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Dr Darakhshan Andrabi Biography
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi (born 1974, age 51 as of 2025) is an Indian politician, writer, poet, and reformer from Jammu & Kashmir who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board since 2022, a post with the status of Minister of State, making her the first woman in the world to head a Waqf Board.
She is also a National Executive Member of the BJP and part of its J&K Core Group, having earlier founded the Socialistic Democratic Party which she merged with BJP in 2014.
Known as the “Daughter of India,” she has launched campaigns like Vote for India and Aman Ke Liye Rai-Shumaari, authored acclaimed works in Urdu and Kashmiri, and received honors such as the J&K State Highest Civilian Award, Rani Laxmi Bai Award, Rajbhasha Samman, and Sahir Ludhyanvi Award.
Under her leadership, the Waqf Board has undertaken major reforms, including geo-tagging 32,000 properties, digitizing records, and in 2025 announcing record salary hikes for daily wagers and staff, while also firmly addressing political controversies, thereby cementing her legacy as a bold reformist leader bridging politics, faith, and literature.
Wikipedia
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi |
| Date of Birth | 1974 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 51 years |
| Birthplace | Kashmir, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Ethnicity | Kashmiri |
| Languages | Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English |
| Profession | Politician, Academic, Poet, Social Activist |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Current Position | Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board |
| Early Life & Education | Born in a Kashmiri Muslim family in 1974, she pursued higher studies with excellence, earning a PhD and later contributing as an academician, poet, and activist. |
| Rise to Fame & Career | Rose to prominence as a female voice of BJP in J&K, appointed as Chairperson of J&K Waqf Board, where she introduced reforms, transparency, and modernization in administration. |
| Literary Contributions | Published poetry in Kashmiri and Urdu, reflecting themes of resilience, culture, and women empowerment. |
| Academic & Career | Holds a PhD, participated in conferences, seminars, and policy dialogues, bridging scholarship with governance. |
| Key Initiatives | Reforms in Waqf administration, modernization of religious institutions, youth empowerment, women’s rights advocacy, and promotion of peace and harmony in J&K. |
| Net Worth | Not publicly declared; primarily from political, academic, and literary career. |
| Awards & Recognition | Honored for literary achievements, women empowerment advocacy, and reformist leadership in J&K. |
| Relationship | Married, but keeps her personal life private; husband’s details are undisclosed. |
| Physical Stats | Age: 51 (2025) · Hair: Black · Eyes: Dark Brown · Appearance: Professional, modest, often in traditional Kashmiri attire. |
| Facts & Trivia | • First prominent female BJP leader from Kashmir• Poet & writer in Urdu and Kashmiri• Advocate for women empowerment• Reformist of J&K Waqf Board• Outspoken political voice. |
| Social Media Handles | Twitter: @DrDarakhshanFacebook: Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi |
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi’s Early Life, Family, and Education
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi (born 1974, age 51 as of 2025) was raised in an educated and religious Kashmiri Muslim family where she received her early schooling in English-medium institutions during the 1980s and early 1990s.
She went on to pursue higher education, earning a Master’s in Urdu from the University of Kashmir in the mid-1990s, a Master’s in Philosophy from Lucknow University in the late 1990s, and a Master’s in Psychology from Aligarh Muslim University around the early 2000s, before completing her Ph.D. in Urdu at Guru Nanak Dev University in 2007, where her research focused on the literary contributions of noted Urdu poet Makhmoor Sayeedi, laying the academic and intellectual foundation for her later career in literature, social reform, and politics.
Rise to Fame & Political Career
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi (born 1974, age 51 as of 2025) began her political journey in the early 2000s when she founded the Socialistic Democratic Party (SDP) in Jammu & Kashmir, through which she launched campaigns such as Vote for India and Aman Ke Liye Rai-Shumaari that gained her recognition as a bold voice for unity and peace.
In 2014, she merged her party with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and quickly rose within its ranks to become a National Executive Member, spokesperson, and part of the J&K Core Group.
Her reputation as a reformist leader further strengthened when in 2022 she was appointed Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board with the status of Minister of State, becoming the first woman in the world to head a Waqf Board, and under her leadership she introduced historic reforms including geo-tagging and digitization of 32,000 Waqf properties, employee welfare measures, and infrastructure upgrades.
By 2025, she had cemented her position as a fearless reformer, defending constitutional values amid political controversies and announcing record salary hikes for daily wagers and staff, thus establishing herself as one of the most influential women leaders from Jammu & Kashmir.
