Mohammad Ashraf Wani holds Bachelor’s of Education and Masters in Sociology. He joined CHINAR in the year 2020 as Field Monitor for district Pulwama. Wani understands the problems and challenges faced by the downtrodden communities and provides solutions to address them. He participates actively in distribution events and assessment surveys. He is committed to helping people in need.
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Javaid Malik joined CHINAR International in May 2022 as a project coordinator for Quality Education Program. He brings more than three years of experience working in education through the “Skill India” program, where he worked within communities to spread awareness about community transformation and the importance of providing education to children. As a certified trainer under the “Retailers Association’s Skill Council of India,” Malik trained multiple batches under the program by imparting vocational education training to deserving individuals.
Despite being young, dynamic, and full of energy, Malik took on the challenge of working on foundational education in Warwan, a remote area in the Kishtwar district with limited communication, electricity, and road connectivity. During the summers, Malik spends a considerable amount of time in Warwan Valley to strengthen CHINAR’s “Warwan Valley Community Transformation Program.”
With his experience and dedication, he is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children and youth in remote areas of J&K
Bashir has extensive professional experience spanning over 18 years, having worked in various organizations such as the Centre for Health Research and Innovations, International Committee of the Red Cross, Hope Disability Centre, Handicap International, and Medicines Sans Frontiers. During this time, he has held diverse roles such as LTBI coordinator, economic security generalist, project MIS officer, project MIS assistant, and data entry officer. Bashir holds a Bachelor’s degree and has undergone professional training in result-based management, leading a team, and microeconomic initiatives. Additionally, he possesses technical skills in Microsoft Office, internet browsing, and database management.
Currently, Bashir is a Senior Project Coordinator for Child Development under the PARVAAZ project at CHINAR International.
Basarath holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and a Diploma in Tourism Management from Kashmir University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work through IGNOU, indicating her dedication to furthering her education and gaining knowledge in her field.
In 2022, Basarath joined CHINAR as an intern and worked under the project PARVAAZ and Quality Education for a duration of 8 months. During this time, she developed valuable skills such as building relationships with communities and effectively communicating with people. This experience has equipped her with the tools necessary to work in a dynamic and challenging environment.
In her free time, Basarath enjoys cooking, listening to music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Currently, Basarath is serving as an Assistant Project Coordinator under the Child Development Program at CHINAR International.
Zafar Iqbal is a Project Coordinator for Youth Development at CHINAR International with a wealth of experience in the field. With a career spanning 10 years and multiple organizations, Zafar is highly skilled in preparing PPRs and DPRs and mobilizing communities through dialogue, awareness raising, and using PRA/RRA tools to identify local problems and solutions. Zafar’s expertise lies in research, training, evaluation, and community mobilization. He has worked with a range of organizations, and his experience has equipped him with the ability to take on complex challenges. Zafar is passionate about using his skills and knowledge to challenge the status quo and make a positive difference in the world.
Gulzar has completed his post-graduation in International Peace and Conflict Studies (Islamic University of Kashmir), and in rural development (IGNOU, Kashmir). Having over 10 years’ experience in the Humanitarian sector, he has extensively worked towards sustainable livelihood, mental health, disaster relief and emergency response programs. He has worked with both National and International NGOs like Action Aid, IGSSS, ICRC and RedR India. Gulzar has been delivering training on diverse themes like DRR, Child protection, water & sanitation, youth leadership, communication and conflict transformation for the last three 3 years.
Dr. Sawleha Qadir is a veterinarian with Master’s degree in Veterinary Sciences. Before joining CHINAR, she worked as a Lecturer in Veterinary college. She is very passionate about teaching. She joined CHINAR in 2021 as Project Coordinator under Quality Education Program. Her joining in CHINAR has made the CHINAR team more diverse. Sawleha is an active, young, dynamic lady full of energy with an obsession to serve people especially the marginalized children. She has immense management qualities and has established strong rapport with students and teachers of Community Learning Centers.
Waheed joined CHINAR International in the year 2021 as a driver cum office associate and is now responsible for office security and maintenance as well. He is a reliable person and is keen to learn more and develop new skills. Travelling with him makes every trip memorable with his meticulous approach. Along with routine office work, he aspires to pursue a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and is currently in 2nd year of his college. He is a very hard-working boy and loves to engage in multiple tasks. Waheed is a fitness freak and loves to work out in his spare time.
