Founder, Zaiba Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education & Humanity Welfare Organisation HELPline, Bijbehara, Kashmir

As you drive down the winding road from Srinagar to Anantnag, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might miss the turn that will take you to Zaiba Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education, Bijbehara. The leafy tree cover in this region is made up of some of the oldest, most exquisite Chinar trees of Kashmir. But the soothing natural beauty belies the harshness of life in the region. For over three decades, Kashmiris have lived with huge social challenges on account of armed violence, bandhs, hartals, and curfews. This clearly is not an environment conducive for educating anyone who requires special access provisions. Children with disabilities must contend with further challenges of stigma, discrimination, and an absolute lack of infrastructure.

These are the challenges Javed has spent, the past two decades, surmounting. A survivor of an armed attack that left him wheel-chair bound, Javed started with a small computer training center in 2003, partnering with WISCOMP, to provide a safe learning space for youth during the height of conflict and violence. Later he founded the Zaiba Aapa Institute for people with disabilities. The institute also focuses on providing assistance to girls who have been rescued from violent and abusive situations.

Javed has helped develop creative methodologies to cater to the diverse pedagogical needs of differently-abled persons. Javed says, “he aims to create spaces of learning that are sacrosanct; spaces that are so welcoming that children prefer them over their homes.” He also partners with government and non-government organizations to run a Child Helpline that provides emergency services and counseling for survivors of violence. He has made it his mission to help differently-abled persons lead a dignified life. In recognition of his exemplary work in the field of education in his community, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shree in 2020.

Javed made the rights of persons with disabilities his life’s mission. He started with a small Computer training center and today runs a school for children with special needs and many other programs. For his work, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shree award in 2020. He is a recipient of several other awards and recognitions, including the National Award for persons for Welfare of Persons with Disabilities 2004, Achievers Award By Rotary Club of Kashmir 2005, J&K State Award for Empowerment and upliftment of Disabled People, 2007, Bharat Jyoti Award, 2015, among others.