Adhik Kadam: Difference between revisions

'''Adhik Kadam''' is an [[Indian people|Indian]] [[social entrepreneur]] and [[philanthropist]]. He is on a [[peacebuilding]] and [[peacekeeping]] mission, working in the conflict zones of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twocircles.net/2012may24/adhik_kadams_spiritual_journey_service_and_suffering.html|title=Adhik Kadam's spiritual journey of service and suffering {{!}} TwoCircles.net|website=twocircles.net|access-date=31 August 2016}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=September 2020}} Kadam has completed a master's degree in [[political science]]. He is a [[co-founder]] and the chairman of [[Borderless World Foundation]], which is an [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]] that works for the deprived and victimized people of the border areas of [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/pune-duo-bring-cheer-to-kashmiri-kids/229823/|title=Pune duo bring cheer to Kashmiri kids – Indian Express|website=archive.indianexpress.com|access-date=31 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/mission-beautiful-kashmir/372688/|title=Mission beautiful Kashmir – Indian Express|website=archive.indianexpress.com|access-date=31 August 2016}}</ref> The NGO runs four [[orphanage]] homes for girls in four districts of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="oneindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.oneindia.com/2011/02/12/puneman-gives-new-home-to-girls-orphaned-by-violence-injk-aid0126.html|title=Pune man gives new home to girls orphaned by violence in J|date=12 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thinkchangeindia.org/2008/03/13/a-safe-haven-for-war-torn-girls/|title=A safe haven for war torn girls – ThinkChange India|access-date=31 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013170519/http://www.thinkchangeindia.org/2008/03/13/a-safe-haven-for-war-torn-girls/|archive-date=13 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Early in his career, Kadam worked for many [[non-profit organization]]s as a Volunteer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.webtalkies.in/adhik-guardian-angel-kashmiri-girls/|title=Adhik: The Guardian Angel of Kashmiri Girls|date=22 November 2016}}</ref> He started visiting Kashmir on an educational tour in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2011/02/12/puneman-gives-new-home-to-girls-orphaned-by-violence-injk-aid0126.html|title=Pune man gives new home to girls orphaned by violence in J|last=Pti|date=12 February 2011|website=www.oneindia.com}}</ref> At the age of 19, he visited a [[Kashmiri Pandit]] refugee camp in Jammu to observe their conditions.<ref name="spirit"/> During the [[Kargil War]], he worked on the forefront, especially for the refugees who were displaced in [[Kargil]], [[Batalik]] and [[Dras|Drass]] Sectors.<ref name= "bike">{{cite web|url=http://stanford.ashanet.org/blog/2015/10/adhik-kadams-100-mile-bike-ride-for-100-donors/|title=Adhik Kadam's 100-mile bike ride for 100 donors – Asha Stanford}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=August 2020}} Later he worked with [[Balraj Puri]]<ref>{{cite web|author=flrvs |url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2216/stories/20050812003009900.htm |title=Young victims of militancy |publisher=Frontline.in |date=12 August 2005 |accessdate=6 April 2019}}</ref> and the Institute of J & K Affairs on the project of "Children affected by armed conflict in Jammu & Kashmir" which was sponsored by [[UNICEF]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://islamicvoice.com/adhik-kadams-journey-of-service-and-suffering/|title=Adhik Kadam's Journey of Service and Suffering : Islamic Voice}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=September 2020}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/children/Against-all-ODDS/article16735540.ece|title=Against all ODDS|first=Madhuvanti S.|last=Krishnan|date=1 December 2016|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=September 2020}}

