy reply…. Anonymous is having hone n perfect View points and i agree to it…F says “even if it costs me a job”-WTF dude, u r nw a slave & striver for Endian politicians….u don’t speak at ur own…u shud agree to it, Agree; yes, i had a political background n approach….why to defend…For a common kashmiri like me you are an Indian Pupet..n we don’t need your simulated sympathy!
March 5, 2012 - 13:36
i guess it would have been the moment to cherish for me when i came to know that some one from kashmir has proved it on ground that kasmiris r not dumb shit, which in reality indian people think of us. but unfortunately, it proved other way. his selection brought more of a bad name to kashmiri cause than boosting it in any aspect. so dear civil servant of india, always remember one thing, ” rebels always do it for cause and people like u r paid for it”.
March 8, 2012 - 16:25
Using such a rude language z the sign of a corrupt person..u shud have motivated him in such a way that would have atleast shown the glistering ray of our peaceful future.. I disagree F…
June 10, 2012 - 02:35
Shah faesal is pride of India. He showed creditibility in his words. I hav sympathy to a ordinary kasmiri,but F is also victim of circumstances. He did nt chosen wrong way like sum ‘anonymous’ type persons. Problem is nt only in kasmir it is everywhere in India and in whole world also. Are u influence by pak, there is an example of condition their people and ours. Be a part of the system like faesal and make changes for betterment of your people. Otherwise fight for infinite time wid our grt INDIAN govt and give miseries to your people. Choice is yours. We’ll salute always faesal like sons of BHARATMA and disguise afjal like deshdrohies and will kick dem out. JAI HIND
June 25, 2012 - 20:00
Jisko drd hota hai whi bolta hai’ itni uchai pr khade ho faesal’ kisi ka drd kya dhikhega’ sahima
August 2, 2012 - 17:05
itni uchai pe wo apne sath walo ka dard kam karne hi gaye hai…..aur unhe bhi bohot dard mila hai..samajh sakte hai
June 25, 2012 - 20:01
Jisko drd hota hai whi bolta hai’ itni uchai pr khade ho faesal’ kisi ka drd kya dhikhega’ sahima hr insaan aapki trh gftd nai so dont use hi fi wrds to sht peoples mouth
July 7, 2012 - 12:56
@Taiba- dard to faisal ne bhi mehsus kia jab uske father ka katl hua..Dard ke bareh me lecture dena aasan hain par dard rahte bhi kuch acha karne ki khwahish rakhna hi zindagi hai.
July 26, 2012 - 20:56
dr. faizal izz a brave man & u kashmiris u r also indians so don’t think like that.
July 26, 2012 - 21:03
F izz rite it depends on u that what path u selected by getting distracted from problems . great exmple afzal guru was an mbbs student & wanna be ias but ends where , not due to his problems but bcozz of his own thinking and other is dr. f about whom we all know .
August 11, 2012 - 03:14
F izz right.he set an example for kasmir youth .unfortunately some do not understand his great love for his community..people like F seems a country like guru rabindranath dreams..dear anonymous we indians should leran from our great for fathers like khan abdul gaffar .an eye for eye . . 1 day made all blind. take a lamp to lighten the dark age not stones 2 made a bloodshed.jai hind
August 15, 2012 - 18:25
Hafiz mohammad naeem styding in s.y.b.pharm in akkalkuwa after b.pharm i will aplly gpsc&upsc. I.a.s. our 4% in muslim.we us percentage increase in i.a.s. . Your topper all india upsc exam please guidence me .
September 17, 2012 - 13:00
Thats fare….At Least Faisal Sab admits his limitations….He surely is an intelligent guy who cracked one of the good exams. His fathers murder is surely a heinous crime. ( perceived by me at this time without any knowledge of past).
The million dollar question is whether a machinery that has been built to cut the greenery, ever feel regret? If yes, whether the regret n remorse of any machine that is gonna cut the trees one day or the other, as it is not up to “it” to refrain from doing so, matter to the tees..
