05/06/2025
Community Champions of Pulwama: Two Leaders Inspiring Youth and Combating Social Evils
Amid growing concerns over drug abuse among Kashmiri youth, two community leaders from Rahmoo village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have emerged as beacons of hope. For the past six years, Sheikh Rayees and Tariq Ahmad Wani have been leading from the front—mobilizing youth, addressing social challenges, and transforming grassroots activism into a powerful force for change.
In 2018, Sheikh Rayees founded the Rahmoo Public Interest (RPI), a civic platform aimed at bridging the gap between citizens and local administration. What began as a small initiative in the village of Rahmoo has evolved into a vibrant and respected civil society forum that now operates across the Pulwama district. RPI has become a key voice for the marginalized, raising pressing community concerns with authorities and ensuring timely grievance redressal.
Three years later, in 2021, Tariq Ahmad Wani established the Ruma Reshi Cricket Club (RRCC) to steer youth toward sports and positive engagement. In a region where drug addiction threatens the younger generation, RRCC offers a much-needed alternative—fostering discipline, teamwork, and a renewed sense of community. The club has become more than just a sports team; it is now a symbol of resilience and aspiration for many young people in the area.
Together, RPI and RRCC have earned widespread respect—not only in their native Rahmoo but throughout Pulwama. Through their efforts, Rayees and Wani have significantly contributed to curbing drug abuse and igniting a renewed civic consciousness among youth.
Locals speak of them with deep respect. Their selfless service and commitment to social upliftment have inspired admiration across generations. Many describe RPI and RRCC as “platforms of love”—initiatives built not for personal gain, but for the collective good of society.
In a time when rural Kashmir continues to struggle with youth alienation and substance abuse, the stories of Sheikh Rayees and Tariq Ahmad Wani stand out as powerful counter-narratives. Rajpora Tehsil today is a testament to how community-driven action—rooted in sincerity and service—can lead to real, lasting change and a brighter, more hopeful future.
