Dr Javaid Rahi
Dr. Masud Ahmed Choudhary’s second death anniversary is on December 16, 2024. This is the day when we are reminded of his life and vision. It is time to comprehend his commitment, dream, and persistent community service for tribal Gujjars and Bakerwals spread over three decades. Dr. Choudhary’s work as Founder Vice-Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, and Patron-in-Chief of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, Jammu, will remain firmly inscribed in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. His outstanding career as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated his commitment to the values of integrity.
Masud Ahmed Choudhary was born on April 10, 1944, in Kalaban, Mendhar, Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. He rose from humble origins to become a distinguished cop, administrator, educator, and social reformer. His father, Babu Faiz Ahmed -Bajjar Gujjar, was a teacher. Despite the meagre resources in his rural village, he pursued education with zeal, earning his LLB from Aligarh Muslim University in 1966. His career began as a lawyer before joining the Jammu and Kashmir Police as a Deputy Superintendent in 1967. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the J&K’s first Gujjar to be appointed Additional Director General of Police . He retired as IPS officer in 2004.
Choudhary held crucial positions during his illustrious career, including Superintendent of Police in numerous districts and Senior Superintendent in critical departments such as the Vigilance Organisation and the CID during difficult militancy periods. His dedication earned him several major medals, including the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medal.
As Founder Vice-Chancellor of BGSBU between 2004 to 2010, he made his ambition of establishing a world-class institution in a remote area of Jammu and Kashmir a reality. Under his leadership, BGSBU grew into a centre of academic excellence and cultural diversity, benefiting many students from underserved areas, particularly tribal ones. The university now provides a wide range of educational programs in Business Management, Social Sciences, Bio Sciences, Computer Sciences, Information Technology, Arabic, Mathematics, Nursing, Tourism, Education, Languages, B.Tech., Diploma in Engineering, and Doctoral Programs.
Dr. Choudhary’s leadership went beyond academia. As the Patron-in-Chief of the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, he advocated for the preservation and promotion of the Gujjar community’s rich cultural legacy. Through this platform, he launched a number of projects to help tribal youngsters, encourage education, and preserve the community’s unique identity.
In 1989, he established the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust with the goal of empowering the marginalised Gujjar-Bakerwal group through education, cultural preservation, and social changes. The Trust built educational institutions such as Khuda Bakesh Public School, vocational training centres, and a girls’ hostel etc. These efforts have considerably boosted education and empowerment in tribal areas.
Choudhary’s literary and cultural interests are equally noteworthy. As the Chief Patron of the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, he founded Awaz-e-Gurjar, a multilingual journal that promotes tribal languages and culture. The Trust’s Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation encourages research and publication in tribal history and literature. Under his leadership, the organisation created a well-equipped library, museum, and conservation projects, which received national and international acclaim.
Choudhary’s innovative leadership transformed the Trust into a beacon for the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, driving social reform and resolving historical neglect. He also served as honorary director of the Gojri Research Institute and the Begum Akbar Jahan Foundation, which promote tribal heritage and education. His efforts have attracted comparisons to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s transformative impact on the Gujjars.
Choudhary, who has been honoured with titles such as Fakhar-e-Qaum and Fakhar-e-Jammu and Kashmir, continues to be a symbol of resilience, determination, and advancement. His legacy, which includes institutional development, educational reforms, and cultural preservation, continues to motivate marginalised populations to aspire for empowerment and equality.
The Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust has provided substantial facilities to help the Tribal Cultural and Research Training Institute (TCRTI) run smoothly and effectively. These accommodations are intended to improve the institute’s ability to foster tribal culture, education, and welfare. The key facilities include:
Cultural Centre, Sahir Ludhianvi Cultural Hall, Begum Akbar Jahan Library and Research Centre,Dr. Masud Choudhary Tribal Museum, Sarwari Kasana Conference Hall, Babu Faiz Ahmed Study Centre, Haji Ibrahim Conference Room, Research Library, Ch. Abdullah Guest House.
Under Educational initiatives for tribal , Masud Choudhary established the K.B. Public School up to the 12th standard in 2000. It has modern facilities and a girls’ dormitories. Two additional schools serve tribal-dominated communities. A modern facility offers skill development chances to promote economic empowerment. The Trust manages a fully working Hostel for 100/ 150 tribal girls/ boys , providing education and modern amenities. The complex has a guest house and extensive office space to assist operations.
On his second death anniversary, we remember him not just for his patronizing achievements, but also for his humility, vision, and unwavering spirit in working for the welfare of society. Beyond his professional and public achievements, he stood out as an exemplary human being, embodying virtues that are as timeless as they are rare. Discipline and punctuality were the cornerstones of Masud Choudhary’s existence. He treated time as a precious resource, never to be wasted.
Truthfulness also was a defining characteristic of Masud Choudhary. In his dealings, whether personal or professional, he was firmly honest. This trait made him a hard master, one who held himself and those around him to the highest standards. Yet, his firmness was always tempered with fairness, ensuring that his criticism was constructive and his expectations reasonable.
Dr. Choudhary’s wisdom went far beyond bookish knowledge. He was a deep thinker, constantly engaging with the complexities of life and finding meaning in its myriad challenges. A lover of poetry, he found solace and inspiration in the written word, often quoting verses that resonated with his inner world and the situations at hand.
Beneath his disciplined exterior lay a heart full of love and compassion. Masud Choudhary had an innate ability to connect with people, understanding their struggles and aspirations. His kindness was not loud or ostentatious but manifested in quiet, meaningful gestures. He was deeply committed to his goals but never at the expense of empathy for others. His ability to balance ambition with humanity was one of his most endearing qualities.
Dr. Choudhary’s path demonstrates how one person with determination and a clear purpose can make a lasting influence. His legacy lives on via the organisations he established, the lives he touched, and the ideas he advocated for.
In honouring his memory, we are reminded to continue his legacy of inclusivity, empowerment, and progress-a worthy memorial to a man whose life was genuinely a purpose.
(The author is a Tribal Researcher working on Gujjars-Bakerwals )
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