On July 17, 2025, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary continues to shine as a remarkable figure in India. He is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Jammu and Kashmir. His life story is one of hard work, dedication, and service to the people. Born in a small village, Shahid overcame many challenges to become a role model. His journey inspires many young Indians, especially those from humble backgrounds. This article tells the story of his life in simple words. It highlights his achievements and his love for helping others.
Early Life And Education
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary was born on March 5, 1981, in Rehan village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. His village was near the Line of Control (LoC), a sensitive border area. Life in Rehan was not easy. The village lacked many facilities. Shahid’s father worked in the state revenue department. His family lived a simple life. They faced many hardships, but they valued education.
As a young boy, Shahid walked 16 kilometers daily to reach his school. He started learning English only in Class VI, at the age of 12. This was a big challenge for him. Schools in his area were basic, with few resources. Yet, Shahid was determined to study hard. He completed his early schooling in Rajouri. His hard work paid off, and he joined Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Jammu. There, he earned a degree in Veterinary Sciences (B.V.Sc & A.H.).
Shahid did not stop there. He wanted to learn more. He pursued a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from FRI Deemed University in Dehradun. His education gave him a strong foundation. It also taught him the value of nature and community development. Later, in 2023, Shahid studied Public Policy and Leadership at the University of Oxford, UK. He also completed a course in Environment and Sustainability at the London School of Economics. These achievements show his love for learning.
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Wife, Brother, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shahid Iqbal Choudhary |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Rehan Village, Rajouri District, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Family Background | Father in state revenue department; simple family background |
| Education | - B.V.Sc & A.H., Sher-e-Kashmir University, Jammu - Master’s in Natural Resource Management, FRI, Dehradun - Public Policy and Leadership, University of Oxford (2023) - Environment and Sustainability, LSE |
| Early Challenges | Walked 16 km daily to school; learned English at 12; limited village resources |
| Career Start | Joined Indian Forest Service (IFS) in 2005; worked in Kashmir Valley |
| IAS Achievement | Cleared UPSC in 2008 (AIR 51); joined IAS in 2009 |
| Notable Milestone | First Muslim from Jammu and first Gurjar from J&K to become IAS officer |
| Key Roles | District Magistrate (several districts), Addl. Secretary (CMO), Director (Info & PR), MD (J&K Tourism), Secretary (Rural Development & Panchayati Raj), Nodal Officer (Amarnathji Yatra 2025) |
| Major Projects | Project Sahayta, Jashn-e-Jamhuriat, Covid Call Centre, e-Panchayat System |
| Awards | PM’s Award for Excellence (2023), PM’s Award for Project Rahat (2018), Natl. e-Gov Award (2021), Best Electoral Conduct, Women’s empowerment and girl child education awards |
| Contributions | Empowered tribal communities, promoted clean energy, strengthened democracy, leveraged technology for governance |
| Writings | Articles in Greater Kashmir, The Quint on education, women’s empowerment, clean energy |
| Inspiration | Inspires youth with journey from remote village to IAS officer |
| Personal Traits | Humble, hardworking, dedicated to public service, connected to roots |
| Current Role (2025) | Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Nodal Officer for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 |
A Path to Public Service
Shahid’s journey to becoming an IAS officer was not easy. After his Master’s degree, he qualified for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) in 2005. He served as a forest officer in the Kashmir Valley. This role gave him experience in managing natural resources. However, Shahid wanted to serve people directly. He dreamed of making a bigger impact. In 2008, he appeared for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. He worked hard and secured an All India Rank of 51. This was a proud moment for him and his community.
Shahid became the first Muslim from the Jammu region to join the IAS. He was also the first Gurjar from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve this. His success inspired many in his village and beyond. People saw him as a symbol of hope. Shahid’s story showed that hard work can break barriers. He joined the IAS in 2009 and began his journey as a civil servant.
