Srinagar, Apr 16: Born blind, Rohi Jan of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, has not only made her family proud but brought laurels for the entire Kashmir. Suffering from 100 percent blindness, Jan has been appointed as the Assistant Professor at the University of Kashmir.
Her journey—from her early schooling in Yaripora area of Kulgam to the corridors of one of India’s premier universities—underscores both her personal resilience and the transformative power of inclusive education.
Jan began her academic path at Army School and Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Yaripora, where she first cultivated a passion for the social sciences. She went on to earn a BA in Education, Psychology and Sociology and an MA in Education, both from the University of Kashmir. Her research focuses on the challenges faced by parents of disabled children in Kashmir, illuminating gaps in support systems and societal attitudes. Jan uses a computer with screen reading software. She was appointed as Assistant Professor on April 10, 2025.
“Becoming an assistant professor has been a dream come true,” Jan told Rising Kashmir. Adding, “But more than a personal milestone, I see this as an opportunity to open doors for students with disabilities across Kashmir and the rest of the country.”
Jan’s scholarship has already made waves in academic circles. She has published multiple papers on women with disabilities and inclusive education. She has qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET), securing a Junior Research Fellowship. Despite grappling with limited awareness of inclusive practices during her master’s studies, she has since emerged as a leading voice advocating systemic change.
Her appointment comes with heartfelt acknowledgements. Jan credits her parents for her unwavering faith – who, even whilst raising a disabled child, never wavered in their support—for every step of her ascent. She also thanks her PhD supervisor, Dr Arvind Mishra, for his mentorship
As she settles into her new role, Jan is already planning initiatives to foster inclusive classrooms— accessible course materials, peer mentoring programmes for students with disabilities and community outreach in Kashmir. Her vision is clear—one where academic institutions not only accommodate diverse needs but actively empower every learner.
With this appointment, Jan not only breaks barriers for herself but paves the way for future generations of scholars with disabilities. “I hope my journey shows others that no dream is out of reach,” she said. “When institutions and communities work together, vision truly becomes boundless,” she added.
While congratulating Rohi Jan on her appointment as Assistant Professor, Vice Chancellor KU Prof Nilofer Khan, while speaking to Rising Kashmir, said: “The University of Kashmir is committed to promoting an inclusive academic environment where every individual, regardless of physical ability, has equal opportunity to grow, contribute and inspire.”
Prof. Khan also emphasised that the university will continue to support and encourage students and scholars with special needs by providing them with a conducive learning and working atmosphere.
