Shubham Yadav from Alwar, Rajasthan bested 93 candidates to become the first non-Muslim and non-Kashmiri resident to top the all-India entrance exam for a Master’s course in Islamic Studies at Central University of Kashmir (CUK).

‘I have been getting several calls, including from journalists, who thought it was a big deal to crack the entrance exams. It really isn’t. It’s like any other subject dealing with law, culture and behaviour,’ said Yadav to ThePrint.

The ‘growing Islamophobia and religious polarisation’ across the world fascinated the 21-year-old aspiring civil servant and ignited the urge in him to understand the religion.

Yadav says Islam is stereotyped so are Islamic studies. ‘Islamic Studies is not just about the study of Muslims but an exploration of Islamic law and culture,’ Yadav s.

‘I believe that, in the future, the administration will need conciliatory mechanisms between Hindus and Muslims and, for that, the administration will require people with greater understanding of religion. I would like to be there if that happens,’ he added.

Professor Hamidullah Marazi, the head of the CUK religious Studies Department, which oversees the course, called up Yadav to congratulate him soon after the list of students over 40 who had cleared the exam was released.

‘It was a delight to see Shubham’s name at the top of the list.’ Marazi started the department in 2015. Since then, several non-Muslims from every corner of nation have come to study here.

‘But it is the first time that someone from outside Kashmir has topped the list. Not that identity should matter, but students taking interest in studies to explore different cultures is a welcome step,’ said Marazi, adding that he is hoping Yadav decides to study in Kashmir.

However, the philosophy graduate, who is awaiting the results of other entrance exams, may not take up the Islamic Studies course. His first choice is to pursue law at Delhi University. Results for Delhi University’s law programme entrance will be declared on 18 November.

‘My first preference is to study law but I also want to prepare for UPSC exams in the future. Being at Delhi University is just the right thing to do if one wants to study for civil services,’ he said.

Yadav, whose father owns a small business in Rajasthan and mother is a history teacher, said his parents ‘are very liberal when it comes to my education.’

‘They have been happy with my results and have clearly told me to pursue whatever field I like. If I am not able to crack DU exams, Central University of Kashmir will likely be my go-to-place. Religious and study of Islam is something that I will pursue irrespective of the field I am in,’ he added.

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