“It is because of Don Bosco Tech Society, I could help my father to build a one-story concrete house and this was always my dream; it broke my heart to see the plight of my family, especially my siblings in that tin shed. Now, I feel I have gifted them the best thing. I know that this was my only opportunity and I had to make the maximum out of it. I tried to give my best and would always remind myself about my hardships,” said Showkat.

21-year-old Showkat Ahmad Mir hails from a remote village of Rohama, nestled in the mountain region of north Kashmir Baramulla district, is inspirational on all fronts. Belonging to a poor family, Showkat Ahmad’s father, Gh Nabi Mir, a laborer by profession earned hand to mouth for his family of six members, which included his three sons, a daughter, and his wife. They were living in a dilapidated condition in a tin shed and had to brave harsh winter in the same shed, which was their house.

Showkat Ahmad, eldest of all his siblings had recently passed his class 12 from Govt. Higher Secondary School Rohama. He intended to quit studies as his father was not in a position to support his further education. Showkat too wanted to help his father, bear the burden of educating his younger siblings, and help his father to construct a house.  While Showkat had given up all hopes of studying and was looking for menial jobs, God had some better plans in store for him. It was through the mobilization program that he came to know about Project Himayat and the courses offered under the project running by Don Bosco Tech Society. To know more about the project he visited the Centre of Don Bosco Tech Society located at Janbazpora and after acquiring information he enrolled himself into a six-month course of domain F&B (Food and Beverage Service-Steward), which was free of cost for him and also provided traveling allowances from/to the Training center location.  Being a good trainee and knowing about his responsibilities Showkat made the best use of this opportunity.

“I know that this was my only opportunity and I had to make maximum out of it. I tried to give my best and would always remind myself about my hardships,” said Showkat. He further said, "with the proper guidance of the staff, I was able to hone my skills to the fullest and now ready to spread my wings". Soon after completing his course, Showkat was hired by Himalayan Luxury hotel, as a steward and was posted in Leh Ladakh.

He delivered his best there and would draw a monthly salary of Rs 9,000.00 initially excluding food & accommodation, and the amount was good enough to lend his father some support. There was no looking back for Showkat who worked hard and he is now posted at Himalayan Luxury in Chandigarh (Evoke lifestyle) and was promoted to Front Office Executive with a good salary of INR 20,000.00 per month.

Showkat says “I have helped my father to build a one-story concrete house and this was always my dream; it broke my heart to see the plight of my family, especially my siblings in that shed. Now, I feel I have gifted them the best thing."

He is taking care of the expenses of the family and also supports the education of his younger siblings. With the same zeal & zest, he will one day be at the top position.

Everyone in the village is inspired by his journey and all in administrations of this young boy who with the proper guidance & support from the Don Bosco Tech Society team helped him to chase his dreams.