Shah Faesal’s life is a fascinating journey from topping the UPSC exam to a career in politics and back. This post details his remarkable life, career, and controversies.

Biography/Wiki

Born on May 17, 1983 (age 40 as of 2023), in Sheikh Nar village, Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, Shah Faesal’s early education was in Urdu at Government High School, Sogam. His father, a school teacher, personally tutored him in English and Mathematics. He later excelled, becoming a university topper after completing his MBBS from Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS), Srinagar.

Family, Wife & Caste

Faesal comes from a Sunni Muslim family. His father, Ghulam Rasool Shah, and mother, Mubeena Shah, were both government school teachers. Tragically, his father was killed by unidentified militants in 2002, a significant event that shaped his life. The family subsequently moved to Srinagar. While married, details about his wife remain private.

He is the eldest of three siblings: a younger brother, Shah Nawaz (a doctor), and a younger sister, Talat Shah (a library assistant).

Physical Appearance

Here’s a summary of his physical attributes:

• Height: 5′ 8″
• Weight: 70 kg
• Eye Color: Dark Brown
• Hair Color: Black

Career

Initially working as a physician, Faesal became an RTI activist in Srinagar before deciding to pursue the UPSC exam. He prepared in Srinagar, achieving top rank in the 2009 Indian Civil Services Examination—remarkably, after only a month of focused study. He chose Urdu as his optional subject.

His training was at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). He became a role model for Kashmiri youth, actively inspiring them to pursue civil service. He served as Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora District before resigning in January 2019 to protest the situation in Kashmir.

After exploring political affiliations, he formed the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement in March 2019. Following the revocation of Article 370, he faced detention under the Public Safety Act. He later left politics and was reinstated in the IAS in April 2022, subsequently being assigned to the Union Culture Ministry in September 2022.

Controversies

Faesal faced several controversies. A tweet regarding the Kathua rape case sparked national debate. He also drew criticism for comments on Article 35A and for extended leave during his IAS tenure.

Favourites

His preferences span various areas:

• Inspiration: Arvind Kejriwal, Imran Khan, and Omar Abdullah
• Movie: La La Land
• Idol Leader: Mahatma Gandhi
• Singers: Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Richa Sharma, and Maha Ali Kazmi
• Music: Sufi
• History Teacher: Moshik Temkin
• Poets: Dr. Iqbal and Oscar Wilde
• Books: “Imagining India” by Nandan Nilekani and “Glimpses of World History” by Jawaharlal Nehru
• Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian

Facts

During the 2016 unrest, Faesal criticized media comparisons to Burhan Wani. He enjoys group discussions, music, travel, reading, and writing. He was inspired by IPS officer Abdul Gani Mir. He also voiced concerns about the subversion of public institutions.

Key Milestones in Shah Faesal’s Life

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