He founded the [[Borderless World Foundation]] (BWF) in 2002 with another activist from Pune, Bharati Mamani and a local resident, Mohiuddin Mir who had been active in the region since 1998. The primary objective of the NGO was to assist orphans and provide for their basic necessities with a focus on education. They worked extensively under the project of "[[Basera E Tabassum|Basera-e-Tabassum]]" (Abode of Smiles) to establish orphanages for girls in the [[Kupwara district]] and later in [[Budgam district]]. Mohiuddin Mir was killed in 2005 by militants.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://humanrightsdefence.org/index.php/articles-sp-724795164/454-the-children-of-the-valley.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=18 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042614/http://humanrightsdefence.org/index.php/articles-sp-724795164/454-the-children-of-the-valley.html |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> From only 2 girls in 2002, the foundation has grown to accommodate more than 220 girls falling in the age group of 18 months to 20 years at four centers and can support at least 1000+ girls in the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="oneindia.com" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earlytimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=67807|title=Orphaned by militancy, girls get new lease of life - Early Times Newspaper Jammu Kashmir|website=earlytimes.in}}</ref> The first center was established in the Sulkoot village of Kupwara.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/how-green-is-my-valley/874078/|title=How Green is My Valley – Indian Express}}</ref>

Kadam has opened several [[group homes]] for orphans of the war, particularly females who according to him are the most vulnerable in conflict situations. He was [[kidnapping|kidnapped]] by militants who suspected him of working for intelligence agencies but was released on the intervention of locals. He was later detained by security forces who had grown suspicious of him as he was released by the militants unharmed.<ref name="spirit">{{cite web|url=http://hillpost.in/2012/05/adhik-kadams-spiritual-journey-of-service-and-suffering/45354/|title=Adhik Kadam's spiritual journey of service and suffering|first=H. P.|last=Wire|date=24 May 2012}}</ref> Kadam is said to lead an [[ascetic]] lifestyle having dedicated his life to service and lives as described by an article in [[India Currents]] magazine as a "penniless vagabond".<ref name="indiacurrents.com">{{cite web|url=https://indiacurrents.com/kashmirs-girls/|title=Kashmir's Girls|first=Vibha|last=Akkaraju|date=1 August 2016}}</ref> He considers his work to be a spiritual journey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.briefingwire.com/pr/dhumastya-barfatal-aanandghar-saluting-the-spiritual-service-of-adhik-kadam-only-on-reportaaz|title='Dhumastya Barfatal Aanandghar' saluting the spiritual service of Adhik Kadam only on Reportaaz|website=briefingwire.com}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=September 2020}}

Kadam started [[Borderless World Foundation]] (BWF) in 2002 with the objective of creating a more [[humanitarian]] world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianwomenblog.org/meet-adhik-kadam-father-to-200-orphan-kashmiri-girls/|title=Meet Adhik Kadam, Father To 200 Orphan Kashmiri Girls|first=Himanshu|last=Roy|date=16 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yourphilanthropystory.in/adhik-kadam/|title=Adhik Kadam's "Borderless" is more than an organization|website=Your Philanthropy Story |date=17 August 2016}}</ref> While conducting a children-centric socio-economic survey of the region, he gained insight into the challenges of the people living in these areas. He has worked on various [[ad hoc]] programs for local communities with am emphasis on those who had been widowed in the conflict before founding the organisation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/75376/borderless-world-foundation-adhik-kadam-kashmir/|title=Why a Man From Maharashtra is Educating the Daughters of Militants Killed in Encounters in Kashmir|date=20 November 2016|website=The Better India}}</ref>

Currently, the BWF houses around 230 girls.  More than 110 girls have been re-integrated into their communities and 40 are pursuing higher education.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotstar.com/news/majha-katta-chat-with-adhik-kadam/1140595579|title=Majha katta Chat With Adhik Kadam|website=Hotstar}}</ref> Kadam hopes to restore a "culture of faith" to the communities of Kashmir. The BWF currently has various ongoing projects and programs for humanitarian purposes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7ytwNALJIU|title=माझा कट्टा - बॉर्डरलेस वर्ल्ड फाउंडेशनच्या अधिक कदम यांच्याशी दिलखुलास गप्पा|last=ABP Majha|date=13 October 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref>