Hanief Ahmad Bhat hails from Gadakhud village located in Bandipora district. Hanief has completed a Masters degree in Urdu from Moulana Azad National Urdu University and B.Ed. from Tahira Khanums College of Education, and is currently pursuing MSW from IGNOU. Having over 8 years of experience in the development sector, Hanief has worked on multiple projects like youth development, disaster management, relief and rehabilitation and sustainable livelihood development programs in Baramulla and Bandipora districts. He worked at IGSSS for 6 years to deliver sessions on leadership, life skills, communication, self-awareness, gender, and disaster management, PRI micro-plans development at village and panchayat levels and livelihood.
Also please resolve the spacing issue of profiles – Salma’s profile has huge spacing between two paras. Kindly check the rest of the profiles for spacing issues.
Dr Masood Hassan is a native of Kashmir and obtained his BSEE in 1971 from Kashmir University. He got admitted to West Virginia University (WVU) in the U.S. in 1974 to pursue his post-graduate studies. He obtained his MSEE in 1976, and his PhD. in 1979.
After his graduation from WVU, Dr. Hassan pursued a career in industry. He moved out West to Los Angeles, California and joined Jet Propulsion Labs in Pasadena CA and then to the Bechtel Corporation.
Dr. Hassan joined Teledyne Controls in 1983 as a Senior Member of Technical Staff. He worked in various engineering and business development assignments before being promoted in 2000 to lead the company as the Vice President/ General Manager and then President. Under his leadership, Teledyne Controls grew to be the leader of the Big Data and the Digital revolution in the commercial aviation industry. Its products enjoy about a whopping 75% market share within the air transport category of Boeing and Airbus commercial airplanes. He also led Teledyne Controls to be among the most profitable of the 30+ companies that constitute Teledyne Technologies.
He retired form Teledyne in 2019. In April 2021 he was inducted into the WVU School of Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni. He is currently involved in promoting Educational and Charitable ventures for deserving and needy youth in his native Kashmir.
Dr. Mushtaq A. Margoob, – Former Professor & Head, Post Graduate Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Srinagar and Director Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Srinagar, Kashmir is an internationally recognized expert on humanitarian emergencies and disaster mental health . Dr. Margoob’s research work encompasses a wide range of topics ranging from seasonal mood disorders to drug use problems and stress. Over the past 28 years besides behavioral neurosciences, the focus of his work has been on coping, resilience and vulnerability following traumatic stress resulting from man-made and natural disasters in the developing world and its impact on the individuals as well as communities as a whole. Dr Margoob is currently on the Editorial board of two international and two national journals including the Indian Journal of Psychiatry. He is a member/fellow of a number of international professional bodies.
One of the most experienced and well versed with CHINAR programs is Mehraj from Handwara. He has been associated with CHINAR as Field Monitor since its initial years. Mehraj is not only monitoring his assigned areas but also acts as a key person for other monitors of the district. Because of his close association with communities and various stakeholders, he is one of the respectful people in the area. He was fond of football but lost his left arm in an unfortunate accident. This incident still haunts his soul but didn’t kill the fire of passion in him. After the incident, he spends most of his time supporting the needy.
Tariq Ah has been working with CHINAR International since 2014 and then in 2020 was given the responsibility of Field Monitor. He has qualified 10th and is Hifz-e-Quran (Memorizer of Quran) which makes him one of the famous and authentic persons of the area. Since his association with the CHINAR, he has enthusiastically taken part in every activity benefitting children and communities. Besides his involvement in social work activities, he likes to go for long drives.
Hedayatullah joined CHINAR International in the year 2018 as a tuition teacher. Later in 2020, after his performance review, he was also given the role of field monitor. He has done master’s degree in political science and history and bachelor’s in education. He has experience of 7 years as a teacher and 4 years as a principal in a private school. He possesses good rapport skills when it comes to working with the community. He has attended many training programs regarding child development. In his spare time, he loves to do gardening and watch cricket.
Salma Malik, a young girl from the remote area of Budgam is one of few options for teaching children. Currently, Salma is pursuing Bachelors in Arts and the community mostly
approaches her to provide basic education to children. She was appointed as monitor and teacher in the year 2020. Apart from teaching, Salma likes to read and cook.
Sara, 24-year-old lady of Challan Chout Naad is the only female of the community who has qualified 10th class. She is very passionate about supporting the first-generation learners of her community and hence teaches students from a local school voluntarily. Knowing her zeal, she has been recently appointed as the first female Field Monitor at Budgam. She is grounded to the traditional values yet trying her best to keep pace with modernity. She likes to engage herself in household chores.
