After finishing their class 10th exams in Dec 2021, Mehroz and Ahmed aimed to write a research paper in Mathematics. However, upon observing the dearth of supervisors and the need for guidance, the duo decided to set up an organization that fosters the research culture among high school students in Kashmir.
It was then a late night phone call between the two friends that gave birth to “Young Kashmir Research Society,” valley’s first high school- centric research community.
Set up in Jan 2022, YKRS remains a non-profit organization consisting of over 30 skilled professors from universities across Kashmir such as KU, CUK, NIT and various degree colleges. The organization provides resources and free mentorship opportunities to high schoolers aiming to execute research projects in the field of science, technology, humanities, social sciences, linguistics, economics and finance.
The founders of YKRS are two 11th grade students from Srinagar, Ahmed Pathan and Mehroz Mir. A small-scale initiative taken by the duo has now become a body of 13 team members working hard to create an atmosphere of accessible edification in Kashmir.
“Most of the mentees are 9th to 12th grade students. However, there are also a few college undergrads with us. At YKRS, we provide them guidance to write not just research papers but articles and position papers too,” says Mehroz.
He explains that while the process of high schoolers writing research papers is common and easier in foreign countries, the concept is relatively newer in Kashmir.
After conceiving the idea of establishing such an unparalleled organization, it was a number of phone calls and visits to various academicians that turned their dream into a reality. Impressed by the vision of boys, the professors they approached lauded their idea and immediately agreed to be a part of YKRS.
Dr. Mohd Ameen Meer, Urdu professor at University of Kashmir is one of the 30 mentors proud to be a part of YKRS. He says, “At a time when youngsters are involved in various social evils, it elates my heart to see these passionate teenagers approaching me for learning purposes.”
While briefing over the benefits of publishing one’s research paper, Dr. Ameen recalls that earlier students would learn the importance of these papers very late. Often at their Ph.D. level they would be trained to do research.
Praising YKRS for their work, he says “However, it is fortunate that students today are so informed that the idea of doing research is engrained in them at such a young age.”
During the last six months, YKRS has successfully completed over 6 research projects. “There are around 30 mentees under YKRS right now, 80% of them being girls,” says Ahmed Pathan, co-founder.
Talking about the dedication of aspirants, Mehroz says that although research internships are quite hectic, the persistence of students is praiseworthy. Sharing an anecdote of how a student had her research proposal rejected 4 times yet she didn’t give up until it finally was accepted, Mehroz mentioned that “the response and approach of students joining from various schools of the valley is great.”
When asked about the current status, Mehroz told Rising Kashmir that the team has temporarily discontinued receiving applications or publishing papers due to approaching board exams of students.
He however said, “ It will take time to work over our onboard projects and resume back in April.”
Speaking about the future plans, both founders said that in 2023 YKRS shall hold research training and capacity-building workshops under different experts in addition to holding seminars