Danish Ali/ Baramulla

Once caught in the whirlwind of Kashmir’s street protests, Wajahat Farooq Bhat now stands as a powerful symbol of transformation. From hurling stones on the security forces around his village Sheeri in north Kashmir to creating platforms for youth empowerment across the Valley, Bhat’s journey is not just extraordinary—it is revolutionary.

Born into a modest family in Sheeri, a village in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Wajahat is from a generation of disillusioned youth drawn toward conflict and chaos. Today, he is the founder of Save Youth Save Future (SYSF), a grassroots initiative that has altered the trajectory of thousands of Kashmiri youth through dialogue, sports, education, de-radicalisation, and awareness programs.

His mission is to build a sustainable and peaceful future for Kashmir.

A Childhood Framed by Conflict

Growing up amidst political upheaval and frequent shutdowns, Wajahat recalls how stone-pelting every Friday became a teenage ritual—a symbolic yet tragic expression of rage, helplessness, and misplaced heroism.

“I was drawn to the street,” he says candidly. “We saw figures like Osama Bin Laden as heroes. We believed violence made us visible. In my locality, those who confronted the forces were spoken of in whispers of awe. I was one of them.”

However ,beneath that fury was a deep void—created by lack of opportunity, exposure, and a suffocating sense of hopelessness. While pursuing his BA at Government Degree College Baramulla, Wajahat briefly enrolled in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), an experience that would begin to change his worldview.

The Spark of Change

A visit to Nagrota as part of an NCC camp proved transformative.

“I debated with people from other states. They listened to me patiently. That moment planted the first seed of change. Maybe, I thought, violence isn’t the only language.”

Another turning point came in 2017 during a sports event in Baramulla, where he met SSP Imtiyaz Hussain Mir.

“He didn’t behave like an officer enforcing authority—he engaged like a mentor. That interaction left a lasting impression on me.”

Motivated by these experiences, Wajahat decided to act on a long-standing dream: to build a peaceful and promising future for the youth of Kashmir.

Wajahat Bhat at Lal Chowk, Srinagar

Birth of SYSF: A Mission for the Marginalised

“People told me I was mad. They said I was inviting trouble. But I also received encouragement from strangers and friends alike.”

The organization's first major event, titled The Young Kashmir: The Dialogue Within, attracted more than 400 participants. It was a rare space where grievances met governance, with speakers from both civil and police administrations. It marked the beginning of a new kind of dialogue in the Valley.

Over time, SYSF evolved into a dynamic platform for youth engagement. Sports tournaments, mental health sessions, cultural exchanges, and peacebuilding initiatives followed. For many, Wajahat had transitioned from a street protester to a mentor and leader.

From Threats to Tenacity

His increasing visibility also brought danger. In 2018, Wajahat was threatened by Kashmir Fight, a shadowy blog known for targeting voices of moderation and reform.

Wajahat Bhat delivering a talk on youth

“I feared for my life,” he admits. “But SSP Imtiyaz told me something I’ll never forget: ‘No one can kill you if it’s not written.’ That gave me strength.”

Going Global: From Pulwama to Brussels

In 2020, SYSF attracted the attention of the European Union, which supported a peacebuilding initiative aimed at de-radicalising Kashmiri youth. Wajahat and his team successfully conducted 69 workshops across conflict-affected districts such as Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, and Kupwara.

In partnership with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), SYSF also organized a major cultural exchange, enabling more than 120 Kashmiri students to interact with peers from across India.

“They called us messengers of peace,” Wajahat says, recalling the experience with pride.

Women, Wisdom, and the Way Forward

Wajahat expanded SYSF’s scope to include gender-focused initiatives. In 2020, the organization launched a women’s wing led by activist Anika Nazir. Under her leadership, Kashmir’s first Women’s KPL (Kashmir Premier League) was held—a bold and symbolic step in a traditionally conservative environment.

SYSF also began recognizing women achievers, hosting discussions on gender equity, and providing safe platforms for dialogue on women’s rights. By 2021, the organization delved deeper into cultural and spiritual revival. It hosted seminars on Kashmiriyat, Sufism, and the Valley’s lost traditions of peace and pluralism. Clerics, imams, and Sufi scholars were invited to contribute toward rebuilding a sense of shared cultural identity.

Changing Kashmir: Wajahat Bhat in Srinagar

A Movement Rooted in Hope

Today, SYSF has established its presence in every zone of Kashmir. With hundreds of dedicated volunteers and collaborations with national and international think tanks, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, the initiative continues to grow.

Wajahat’s phone rarely stays silent—whether it’s a youth seeking counseling, a college inviting him for a talk, or a policymaker requesting community insights.

Conclusion: From Pain to Purpose

Wajahat Farooq Bhat’s story is not merely about redemption. It is a powerful reminder of what resilience, compassion, and vision can achieve. From the conflict-ridden streets of Sheeri to global conversations on peacebuilding, his life proves that transformation is not only possible—it is necessary.

“I always say,” Wajahat reflects, “don’t tell Kashmir’s youth stories of death. Tell them stories of life. Stories of what they can become. That’s the only way we can win peace.”

In a region fractured by decades of unrest, Wajahat has become a bridge—linking generations, ideologies, and possibilities. A former stone-pelter who now shapes peace, one young person at a time.

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Since 2018, Save Youth Save Future has reached more than two lakh young people across Kashmir, continuing its unwavering mission to nurture peace through dialogue, empowerment, and sustained community engagement.