Ghulam Mohammad Gorsi joined CHINAR in the year 2011 and he is presently working as Field Monitor for the Shopian district. Gorsi connects well with communities and speaks fluent Gojri language. He is a great speaker at community mobilization events. Over the years, he has gained tremendous respect and trust from the families enrolled in the child development program.
Mohammad Ashraf Wani holds Bachelor’s of Education and Masters in Sociology. He joined CHINAR in the year 2020 as Field Monitor for district Pulwama. Wani understands the problems and challenges faced by the downtrodden communities and provides solutions to address them. He participates actively in distribution events and assessment surveys. He is committed to helping people in need.
Surat Singh Kotwal has been working with CHINAR International since October 2017. He has done Masters in Economics from Sikkim Manipal University. He is a wonderful community mobilizer with great rapport building skills. Besides working as a monitor, Surat also teaches at a local private school Over the years, he has been pursuing his responsibilities with all zeal and zest. He is very honest and committed to his work.
In his free time, he likes to play cricket.
Rafi joined CHINAR International in the year 2020 as a Mess incharge and now works as an office associate as well. Rafi cooks delicious food and manages housekeeping duties at office.
As an office associate, he takes in printing and delivery of documents. Rafi is a true entertainer and spreads smiles everywhere with his jokes.
Iqra Qayoom – a young and energetic lady, joined CHINAR International as a Project Coordinator under the Child development program. She completed her master’s in social work from Kashmir university. Being a professional social worker, she has worked with multiple child related projects supported by UNICEF. Iqra is among the best choices when it comes to building rapport with the communities. She has attended many trainings relevant to development and protection of children.
In her leisure time, Iqra listens to Sufi music and likes cooking and reading as well.
Zeba is a technology leader at Fannie Mae, responsible for transforming and modernizing the customer facing portfolio of applications focusing on business process, digitization, UI/UX and customer enrichment. Zeba has an Engineering degree from the University of Kashmir combined with an MBA from the University of British Columbia. Outside of daily work, Zeba is passionate about the advancement of women in Technology and an active member of the WIT advisory board for her company.
Zeba gives a lot of her time to mentor women both within and outside of Fannie Mae and engages in events across the industry. On the lighter side, she writes a food blog that brings global recipes (including Kashmiri) to the digital world.
Shireen Qadri is an independent business woman. Previously, she was a co-founder of Pilot Advisors, L.P., a registered investment advisor. She has also worked as an equity analyst for the value arm of Balis Lewittes& Coleman, Inc., an equity analyst at Glickenhaus & Co., and Goldman Sachs & Co. in the Equity Research department focusing on the cable, advertising and broadcasting industries. Shireen received her B.S., B.A., and M.S.F.S from Georgetown University.
Zeeshan joined CHINAR International in the year 2014 as an office boy and now works as a field monitor for Srinagar district. Zeeshan is an example of a child of conflict and a broken education system. He kept going to school till grade 10th without learning much and hence failed in the exams. In CHINAR, he found a wholesome environment and support. He finally passed his matriculation and a couple of years later passed his 12th exam as well and is now enrolled in Gandhi College. Over the years, Zeeshan has gained knowledge about the social sector and is inspired by CHINAR’s mission. He now aspires to pursue a master’s degree in social work (MSW) course post-graduation. Besides monitoring Srinagar district, Zeeshan is also responsible for office security.
He is a very hard-working boy and enjoys playing cricket.
In 2012, Imtiyaz Malik joined CHINAR International as a driver and now is responsible for office security, transport and maintenance. Imtiyaz may not have received formal schooling, but over the years he has developed good knowledge about the social sector. He understands and believes in CHINAR’s mission and is at the forefront of most CHINAR projects. He was there during the floods of 2014, past lockdowns and hartals in Kashmir. Imtiyaz is an exceptional driver who knows the roads and lanes of Kashmir.Team loves to travel with him as he makes every trip enjoyable and full of fun.Besides managing field trips,he is also responsible for office security.
He is an all-rounder who will lend his hands to anything – packing kits, loading, cooking, photography, etc.
Falak has done Masters in business administration with specialisation in IT and marketing from Kashmir University. Before joining CHINAR International, she interned with local corporates like JK Bank, Reliance Jio Ltd and hotel industry. She is highly passionate towards empowering Kashmiri youth to make them self-reliant and independent leaders.