Kadam initiated [[Basera E Tabassum|Basera-e-Tabassum]] (BeT), a shelter program established in 2002 for girls who lost their parents as a result of the armed conflict or terrorism during the ongoing [[Kashmir conflict]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Shoma Chatterji |url=http://southasia.oneworld.net/news/an-abode-of-smile-for-orphans-of-kashmir#.Wg2pQfl97IU |title=An 'abode of smile' for Kashmir orphans – OWSA: OneWorld South Asia - Latest news on sustainable development, features, opinions, interviews with NGO leaders and multimedia from India and South Asia |publisher=Southasia.oneworld.net |date=15 April 2009 |accessdate=6 April 2019}}</ref> The four centers (group-homes) in Kashmir region are called&nbsp;Basera-e-Tabassum&nbsp;(abode of smiles) and the one in Jammu is called&nbsp;Fah&nbsp;(Facilitate and accomplish with humility).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earlytimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=79565|title=Home for orphan girls celebrates foundation day - Early Times Newspaper Jammu Kashmir|website=earlytimes.in}}</ref><ref name="indiacurrents.com" /> The BeT centers also assist mothers who have lost their husbands in the conflict in providing financial and material aid to their children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kashmirlife.net/the-grace-of-charity-1680/|title=The Grace of Charity|date=15 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ambiguity-defined.blogspot.com/2009/09/basera-e-tabassum-kashmir.html|title=Fragmented Impressions: Basera-e-Tabassum (Kashmir)|last=Sadia|date=9 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-travelling-chinar-grove/223334|title=The Travelling Chinar Grove|website=www.outlookindia.com}}</ref>

The BeT is supported by a few prominent philanthropists and well-wishers like the [[Holkar]] Family, [[Syed Ata Hasnain]], [[Balraj Puri]] and Dr. S.Natarajan.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} The BeT also maintains facilities which allow children to travel to various cities for educational and exposure tours, and for higher education in professional courses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai/mumbai-wows-30-orphan-girls-of-the-valley/story-OkizrhzYriZKj5YqwqQpgL.html|title=Mumbai wows 30 orphan girls of the Valley|date=6 January 2010|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

[[Kashmir Life Line]] is an [[ambulance service]] launched in 2015 with the aid of the [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/jammu-and-kashmir/story/ngos-launch-first-critical-care-ambulance-system-in-jammu-and-kashmir-264096-2015-09-21|title=NGOs launch first critical care ambulance system in Jammu and Kashmir|last=ul-Haq|first1=Shuja-ul-Haq|website=India Today|date=21 September 2015}}</ref> Kadam, during his time, working in Kashmir had witnessed many deaths because of lack of [[emergency services]] for medical emergencies.<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/governance/mufti-launches-four-trauma-care-ambulances-in-state/136066.html |title=Mufti launches four trauma care ambulances in state |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |accessdate=6 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kashmirlife.net/in-kashmir-4-strategic-locations-to-have-critical-care-ambulance-services-80054/|title=In Kashmir, 4 'Strategic Locations' to Have 'Critical Care' Ambulance Services|date=31 May 2015}}</ref> He initiated the Kashmir Life Line medical services in the [[Kashmir valley]] to help remedy the issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/borderless-world-foundation-donates-six-ambulances/|title=Borderless World Foundation donates six ambulances|first=Daily|last=Excelsior|date=13 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://risingkashmir.com/news/bwf-crdp-to-launch-critical-care-services|title=BWF, CRDP to launch critical care services|website=Rising Kashmir}}</ref> [[Border Security Force]] and J&K, Directorate of Health Services are also partnering in this project and run ambulances in border areas under this project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rakshaknews.com/paramilitary-force/borderless-world-foundation-donate-ambulance|title=सीमा सुरक्षा बल (BSF) को स्वंयसेवी संस्था BWF से मिली एंबुलेंस|first=रक्षक न्यूज़|last=नेटवर्क|date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earlytimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=215353|title=Borderless World Foundation donates ambulance - Early Times Newspaper Jammu Kashmir|website=earlytimes.in}}</ref><ref name="tribuneindia.com" />

