Kashmir Boy Invited to President’s Independence Day Reception

SRINAGAR: Zeerish Aslam, a resident of Killora Malikgund in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, has been invited by the President of India to attend the ceremonial “At Home Reception” at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Independence Day 2025.

The formal invitation from the President’s Office was delivered to Zeerish’s residence by a team from the Department of Posts, Government of India, through the Shopian Post Office. With Zeerish currently pursuing her studies in Delhi, the invitation was received on her behalf by her father, Mohammad Aslam.

Expressing her elation in a phone conversation from Delhi, Zeerish remarked, “Being invited by the President of India for the ‘At Home Reception’ is a moment of immense pride, not only for me personally but for everyone who has supported my journey. Independence Day has always symbolised national pride, but this year, it carries a deeper, personal significance.”

Zeerish’s selection follows her exemplary performance in the Prerna Exam, a prestigious national-level competition aimed at recognising youth excellence. The recognition has brought honour not only to her family but also to the wider Shopian community, serving as a symbol of empowerment and achievement in Jammu and Kashmir.

Her father, Mohammad Aslam, called the moment “a privilege beyond any award”, adding that the family would cherish the honour for a lifetime. Joined by his brother Manzoor Ahmad, he expressed gratitude to the President’s Office, the Government of India, and the Union Territory administration. “In an age where daughters are excelling across every sphere, Zeerish’s accomplishment reaffirms that belief,” they said in a joint statement.