A Career of Impactful Work
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary’s career is full of achievements. He has served in many important roles. He worked as District Magistrate (DM) in districts like Srinagar, Rajouri, Bandipora, Leh, Udhampur, Kathua, and Reasi. Each role brought new challenges. Shahid faced them with courage and creativity. He also served as Additional Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office, Director of Information & Public Relations, and Managing Director of J&K Tourism Development Corporation. Today, he is the Secretary of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Jammu and Kashmir. He also serves as the Nodal Officer for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025.
One of Shahid’s biggest strengths is his ability to find simple solutions. He uses technology to make life easier for people. For example, in Kathua district, he started Project Sahayta. This project used video conferencing to connect people in remote areas with government offices. It saved time and effort for villagers. In Reasi, he launched Jashn-e-Jamhuriat, a voter awareness program. This increased voter turnout from 43% to 81% during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Shahid involved local tribes like the Gujjars and Bakerwals in this campaign. His efforts made democracy stronger.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shahid led from the front. As District Development Commissioner of Srinagar, he created a Covid Call Centre and Management System. This project helped 98.4% of Srinagar’s population. It used technology to manage the crisis effectively. His work earned him the National e-Governance Award in 2021. Shahid’s ability to act quickly saved many lives.
Awards And Recognition
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary is one of the most decorated IAS officers in Jammu and Kashmir. His work has been recognized with many awards. In 2023, he received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration. This was for his work as CEO of Mission Youth in Kashmir. He also won the Prime Minister’s Award in 2018 for Project Rahat, which helped people during tough times. In 2015, he was honored for his work in Kathua district. Shahid received the National Award for Best Electoral Conduct from the Election Commission of India. He also won awards for women’s empowerment and girl child education.
His articles in newspapers like Greater Kashmir and The Quint show his deep thinking. He writes about education, women’s empowerment, and clean energy. His writings inspire people to think about progress. Shahid is also an international resource person. He speaks about the lives of mobile indigenous communities like the Gujjars and Bakerwals. His knowledge makes him a respected voice globally.
A Man of Simple Roots
Shahid’s story is special because of his humble roots. Growing up in Rehan village was not easy. The area faced conflict due to its location near the LoC. In 2014, when Pakistan shelled border areas, Shahid, as DM of Rajouri, acted fast. He moved 17,000 people to safe camps. His quick decisions saved lives. Shahid’s connection to his village keeps him grounded. He understands the struggles of ordinary people. This makes him a caring leader.
Shahid’s family played a big role in his success. His father, a modest government worker, supported his dreams. His family taught him to stay strong and help others. Shahid often credits them for his achievements. He says, “I attribute my success to the Almighty and my family members who always stood by me.” These words show his humility.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary’s life is a lesson for young Indians. He shows that anyone can achieve great things with hard work. His journey from a remote village to the IAS is inspiring. He faced challenges like long walks to school and limited resources. Yet, he never gave up. His story encourages students to dream big.
Shahid also cares about empowering others. He works to improve education for tribal communities. He believes education can change lives. His projects for tribal students, like building hostels, show his commitment. Shahid’s work with Mission Youth and Skill Development Mission helps young people find jobs. He wants every young person to have a bright future.
A Vision for the Future
Shahid’s work is not just about solving problems. It is about creating a better future. He uses technology to make government services accessible. His e-Panchayat system in Reasi helped 58,000 families in remote areas. It brought services closer to villages. Shahid’s focus on clean energy and sustainability shows his vision. He wants Jammu and Kashmir to lead in India’s clean energy goals.
As the Nodal Officer for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, Shahid is working to make the pilgrimage safe and smooth. He sees the yatra as a symbol of unity. It brings people from across India together. His leadership ensures that pilgrims have a spiritual and safe journey.
Conclusion
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary is a true son of Jammu and Kashmir. His life shows that determination can overcome any obstacle. From walking 16 kilometers to school to studying at Oxford, his journey is remarkable. His work as an IAS officer has touched many lives. He has brought hope to remote villages and empowered the youth. Shahid’s awards show his excellence, but his humility makes him special. He remains connected to his roots and serves with passion. Shahid’s story is a beacon of hope. It tells us that with hard work and kindness, we can change the world.