About
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Farooq Abdullah |
| Real Name | Farooq Abdullah |
| Nickname | None |
| Date of Birth | October 21, 1937 |
| Date of Death | N/A (Still Alive) |
| Birth Place | Soura, Jammu and Kashmir, British India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Qualifications | Medical degree (MBBS), MRCP |
| Father’s Name | Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah |
| Mother’s Name | Akbar Jahan |
| Other Family Members | Wife: Molly Abdullah; Children: Omar Abdullah, Sarah Abdullah |
| Political Party Name | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) |
| Constituency Name | Srinagar |
| Career Started Date | 1980 |
Biography of Farooq Abdullah:
Early Life and Education: Farooq Abdullah was born on October 21, 1937, in Soura, a village near Srinagar, in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was then part of British India. He was born into a prominent political family, as his father was Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, a renowned leader and the founder of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference.
Farooq Abdullah received his early education in Srinagar and completed his schooling at Tyndale Biscoe School. He later attended the Sherwood College in Nainital, Uttarakhand, and subsequently pursued his medical studies. He obtained a medical degree (MBBS) from the SMS Medical College in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and further specialized in cardiology, earning the qualification MRCP (Member of the Royal College of Physicians) from the United Kingdom.
Political Career and Vision: Farooq Abdullah entered politics under the guidance of his father and became involved in the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference. He was appointed as the president of the party in 1981 after his father’s passing. His political vision aligned with the principles of democracy, secularism, and regional autonomy within the framework of the Indian Union.
Challenges Faced: Farooq Abdullah’s political career faced various challenges. He became Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in 1982, but his tenure was marked by political instability, as the region faced internal strife and external pressures. He had to manage the state’s complex socio-political landscape while maintaining ties with the central government.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw an escalation of militancy in the region, posing significant challenges to governance and stability. Farooq Abdullah had to navigate these turbulent times while striving to restore peace and normalcy to the state.
Achievements: Farooq Abdullah’s tenure as Chief Minister witnessed several achievements:
- Promoting tourism and infrastructure development, thereby boosting the state’s economy.
- Strengthening educational institutions and expanding access to quality education.
- Initiating healthcare reforms to improve healthcare services and facilities.
- Focusing on women’s empowerment and social development.
- Advocating for the special status and autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir within the Indian Union.
Later Political Career: Farooq Abdullah continued to play a significant role in Jammu and Kashmir politics after stepping down as Chief Minister. He served as a Member of Parliament in both the Lok Sabha (lower house) and Rajya Sabha (upper house) and held various ministerial positions at the national level.
Interesting Facts:
- Farooq Abdullah is known for his charismatic and affable personality, making him a popular leader among the masses.
- He is an avid sports enthusiast and has been involved in promoting sports, particularly cricket, in the state.
- Farooq Abdullah is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri.
- He has been an advocate for dialogue and reconciliation to address the political issues and conflicts in the region.
Legacy: Farooq Abdullah’s legacy is intertwined with the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. His contributions to education, healthcare, and socio-economic development have left a lasting impact on the state. As a prominent leader, he continues to shape the discourse on the region’s future and its relationship with the Indian Union.
Developments & Mega Projected started by “Farooq Abdullah”
Here is a list of developments and mega projects initiated by Farooq Abdullah in bullet points:
- Tourism Promotion:
- Farooq Abdullah focused on promoting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing the region’s appeal as a tourist destination.
- Various infrastructure projects were undertaken to improve tourism-related facilities, including hotels, transportation, and recreational activities.
- Education Expansion:
- He emphasized the importance of education and initiated efforts to expand educational institutions and improve the quality of education.
- Schools and colleges were established or upgraded, increasing access to education for the local population.
- Healthcare Improvements:
- Farooq Abdullah worked to enhance healthcare services by establishing and upgrading hospitals and healthcare centers across the state.
- Efforts were made to provide better medical facilities to remote and underserved areas.
- Power Generation and Infrastructure:
- He supported projects aimed at increasing power generation through hydroelectric and other renewable sources.
- Infrastructure development, including roads and bridges, was undertaken to improve connectivity within the region.
- Economic Diversification:
- Efforts were made to diversify the economy by promoting industries other than tourism, such as agriculture, handicrafts, and small-scale manufacturing.
- Women’s Empowerment:
- Farooq Abdullah emphasized women’s education and empowerment, working to improve their social and economic status.
- Cultural Preservation:
- Initiatives were launched to preserve and promote the unique culture and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, including support for traditional arts and crafts.
- Disaster Management and Relief:
- He focused on improving disaster management capabilities and providing relief to people affected by natural calamities, such as earthquakes and floods.
- Environmental Conservation:
- Efforts were made to raise awareness about environmental conservation and sustainable practices, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.
- IT and Communication Infrastructure:
- Farooq Abdullah encouraged the growth of information technology and communication infrastructure, aiming to bridge digital divides.
- Urban Development:
- Projects for urban development were undertaken to improve living conditions in cities and towns, including improvements in sanitation and waste management.
- Regional Autonomy Advocacy:
- While not a development project per se, Farooq Abdullah consistently advocated for the special status and autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir within the Indian Union.
These developments and mega projects initiated by Farooq Abdullah aimed to enhance the quality of life for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, boost the region’s economy, and strengthen its infrastructure and overall development.
Elections Won by “Farooq Abdullah”
| No. | Year | Constituency / Parliament Seat | Votes Collected | Winning Margin | Party Name | Opposite Candidate | Opposition Party Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1980 | Ganderbal | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 2 | 1983 | Srinagar | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 3 | 1987 | Srinagar | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 4 | 1996 | Srinagar | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | 1998 | Srinagar | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 6 | 1999 | Srinagar | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 7 | 2002 | Srinagar | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 8 | 2008 | Srinagar | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 9 | 2017 | Srinagar (By-election) | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |