A madrasa in Dehradun has been quietly teaching children of the Balti community, a niche ethnic group native to the Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pak-occupied Kashmir, the importance of their heritage and the Sufi way of life for over two decades
Ali Hussain’s heart is set on joining the army. “My grandfather was in the army and is an inspiration for me,” says the 16-year-old from Turtuk. That is the last Indian settlement near the LoC, beyond which lies Gilgit-Baltistan.
For the past four years Hussain has been living over a 1,000km away from home in Ambari, Uttarakhand, where a madrasa propagating Sufi views gave him a chance to dream big. He is not alone — Madrasa Sufia Noorbakshia, located around 40km from Dehradun, has been shaping the lives of Balti children for almost 25 years.
For the past four years Hussain has been living over a 1,000km away from home in Ambari, Uttarakhand, where a madrasa propagating Sufi views gave him a chance to dream big. He is not alone — Madrasa Sufia Noorbakshia, located around 40km from Dehradun, has been shaping the lives of Balti children for almost 25 years.