SRINAGAR — Naqati Aroob Iqbal, a 21-year-old social activist, organises events for social concerns. Naqati, a native of Srinagar’s Ellahi Bagh neighbourhood, became interested in humanitarian work in 2019.
Naqati, an author of dozens of anthologies, says her motive for conducting events and writing is to bring positive change in society. She further adds that her writing mainly revolves around the plight of people and other issues which makes one’s life miserable.
While talking to The Kashmir Pulse, she said her parents are supportive and even people too supported her and they applaud her work. “I’m not in it for the money or the recognition. It’s only for the satisfaction I receive from generously serving others. And part of it is being an event organiser to raise awareness,” Aroob explained.
Naqati Aroob Iqbal’s parents were not initially enthusiastic
However, her parents were not enthusiastic about Aroob’s plans to become a social activist and event organiser, but she persevered, saying, “I know I’m not doing anything illegal. My conscience is clear, therefore I wouldn’t have stopped no matter what; it took some time, but they’re starting to see the light,” she explained.
“People desire to assist others,” Naqati Aroob Iqbal adds, “but as soon as they become aware of their issues or shortcomings, they prefer to exploit them. It makes it more difficult for folks like myself to do our jobs.”
Her debut event “Bai Yee Bahar”, which was centred on COVID-19 awareness, was a big success.
Naqati has arranged a few additional events, which have also been well-received. People were made aware of the significance of planting trees to safeguard the environment during one of her activities, which was a plantation drive. Information on the dangers of deforestation in the Valley was also spread.
Naqati Aroob also hosted events about the Valley’s drug problem
She also hosted an event to raise awareness about the Valley’s drug problem. A large number of individuals from many walks of life took part in the event. The event was organised by Naqati with the goal of making the general public, as well as the young in particular, aware of the negative effects that substance abuse has on individuals, families, and society as a whole.
Naqati Aroob Iqbal is also coming out with an anthology titled “Why Silence?”, a compilation of poetry and short stories in which she writes along with her co-authors about the issues confronted by women and other social issues.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has started to die down in its third wave, the social activist urges the younger generation to refrain from using psychoactive drugs to cope with stress and mental health difficulties.
Her message to the general public is not to discriminate between men and women and “not to refrain from giving wings to your dreams”.