She also interned with CHINAR International, which further motivated her to join the organisation. Under youth development, she runs various programs like business incubation, skill development centres, E-Labs, etc. As a finance coordinator, she maintains financial records and ensures smooth transactional processes.
She believes that no job is as worthy and satisfying as working for the welfare of the society.
Mansha joined in 2018 as an intern and now is a project coordinator for our Education program– managing Budgam, Kupwara and Srinagar districts. Mansha holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Kashmir University. She left her Tech school in Mumbai and came back to Kashmir to serve people of her own community. She is passionate about bringing healing to people with traumatic stories and giving them a chance to create better stories. Besides working in education, she is also a part of CHINAR’s E-Lab Program at higher secondary schools.
Always looking to brush her skills, she loves to travel, cook food and meet new people.
Ambreen joined as an intern in 2018 and now is a project coordinator under our education program – managing Shopian, Pulwama and Srinagar districts. Ambreen believes, “Compassion to serve is real devotion in true means’. She pursued Masters in Social Work to equip herself with the art of understanding and assessing various vulnerabilities of society. During her internship at CHINAR, she realized the true value of humanism and affection to people. While working with schools, she could explore her rapport building skills and engage children in learning activities.
Haris Aziz has completed his master’s in mass communication from IGNOU regional center Srinagar. He is a creative video editor and motion graphics artist with an excellent eye for detail and a deep passion for filming and animation. Before joining CHINAR, Haris worked with many media agencies as video editor and accomplished numerous freelance projects.
Mozam joined CHINAR International in 2016 as a Media Coordinator and now leads the media team. His role revolves around creating impactful stories of change through pictures, videos, documentaries, etc. using his technical skills and knowledge. Prior to joining the organization, Mozam worked with multiple national and international media channels and gained huge experience in creating impactful stories. Working in a social sector for the first time, Mozam quickly adapted to CHINAR International’s environment and work culture and now is the favourite teammate. Muazam also manages procurement and ensures protocols are being followed religiously.
Mozam is thrilled to have a job that allows him to use diverse skills and explore his creativity. He tries to put heart and soul into his work and believes that it shows in his photographs.
Rouf joined in 2011 as a field monitor and now is a District Coordinator, managing three districts – Shopian, Pulwama and Kishtwar. Rouf holds a Master’s in social work and different certifications in computer software. Rouf is passionate about helping the rural and needy sections of society. He is a good listener and encourages people to reach their potential by understanding their strengths. Rouf is an ace photographer and is a part of the media team at CHINAR International.
Rouf will be soon publishing his coffee table book – a dream come true.
Mehreen joined CHINAR International during Kashmir floods in 2014 as a nodal person in Delhi and now works in multiple capacities – project coordinator for child development and procurement lead. Mehreen has completed her Master’s in Finance and Control from University of Kashmir and is dedicated towards working for the underprivileged. She previously worked with an NGO called Centre for Social Justice, also interned with the Reserve Bank of India. During floods 2014, she did a commendable job in coordinating all the relief consignments coming from India and USA. Over the years, she has taken up many different responsibilities with great success. Mehreen is also responsible for logistics during events, workshops, meetings and office trips. On procurement side, she has developed strong SOPs which are being followed religiously under her supervision.
Afifa joined in 2012 as a Project Coordinator and is now working as Child Development Lead. Holding a Master’s degree in social work, Afifa has done practical work on social issues like drug addiction, child protection and reproductive child health. Previously, she worked as a Research Associate for Indian Council of Medical Research-funded project on autism and Counselling Supportive Supervisor for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Counselling Program (GFATM). Through all these years, she has worked in multiple capacities across CHINAR’s core intervention areas. Networking, proposals, internships and evaluation are part of her role including all publications – annual reports, newsletters, brochures. Besides, she also manages social media and website. Afifa yearns to learn more every day and develop new skills. She has been working passionately towards CHINAR’s mission since years and named as Afifa CHINAR by many. Calling herself a social doctor, she believes social work nourishes her soul.
When operating from Delhi, Afifa becomes the nodal person when lockdown happens in Kashmir especially when connectivity is cut in Kashmir.
In 2011, Javeed joined CHINAR International as a researcher and since then has progressed to Finance and Operations Head. Having a Master’s degree in finance and control, Javeed has hands-on experience in financial auditing. Before joining CHINAR International, Javeed tried several options to realize his potential as a key player in challenging, dynamic and creative environments, and believes his quest completed at CHINAR International. He has been on the forefront of CHINAR International’s crisis relief work since the floods of 2014. Under his supervision, CHINAR International’s external audits have been error free for the past six years. Javeed is an energetic and enthusiastic young leader with a passion to serve society. With his strong leadership skills, Javeed leads the team on ground in an exemplary manner.
