About
| Full Name | Sheikh Abdullah |
| Real Name | Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah |
| Nickname | Sher-e-Kashmir |
| Date of Birth | December 5, 1905 |
| Date of Death | September 8, 1982 (deceased) |
| Birth Place | Soura, Jammu and Kashmir, British India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Qualifications | Medical degree (MBBS) |
| Father’s Name | Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah |
| Mother’s Name | Akbar Jahan |
| Other Family Members | Sons: Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah |
| Political Party Name | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference |
| Constituency Name | Ganderbal (several times) |
| Career Started Date | 1932 |
Biography of Sheikh Abdullah:
Early Life and Education: Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, commonly known as Sheikh Abdullah or Sher-e-Kashmir (Lion of Kashmir), was born on December 5, 1905, in the village of Soura, near Srinagar, in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was then part of British India. He hailed from a modest family and was deeply influenced by the socio-political atmosphere of the time.
Sheikh Abdullah received his primary education at a local school in Srinagar. He later attended the Mission School in Srinagar and completed his matriculation from Tyndale Biscoe School. He excelled in academics and went on to study medicine at Aligarh Muslim University, where he developed a keen interest in social and political issues.
Political Vision and Ideology: Sheikh Abdullah was a visionary leader who espoused the cause of social justice, economic development, and political empowerment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He strongly believed in secularism, democracy, and self-determination for his fellow Kashmiris. His ideology centered around achieving a better quality of life for the people of the region and securing their rights within the Indian Union.
Challenges and Struggles: Sheikh Abdullah’s political journey was fraught with challenges. He became an ardent advocate for the rights of the downtrodden and marginalized communities in the state. This led to his growing popularity, but also attracted the attention of the ruling Maharaja and British colonial authorities. In 1931, he became a prominent figure in the Quit Kashmir Movement, which aimed to end the autocratic rule of the Maharaja and achieve democratic reforms.
He faced imprisonment multiple times for his activism and was even exiled to Kodaikanal for a period. However, his dedication to his cause remained unwavering, and he continued to inspire the masses with his speeches and writings.
Achievements: Sheikh Abdullah’s most significant achievement was the role he played in the political transformation of Jammu and Kashmir. After India gained independence in 1947, he negotiated with Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, to secure special autonomy for the state under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. He became the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and worked to implement land reforms, expand education, and improve healthcare.
He was also instrumental in establishing the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, a political party that championed the rights of the state’s residents. His efforts laid the foundation for the region’s development and socio-political integration with India.
Interesting Facts:
- Sheikh Abdullah was given the title “Lion of Kashmir” (Sher-e-Kashmir) by his followers due to his fearless leadership and dedication to the people.
- He was a prolific writer and orator. His speeches and writings motivated and galvanized his supporters.
- Despite being a medical student, his passion for social and political causes led him to embrace activism and leadership.
- Sheikh Abdullah’s son, Farooq Abdullah, and grandson, Omar Abdullah, also became prominent political figures in Jammu and Kashmir.
Legacy: Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy continues to influence the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and India as a whole. His efforts for social justice, democracy, and regional autonomy have left an indelible mark on the history of the region. His vision of a prosperous and harmonious Jammu and Kashmir within the larger Indian Union remains a guiding principle for many even after his passing on September 8, 1982.
Developments & Mega Projected started by “Sheikh Abdullah”
Here is a list of developments and mega projects initiated by Sheikh Abdullah in bullet points:
- Land Reforms: Sheikh Abdullah implemented land reforms to redistribute land from large landowners to landless farmers, aiming to reduce socio-economic disparities.
- Education Expansion: Under his leadership, educational institutions were established and expanded to provide quality education to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Healthcare Improvements: Sheikh Abdullah focused on improving healthcare facilities and accessibility, leading to the establishment of hospitals and healthcare centers across the region.
- Road Infrastructure: He initiated projects to improve road infrastructure, connecting remote and previously inaccessible areas to urban centers.
- Tourism Promotion: Sheikh Abdullah recognized the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir and took steps to promote tourism, boosting the local economy.
- Power Generation: He initiated projects for hydroelectric power generation, harnessing the state’s natural resources for energy production.
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development: Sheikh Abdullah supported initiatives to modernize agriculture and promote horticulture, aiming to increase productivity and income for farmers.
- Handicrafts and Cottage Industries: He encouraged the growth of traditional handicrafts and cottage industries, preserving local cultural heritage and providing employment opportunities.
- Socio-Economic Empowerment: Sheikh Abdullah focused on empowering marginalized communities by providing them with access to education, employment, and opportunities for socio-economic growth.
- Women’s Empowerment: He emphasized the importance of women’s education and empowerment, working to improve their social and economic status.
- Srinagar-Jammu Highway: Sheikh Abdullah played a crucial role in the development of the Srinagar-Jammu highway, a vital link between the two major cities of the region.
- Jammu and Kashmir University: He laid the foundation for the establishment of the University of Jammu and Kashmir, a significant institution for higher education in the region.
- Industrial Development: Sheikh Abdullah initiated measures to encourage industrial growth, attracting investments and promoting local industries.
- Health and Sanitation: He launched initiatives to improve public health and sanitation, focusing on clean water supply and sanitation facilities.
- Bridge Construction: Several bridges were constructed under his leadership to improve connectivity and transportation within the region.
- Radio and Communication: Sheikh Abdullah supported the establishment and expansion of radio broadcasting and communication networks, enhancing connectivity and information dissemination.
- Sheikh Bagh Gardens: He oversaw the development of the Sheikh Bagh Gardens in Srinagar, creating a public space for relaxation and recreation.
These developments and mega projects initiated by Sheikh Abdullah aimed to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and contribute to the overall growth and progress of the region.
Elections Won by “Sheikh Abdullah”
| No. | Year | Constituency / Parliament Seat | Votes Collected | Winning Margin | Party Name | Opposite Candidate | Opposition Party Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1951 | Constituent Assembly (Princely State of J&K) | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 2 | 1957 | Ganderbal | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 3 | 1962 | Ganderbal | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 4 | 1967 | Ganderbal | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | 1972 | Ganderbal | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |
| 6 | 1977 | Ganderbal | N/A | N/A | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference | N/A | N/A |