In the [[2016–17 Kashmir unrest]], due to use of [[pellet gun]]s by security forces, many children and youths aged between 10 and 30 got completely or partially blinded, during protests and curfews.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kashmirsolidaritymumbai.wordpress.com/2016/09/|title=September - 2016 - Kashmir Solidarity Group, Mumbai}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://parthmn.in/blinded-by-pellets-kashmiris-wait-for-eye-doctors-from-mumbai-for-help/|title=Blinded by pellets, Kashmiris wait for eye doctors from Mumbai for help - Parth MN}}</ref> More than 1200 cases were registered in hospitals. who were in need of treatment from specialists; otherwise they could lose their vision permanently.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kashmirlife.net/day20-attention-pellet-victims-call-borderless-world-foundation-for-treatment-112632/|title=#Day20: Attention Pellet Victims! Call Borderless World Foundation For Treatment|date=28 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kashmirreader.com/2016/08/20/dr-natarajan-returning-to-kashmir-for-pellet-victims/|title=Dr Natarajan returning to Kashmir for pellet victims|first=K.|last=Reader|access-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406225429/https://kashmirreader.com/2016/08/20/dr-natarajan-returning-to-kashmir-for-pellet-victims/|archive-date=6 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kadam assisted in humanitarian efforts with the help of the BWF by organizing doctors from across [[India]], and asking them to come to Kashmir to perform eye surgeries for free.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/pune-doctors-a-ray-of-hope-for-victims-of-pellet-guns-4438016/|title=Pune: Doctors a ray of hope for victims of pellet guns|date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catchnews.com/india-news/blinded-by-pellets-kashmiris-wait-for-eye-doctors-from-mumbai-for-help-1473603037.html|title=Blinded by pellets, Kashmiris wait for eye doctors from Mumbai for help|website=CatchNews.com}}</ref> Dr. S N Natarajan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adityajyoteyehospital.org/|title=Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital|website=adityajyoteyehospital.org}}</ref> at Aditya Jyot Hospital,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kmsnews.org/archives/pellet-victim-insha-in-mumbai-to-regain-eyesight/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=16 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116185610/https://www.kmsnews.org/archives/pellet-victim-insha-in-mumbai-to-regain-eyesight/ |archive-date=16 November 2017 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> and, Dr. Mahesh P Shanmugam and [[Sankara Eye Foundation]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kashmirlife.net/helping-hands-124413/|title=Helping Hands|date=23 November 2016}}</ref> at L V Prasad Hospital helped with recommending experts and provided free surgeries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/padma-awardee-retina-surgeon-in-kashmir-to-treat-pellet-injuries-1438009|title=Padma Awardee Retina Surgeon in Kashmir To Treat Pellet Injuries|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/Mumbai-docs-treat-pellet-injuries-in-Kashmir/articleshow/53438137.cms|title=Mumbai docs treat pellet injuries in Kashmir|first=Anil |last=Raina |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=28 July 2016}}</ref> Kadam had brought more than a dozen doctors<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.knskashmir.com/news.aspx?news=Attention-pellet-victims-10118|title=Attention pellet victims|last=KNS|date=19 August 2016|website=KNS}}</ref> to Kashmir to perform some of the most critical surgeries in [[SMHS Hospital]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/community/chennai-surgeon-comes-to-aid-of-pellet-victims/272662.html |title=Chennai surgeon comes to aid of pellet victims |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date=29 July 2016 |accessdate=6 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://risingkashmir.com/news/kaniyakumari-doctors-mission-kashmir-illuminating-lives-of-pellet-victims|title=Kaniyakumari doctor's mission Kashmir: Illuminating lives of pellet victims|website=Rising Kashmir}}</ref> in [[Srinagar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/plight-of-kashmiri-youth-suffering-from-pellet-injuries-tragic-says-doctor-dr-s-natarajan-pune-3002935/ |title=Plight of Kashmiri youth suffering from pellet injuries tragic |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=30 August 2016 |accessdate=30 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/29/world/asia/pellet-guns-used-in-kashmir-protests-cause-dead-eyes-epidemic.html?_r=0 |title=An Epidemic of 'Dead Eyes' in Kashmir as India Uses Pellet Guns on Protesters |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=28 August 2016 |accessdate=28 August 2016}}</ref>