Pioneer in lifestyle disorders and obesity management, Dr. Zahida is born and brought up in Kashmir. Dr. Zahida completed her MBBS from the Government Medical College, Srinagar, in 1995. In Kashmir, she has worked in both government and private sectors. Having witnessed and lived through the consequences of conflict, she always felt the worst victims of the conflict were the women and children. In her passion to live her dream and contribute to women’s health, she chose to give up a government job and established her own private clinic by the name “Mother care clinic in 2003. The clinic, which was much needed in these times, aimed at a holistic approach to women’s
health that included education, prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment of lifestyle and psychosocial disease among women. Dr Zahida has closely worked and always ready to work with any organization that shares the same aim and passion.
Dr. Mohammad Ishaq is a well-established biological researcher in the United States with over 30 years of experience at prominent US-based institutions. He is currently a senior researcher at the Leidos Biomedical Research in Frederick, MD, an affiliate of the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health. He earned his Master’s in Biochemistry from Lucknow University (India), Ph.D. in Biochemistry from J.N. Medical College, AMU (India) and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Before coming to the U.S., he taught Biochemistry at the Govt Medical College (Kashmir) where he also managed the clinical laboratory of the department, and also served as a Senior Resident in the Clinical Biochemistry Department at the SKIMS (Kashmir). He is passionate about Kashmir and believes that social engagement and empowerment can alleviate the suffering of the marginalized communities.
Born in Kashmir and raised in Canada, Bazillah holds a B.M.Sc., Honors Specialization in Medical Science from Western University and is currently pursuing a B.Sc., Honors Specialization in Computer Science from the same institution. She is passionate about technology, understanding how it works and the potential impacts that technological developments can have on society. She enjoys engaging in creative projects where she can create and build something unique using a combination of her knowledge of software development and her eye for digital design. Bazillah is a strong advocate for equal rights and opportunities for all and strives to make a positive impact in people’s lives. She firmly believes that everyone should do what they can, within their means, to support those less fortunate and is a particularly avid supporter of humanitarian efforts in her motherland Kashmir. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and baking healthy-ish versions of desserts to share with her loved ones.
Tabasum Bandey is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Canada with more than 25 years of engineering experience (including 20+ years in Canada) in the field of Electrical Engineering & Engineering Management/Leadership. She completed her Engineering degree in Electronics & Communication from NIT Srinagar and moved to Canada in the late 1990’s after spending a few years in the Middle East. Like it is for most of the immigrants who have the courage to leave home to explore the world, she also faced challenges in embracing a different culture while maintaining strong ties with her roots & motherland. Tabasum – a Kashmiri by heart and soul believes in teamwork, continuous improvement & growth and is delighted to see the second generation of Kashmiris involved as young leaders. She enjoys gardening and cooking in her spare time.
Farooq grew up in Kashmir where he attended Kashmir University for his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. He attended City University of New York for his Masters in Computer Science. He works for an international development bank in Washington DC. Farooq has been part of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society – ADAMS community in Northern Virginia since 2000. He has served ADAMS in the capacity of Secretary, Vice-President, and President. He is currently co-chair of ADAMS Zakat Services Committee and ADAMS By-laws committee. He also served on the board of ADAMS Compassionate Healthcare Network, a free medical clinic in Chantilly, Virginia. He was also a board member of ADAMS Endowment Fund for several years. Farooq has been married for 20+ years and has 4 children.
After spending around two decades in corporate America, Irfan quit his job at Microsoft in 2011 to focus full time on CHINAR. Previously, he worked for US companies – DEC, Compaq, HP, and Fannie Mae.
Irfan has been instrumental in the progress of CHINAR being the chief architect both in USA and India. He runs a tight ship and has aggressively moved CHINAR into one of the top non-profits of J&K. He is driven to develop solutions that address the root cause of the problem related to youth and children of conflict – solutions that are sustainable, cost effective, scalable and high impact. Solid in principles and relentless in his pursuit for large scale social impact, Irfan envisions CHINAR to be one of the leaders in nonprofit space.
Irfan grew up in Kashmir, India. Education – BE from (NIT) Kashmir University, Srinagar (J&K) and MS from University of Florida, Gainesville. He is a founding member of both CHINAR organizations (VA, USA – 2003 and Srinagar, India – 2011).
