Fairoz Khan
National President, National Students' Union of India
In office
12 June 2017 – November 2019
Preceded byAmirta Dhawan
Succeeded byNeeraj Kundan
Youth Congress Working President, Jammu and Kashmir
In office
June 2020 – present
Preceded byUday Chib
Succeeded byAakash Bharat
Personal details
Born (1989-03-21) 21 March 1989 (age 35)
Pogal, Jammu and Kashmir
Political partyIndian National Congress
Residence(s)New Delhi, Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir

Fairoz Khan (born 21 March 1989) is an Indian politician associated with the Indian National Congress from Jammu and Kashmir. He served as the National President of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), becoming the first Kashmiri to hold this position.[1] During his tenure, NSUI achieved significant victories in student elections, including the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) and Punjab University Students Union (PUSU) polls.[2] Khan also led prominent student movements such as "Youth Quake" and "Inquilab," and "Chattar Akarosh Rallies" across India advocating for student rights and welfare.[3]

Chatra Adikar Rally Madhya Pradesh Chindwara led by National President Fairoz Khan

Early Life and Education

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Fairoz Khan was born in Pogal, Jammu and Kashmir, to Muzaffar Ahmed Khan, a civil engineer known for his contributions to local development and recognized as the Water Man of Pogal Paristan. His great-grandfather, Ghulam Qadir Khan, was the first Sarpanch of Pogal Paristan after 1947, and his family is credited with establishing and supporting the Pogal High School by donating land.[4] Khan pursued his education in law and Political Science from Jammu University and Delhi University and later established himself as a distinguished lawyer, handling cases at the Jammu High Court and Ramban Court, including high-profile disputes and election-related matters.[5] He completed his schooling at multiple institutions, including Govt Higher Secondary Pogal, Chenab English Medium Ramban, Adnan Model Academy Banihal, Higher Secondary School Ramban, Happy Model High Secondary School Udhampur, and Degree College Bhaderwah, Doda. He earned his law degree from Jammu University and a Master's in Political Science from Delhi University.

Personal Life

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Fairoz Khan resides between New Delhi and Ramban, actively engaging in community issues and developmental initiatives in both locations. He continues to be a prominent voice within the Indian National Congress, advocating for inclusive policies and social justice. He is married and has a son. Khan identifies as a proud Muslim and a proud Indian.[2][4]

Political Career

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Khan has held various leadership roles within the Indian National Congress, including as the Youth Congress Working President for Jammu and Kashmir.[6] His advocacy spans issues ranging from local development concerns to national policy matters. He has been actively involved in campaigning for the Congress party in electoral contests across different constituencies, advocating for educational reforms and youth empowerment.[7] He has been a vocal advocate for various causes in Jammu and Kashmir. He campaigned for 5% Pahari reservation for Chenab Valley residents, advocated for the establishment of a hilly university campus at Ramban, and organized the Bharat Jodo rally in Ramban to promote national unity. Khan has also participated in numerous protests, highlighting local issues and community concerns.[4] He was elected college president in 2006 and subsequently, the district president in 2008. Post this, he became part of the NSUI and began working for the party at the national level. "There is a big gap in leadership in the country and the youth feel alienated from politicians. There is a lacuna that the NSUI will fill by going to every district in every state," Khan told The Indian Express.[8]

 
NSUI Protest Jantar Mantar

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) on 9th August 2018 led by its National President Fairoz Khan organised a 'Chhatra Aakrosh Rally' from Mandi House to Parliament Street to protest against the Central government's education policies and lack of job opportunities for the youth.[9] Khan has been critical of the administration's reliance on social media, advocating for more direct community engagement and effective governance strategies. He has highlighted issues such as unplanned work on the four-lane highway project, which has led to frequent highway closures and significant inconvenience to commuters between Srinagar and Jammu. He has called for the government to prioritize policies addressing unemployment, inflation, corruption, and security issues in Jammu and Kashmir.[10]

Electoral Campaigns and Political Initiatives

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Fairoz Khan has actively participated in electoral campaigns across various constituencies, advocating for the Congress party's policies and initiatives. He played a crucial role in campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in North East Delhi, supporting the candidacy of Shri Kanhaiya Kumar ji, emphasizing issues such as educational reforms, youth empowerment, and social justice. The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) on Wednesday organised a 'Chhatra Aakrosh Rally' from Mandi House to Parliament Street to protest against the Central government's education policies and lack of job opportunities for the youth

 
NSUI Protest

.[11] He has been vocal about environmental concerns and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for policies that prioritize ecological balance and community welfare.[10]

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Fairoz Khan is a distinguished lawyer with over a decade of experience practicing law in Jammu and Kashmir. He has handled several high-profile cases at the Jammu High Court and Ramban Court, focusing on civil and electoral law.[5] His legal career has been marked by a commitment to justice and advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities.[12]

Social Initiatives

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Khan has been actively involved in social initiatives aimed at community development and welfare. He has supported initiatives for educational infrastructure development in rural areas and has been a strong advocate for improving healthcare facilities in underserved regions. [2]

Recognition and Awards

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Fairoz Khan's contributions to student politics and social welfare have been widely recognized. He also had attended many international Leadership youth Summits and exchange programmes. He has received awards for his leadership and advocacy, including recognition from various student organizations and community groups.[1]

 
NSUI National Convention INQUILAB 2

Resignation

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Khan was dragged into MeToo and after that he resigned. Khan denied the charges against him, but submitted his resignation, saying they are political motivated & he quit keeping in mind the party's interests. There has been no FIR, so all the allegations were baseless and political witch-hunt. [13]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Fairoz Khan, 28, from Kashmir, is NSUI's new president". Indian Express. 2017-06-23. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  2. ^ a b c "Kashmir stone pelting: Congress' National Students' Union of India president aims to bring change". India Today. 2017-06-23. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  3. ^ "NSUI holds rally against Centre's policies". The Hindu. 2018-08-09. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  4. ^ a b c "Youth Congress State Working President Fairoz Khan accorded rousing reception at Ramban". Crosstown News. 2024-05-01. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  5. ^ a b "Fresh landslide halts traffic for 15 hours on Jammu-Srinagar Highway". Business Today. 2019-03-04. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  6. ^ "Fairoz Khan appointed as Working President of J&K Youth Congress". Daily Excelsior. 2020-06-12. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  7. ^ "Youth Congress president campaigns in Udhampur". Scoop News. 2023-05-21. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  8. ^ "Fairoz Khan, 28, from Kashmir, is NSUI's new president". Indian Express. 2017-06-23. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  9. ^ Reporter, Staff (August 8, 2018). "NSUI holds rally against Centre's policies". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  10. ^ a b "Fresh landslide halts traffic for 15 hours on Jammu-Srinagar highway". Business Today. March 4, 2019.
  11. ^ https://www.scoopnews.in/det.aspx?q=72608 |access-date=2024-07-12 |publisher=Scoop News}}
  12. ^ "NSUI holds rally against Centre's policies". The Hindu. 2018-08-09. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  13. ^ https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/metoo-nsui-president-fairoz-khan-quits-after-sexual-harassment-charges-118101601077_1.html

PTI News on Pernote Land Subsidence[1] The Hindu on Advocacy Efforts[2] Indian Express on Political Campaigns[3] Times of India on NSUI Victories[4] Standard on International Representation[5] The Tribune on Inquilab Movement[6] Economic Times on Advocacy for Youth Issues[7] Hindustan Times on NSUI Electoral Strategies[8] India Today on Campaign for Educational Reforms[9] Outlook India on Advocacy for Social Justice[10][11][12][13][11][11][14][15]