Jammu & Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti terms UPSC topper Athar Khan as 'role model' for youth

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday termed Athar Amir-ul-Shafi Khan, who stood second in the prestigious 2015 civil services examination, as "role model" for many youngsters.

Mehbooba on Saturday met Athar, the 23-year-old man who brought laurels to the state by securing second position in the civil services examination, results of which were announced by UPSC recently. Congratulating Athar on his feat, the Chief Minister said his performance would inspire a whole lot of youngsters towards the coveted UPSC civil services and other allied competitive exams, both at the national and state levels.

"They look up to you and Shah Faisal as role models, who have practically demonstrated how thirst for excellence can be quenched by hard-work, perseverance and belief in ones ability," the Chief Minister told Athar. She also applauded his proud parents for supporting him in his endeavour to achieve success.

This is the second time when the young man from Devipora, Mattan in south Kashmir s Anantnag district cracked the civil services exam. Last year, Athar had qualified the civil services exam and was allotted Indian Railway Service.

On his future responsibilities as an IAS officer, the Chief Minister expressed hope Athar would serve people by delivering justice in a fair and transparent manner.

"You should be prompt in understanding and addressing the problems people face on a day-to-day basis," she added.