A gun in the hands of a soldier is same as the one in hands of a murderer…..The masters decide the fate of slaves….They decide when n how to use the machinery….Bureaucracy is the machinery n people who r more indulged in it are likely to become more apologetic,secular or sympathetic towards their masters…..I donot blame Faisal for the problem but human nature in itself has a dark side and not everyone can conquer it.
December 2, 2012 - 20:58
Right sir,time will have to come for deciding,those questions who are not ansered by history,time manufactures answers for them
I have watched your 5 interviews, you are a good speaker and writer.I can dare to compare you with respectable Dr.Kalam if you prove yourself strong
December 2, 2012 - 21:02
Right sir,time will have to come for deciding,those questions who are not ansered by history,time manufactures answers for them
I have watched your 5 interviews, you are a good speaker and writer.I can dare to compare you with respectable Dr.Kalam if you prove yourself strong
May HE bless you
February 2, 2013 - 23:40
we have to commend faisals genious brain he did achive it and kept
kashmiri proud but he has done a betrayal with his fist knot
when you enter medical school you keep a promise with the noble
subject even it is not thought to be noble now.
comming to otherside of storey i would encourage our yonger generation try for IAF AND IMS AS there are very few kashmiri
especialy from one majorty cummunity this IAS and KAS is production of british maglmenia which they sowed in india if you go to usa it is not having much relivense i do not want
to discourage my youngers not to try for survval they have to
surrvive as we have been ducked in this unending storm may allah
take us out of it what ever way is best for our children
March 18, 2013 - 18:41
@Anonymous Dear Friend it must be said you present you case so articulately and emotionally , it’s very obvious one might loose the very sight of truth. However what you do is to present a case , a very emphatic one ,but alas not cleared from the mist of Historic antecedents. You skilfully overlook the fact that the “saffron tyranny” is only a byproduct of of green tyranny or say green propaganda.The seeded misplaced segregationist agenda (which you don’t regret), later which got stoked by the AFSPA.
I regret very much for the lives lost on both sides. This being the elementary miss of your subconscious, you choose to skip the Indian Narrative. You believe what you want to believe and there is the catch.
Try to be impartial and above emotions.
March 20, 2013 - 01:52
Finally, Pakistan has got a spy in the inner circle of Indian bureaucracy.
Whoa… the nuclear, tactical and strategic secrets of India will be passed to Pakistan in a couple of years and then Pakistan will have a position of strength..whoa..
June 6, 2013 - 11:09
@ Shah Rukh Khan
Pakistan does not need another one. They already have many more spies in India. Like yourself.
Unfortunately, they have not been able to do much!
May Allah continue to bless India..! May Allah show true light to the misguided Jihadi elements in J&K..!
March 24, 2013 - 00:15
Shah faisal has shown his calibre. Pakistan a tiny pimp land which is non-sovereign is controlled by the ugly Punjabi and their Jewish friends.
May 5, 2013 - 15:06
salute to SHAH FAESAL for being an INDIAN first..
May 15, 2013 - 12:11
Great reply by the real topper not only in exam but in life also thank u being an indian I salute u sir
May 16, 2013 - 23:01
well faisal is also one amongst the kashmiris who’s family has bled for taking a stand.Anonymous has given a vent to his feelings by criticising Faisal but why doesn’t he appreciates that at least he his doing things from a different perspective about which people only talks but remains passive….Faisal now being a part of state machinery can give it a positive direction at least!
May 30, 2013 - 17:48
hai sir
my name is sampath.I completed my B.TECH in 2012 and At present i am doing as software engineer in malaysia.
But i was not happy with that.Actually my passion was to be an IAS.
Due to some reasons i get into software field.
do u plz kindly suggest me how to start my work and how to select
prelims paper
May 30, 2013 - 19:04
Sir Plz help me sir plz