Rah-e-Niswan (women's way), is a [[social entrepreneurship]] campaign in Kupwara. Initiated by Kadam, it is a project for women entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir. The project trains girls in making [[sanitary napkins]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/content/archival/news/india/jammu-kashmir-two-women-fight-menstrual-taboo.html|title=In Kashmir, two girls combat menstrual taboo, unhygienic practices|website=theweek.in}}</ref> [[Machine embroidery#Computerized machine embroidery|computerized embroidery]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kashmirmonitor.in/Details/134332/determined-kupwara-girl-earns-name-in-digital-embroidery/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=18 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042610/https://www.kashmirmonitor.in/Details/134332/determined-kupwara-girl-earns-name-in-digital-embroidery/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> [[stitch (textile arts)|stitch]]ing, [[knitting]], fabric painting, and [[tailoring]].{{dead link|date=August 2020}}<ref>[https://www.randomshouts.in/menstrual-cycle-taboo-kashmir/ ]{{dead link|date=April 2019}}</ref> The aim of the project is to assist them in being self-sufficient and financially independent. Kadam has also helped young girls and boys to find jobs in various cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afternoonvoice.com/story-two-extraordinary-girls-borderless-foundation.html|title=Story of two extraordinary girls of Borderless Foundation|date=8 November 2017}}</ref>

[[Jammu Life Line]] was launched in 2017 by Kadam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2019/04/04/nrg5-jk-bsf-ambulance.html|title=NGO hands over ambulance to BSF in Jammu|website=The Week}}</ref> It is an [[ambulance service]] started for the people on the border districts of the [[Jammu region]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://greaterjammu.com/critical-care-ambulance-provided-for-the-border-areas/|title=Critical Care Ambulance Provided for the Border Areas - Greater Jammu -- The Daily News Paper|first=Greater|last=Jammu|date=3 April 2019}}</ref> Kadam started the project after documenting the lives of people living on the [[Line of Control]] (LoC). The Indo-Pakistan border at LoC is considered perilous where skirmishes occur occasionally and sometimes result in civilian casualties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2020/01/01/loc-skirmishes/|title=LoC Skirmishes|website=Kashmir Observer|date=January 2020}}</ref> The Jammu Life Line project is also partnered with the Border Security Force.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/national/467867-pune-based-ngo-donates-ambulance-to-bsf-in-jammu|title=Pune based NGO donates ambulance to BSF in Jammu|first=Devdiscourse News|last=Desk|website=Devdiscourse}}</ref>

Kadam has given inspirational talks at various platforms. He was a speaker at a [[TED (conference)]] at Rajarampur Institute of Technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/23216|title=TEDxRajarambapuIT - TED|website=ted.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cosw.in/event_details.php?type_id=RXZlbnQ=&id=ODA=|title=MVP|website=cosw.in}}</ref> He has also been a speaker at [[Stanford University]], [[UC Berkeley]], [[Princeton University]] and at various [[Rotary International]] clubs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://f5multimedia.com/works/|title=Works - F5 Multimedia Studio}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-diary-sunday-dossier/16993199|title=Mumbai Diary: Sunday Dossier|date=28 February 2016|website=mid-day}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnzmgJGrE0 |title=Adhik Kadam Talking at Rotary, USA |first=Pranav |last=Prabhudesai |date=24 June 2015|via=YouTube}}</ref>