KABULI, SHRI ABDUL RASHID, M.A., LL.B. [National Conference—Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, 1984]  s. of Khowja Sona Ullah Kabuli; b. at Abiguzar, August 15, 1936; ed. at C. M. S. Tyndale Biscoe School, S. P. College, and Amar Singh College, Srinagar, University of Kashmir and Jammu University; m. Qanita Farah; Lawyer; previously associated with Janata Party; Imprisoned from 1964 to 1970 (including solitary confinement for 17 months in Udhampur Jail) for participating in mass political movements and restoration of democracy, suffered a serious bullet injury in August 1980 while pacifying frenzied mobs in Srinagar; Founder President, Jammu and Kashmir students and Youth  League, Member, Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly, 1972-83; Leader, Janata Legislature Party and Leader of Opposition, Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly, 1978-83; Member, Seventh Lok Sabha, 1983-84.

Social activities:  Has always been on the side of the downtrodden and the exploited and secured many concessions for artisans; and working classes; sponsored many movements to fight for the equality of women; struggled against the social evils especially connected with marriage ceremonies; successfully piloted a Bill in the State Assembly against the dowry system, known for powerful and fiery oration, which he has always used for stirring public opinion.

Favourite pastime and recreation:  Pondering over great ideas in books of revelation and of people living no more whose ideas have meaning and relevance to the times; watching historic and modern buildings, picnic spots, art, painting and poetry, dramas, cultural ethos of the sub-continent including Kashmir, wild flowers and natural objects and yearning for peace of mind and spirit; A playwright, short story writer and an essayist; a prolific writer in Urdu and Kashmiri.

Special interests:  Inculcating self-confidence, courage and consciousness among the downtrodden and under-privileged sections of the society; fighting against communal virus.

Sports and clubs:  Football, Hockey, Swimming and Aquatics.

Permanent address:  5, Pratap Park, Residency Road, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.