Nadiya Bashir
In the complex socio-political and cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, where narratives often revolve around conflict, displacement, and survival, a few extraordinary individuals stand tall as symbols of resilience and compassion. One such inspiring figure is Anita Chandpuri—a social activist, community leader, and the General Secretary of Samooh (NGO). Her life journey embodies a relentless pursuit of service to the destitute, women survivors of violence, underprivileged children, and marginalized communities of Jammu and Kashmir.
From a young girl passionate about social work during her schooling days to an activist unfurling the Tricolour at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk in 2022, Anita’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to a cause larger than herself.
Early Life and Education
Anita’s roots are firmly grounded in Jammu and Kashmir. She graduated from the University of Jammu and later acquired a Diploma in Computers from CEDTI, equipping herself with skills that would later empower her to uplift others.
Her passion for social service was not something she discovered late in life—it was embedded in her character from childhood. Even as a school student, Anita actively participated in social work camps, lending her time and energy to causes that resonated with her. These early exposures sowed the seeds of activism that would blossom into a lifelong mission.
During her youth, Anita joined the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarti Parishad (ABVP), where she worked for several years on issues concerning students, education, and community service. Later, her association with Seva Bharti further deepened her engagement with grassroots social work. These experiences gave her a platform to understand the real issues faced by marginalized communities and prepared her for a more significant role in the years to come.
Rising to Leadership: General Secretary of Samooh
Today, Anita serves as the General Secretary of Samooh (NGO), one of the most active social organizations in Jammu and Kashmir. For more than a decade, she has been steering initiatives that focus on empowering women and children.
Under her leadership, Samooh has expanded its outreach across various districts, including Rajouri, R.S. Pura, Vijaypur, Ramban, Mishriwala, Purkhoo Migrant Camp, and Jammu city. At these centers, the organization runs programs like:
Evening tuition classes for needy children to ensure they don’t drop out of school.
Stitching, cutting, and dress designing courses to make women self-reliant.
Computer education for underprivileged youth.
Beautician training programs aimed at giving women employable skills in one of the fastest-growing industries.
Medical professionals, technical experts, and educationists are regularly invited to conduct free camps and lectures, ensuring the community benefits from expert guidance.
Empowering Women and Children
One of Anita’s strongest missions has been to uplift women facing domestic violence. For the past 13 years, she has been working tirelessly to provide them with not just shelter and counseling but also pathways to economic independence.
Her work is not limited to women. She has extended support to specially-abled individuals, distributing hearing aids, wheelchairs, and mobility devices to help them lead dignified lives.
By organizing over 50 medical camps in different regions, she has ensured healthcare reaches the poorest sections of society. Her awareness campaigns such as “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,” “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” “Anti-Drug Campaigns,” and “Child Labour Awareness Drives” have sensitized communities about critical social issues.
A Frontline Warrior During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic tested societies across the globe, but it also revealed true heroes at the grassroots. Anita was one of them.
When the nation went into lockdown and uncertainty loomed large, she stepped up as a Frontline Warrior. She provided free dry ration kits and other essential supplies to families who had lost their livelihoods. She also personally manufactured and distributed over 3,000 masks free of cost during the crisis.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, Anita organized 80 medical camps across Jammu and Kashmir—40 in Jammu and 40 in Kashmir—where doctors provided health consultations and medicines free of cost. These initiatives saved lives and restored hope in communities during one of the darkest chapters of recent history.
Historical Milestones: Tricolour at Lal Chowk
One of the most defining moments in Anita’s journey came on August 15, 2022, during the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. She became the first Kashmiri Pandit woman to unfurl the Indian Tricolour at the iconic Lal Chowk in Srinagar.
For many, this was not just a symbolic act but a deeply emotional and historical moment. For decades, Lal Chowk had been associated with political turbulence. Anita’s act of hoisting the flag reflected a new chapter of hope, resilience, and reclaiming identity for displaced Kashmiri Pandits and the broader society.
Her involvement in the “Made in Kashmir Tiranga” movement, where she encouraged locals in downtown Srinagar to manufacture the national flag, was another landmark initiative that strengthened the bond of unity.
Cultural Revival After Article 370
The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 was a turning point in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. For many Kashmiri Pandits, it reopened doors that had been shut for decades. Anita seized this moment to revive cultural traditions long forgotten due to displacement and conflict.
She organized the Vyeth Truvah festival at Purshyar Temple on the banks of River Vitasta in Habba Kadal—the first such celebration in 35 years. Similarly, she organized the Dussehra festival in Srinagar, the first after the abrogation, marking a cultural renaissance in the Valley.
Her efforts also extend to the restoration of temples in Kashmir, which not only hold religious value but also serve as cultural anchors for a community long uprooted from its homeland.
Fighting Social Evils: Nasha Mukt Kashmir
Drug abuse has been a rising concern in Jammu and Kashmir, threatening the youth and social fabric of the region. Recognizing this, Anita spearheaded the “Drug-Free Kashmir” (Nasha Mukt Kashmir) movement for almost a year. Through rallies, workshops, and counseling sessions, she worked to create awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and encouraged youth to embrace healthier, more constructive lifestyles.
Dress Designing, Beauty Culture, and Computer Education: Pathways to Empowerment
Anita’s initiatives are rooted in practicality. She understands that true empowerment comes through economic independence.
Dress Designing & Beauty Culture: She believes these fields are highly suitable for women, as they allow them to balance work and home while earning a respectable livelihood. In a society where cultural restrictions often limit women’s mobility, such professions create sustainable opportunities.
Computer Education: With the digital revolution shaping careers, Anita’s NGO offers 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year diploma courses in computer education at nominal fees, ensuring that even the poorest students can access skill development.
These efforts are not just training programs—they are life-changing opportunities for marginalized communities.
Recognition and Collaborations
Anita’s relentless work has earned her state-level and national-level honors on multiple occasions. Her collaborations span across organizations like the Brahmin Organization of India, Media Federation of India, Human Rights & Social Justice groups, Samooh Women Wing, and All India Panchayati Parishad.
These associations expand her reach and amplify her voice in advocating for justice, equality, and social upliftment.
A Legacy of Service
Anita Chandpuri’s journey is not merely a story of personal achievement—it is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and patriotism. From being a schoolgirl with a passion for service to becoming a national figure unfurling the Tricolour at Lal Chowk, she has consistently proven that real change begins with dedication at the grassroots.
Her work with women, children, displaced communities, and cultural revival initiatives reflects a holistic approach to social service. She represents a generation of leaders who do not wait for change but create it through courage and commitment.
In a land often overshadowed by strife, Anita Chandpuri shines as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that true strength lies in service to humanity.
The Kashmir Dialogues
Sheikh Sameer