Academic & Career
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi built a strong academic foundation before entering active politics, beginning with her Master’s in Urdu from the University of Kashmir in the mid-1990s, followed by a Master’s in Philosophy from Lucknow University in the late 1990s, and a Master’s in Psychology from Aligarh Muslim University in the early 2000s.
She crowned her academic journey with a Ph.D. in Urdu from Guru Nanak Dev University in 2007, where she researched the works of Urdu poet Makhmoor Sayeedi.
Alongside her academic pursuits, she established herself as a poet and writer in Urdu and Kashmiri, publishing acclaimed works that positioned her as both a literary and intellectual voice from Kashmir.
Her academic background in languages, philosophy, and psychology deeply shaped her worldview and leadership style, enabling her to seamlessly transition into public life, first through founding the Socialistic Democratic Party in the early 2000s and later through her rise in the BJP after 2014, culminating in her appointment as Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board in 2022, where she blended her academic insight with practical governance to drive large-scale reforms.
Literary and Social Contributions
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi has made remarkable strides as both a literary figure and social reformer, beginning her writing career in the 1990s with contributions to Urdu and Kashmiri poetry, later publishing acclaimed collections that earned her national and state-level recognition.
Over the years, she has been honored with prestigious awards including the J&K State Highest Civilian Award (2009), the Rani Laxmi Bai Award (2011), the Rajbhasha Samman (2012), the Sahir Ludhyanvi Award (2015), and the Vandemataram Samman (2018), celebrating her role in literature and social activism.
Through her initiatives like Vote for India and Aman Ke Liye Rai-Shumaari, launched between 2008 and 2012, she used her platform to promote communal harmony and national integration, earning the affectionate title of the “Daughter of India”; as a social reformer.
Her most impactful work came after 2022 when, as Waqf Board Chairperson, she combined her literary sensitivity with administrative reforms, modernizing religious institutions, advocating women’s empowerment, supporting the underprivileged, and promoting cultural preservation, making her a unique blend of poet, intellectual, and reformist leader.
Key Initiatives & Impact
As Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Dr. Andrabi oversees approximately 32,000 Waqf properties, including shrines and mosques. She has spearheaded reforms to geo-tag these assets, digitize records, improve infrastructure for pilgrims, and enhance transparency in management.
Around Eid 2025, she issued a landmark decision raising wages for daily-wagers within the Waqf Board—massively boosting their salaries from meager amounts (e.g., ₹3,000) to substantial figures like ₹15,000–₹18,000. Regular staff, pensioners, and faculty also received substantial hikes and allowances.
In September 2025, amid controversy over the national emblem’s placement on a refurbished Hazratbal mosque plaque, Dr. Andrabi denounced opposition as politically motivated, called for FIRs against the perpetrators, and defended the emblem’s constitutional relevance.
Personal Life
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi (born 1974, age 51 as of 2025) is known to be married, although she keeps her personal life private and away from the media; while the name of her husband and further family details are not publicly disclosed, she is respected for balancing her family life with her political, academic, and social responsibilities, earning admiration as both a family-oriented woman and a dedicated public servant.
Net Worth
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed as of 2025, her financial standing is linked to her political career, government position as Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board (since 2022), and literary works, rather than private business or commercial ventures, making her reputation more grounded in service, recognition, and public office than personal wealth.
Controversies of Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi
1. Bold Political Statements: As one of the prominent BJP leaders in Kashmir, Dr. Andrabi has often faced criticism from regional opposition groups who accuse her of being “too vocal” in defending central government policies in Jammu & Kashmir.
2. Reforms in J&K Waqf Board: Her decision to introduce strict accountability, financial transparency, and modernization of religious institutions under the Waqf Board drew both praise and criticism. Supporters hailed her for fighting corruption, while critics accused her of “politicizing” religious institutions.
3. Opposition from Traditionalists: Some conservative groups in Kashmir opposed her stance on progressive reforms, women empowerment, and modernization, considering her views too “liberal” for the region’s cultural setup.
4. Target of Online Criticism: As an outspoken woman leader in a male-dominated political landscape, she has frequently been targeted on social media by both political opponents and trolls, though she continues to remain firm and unapologetic.
Awards & Honors of Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi
1. Literary Recognition Awards: for her contributions to Kashmiri and Urdu poetry.
2. Women Empowerment Honor: awarded by cultural and social organizations for her advocacy of women’s rights in Jammu & Kashmir.
3. Social Service Award: for her community welfare initiatives and reformist role in Waqf institutions.
4. Political Leadership Recognition: acknowledged by national and regional platforms for her active role in BJP and Kashmir politics.
5. Cultural Preservation Award: for promoting Kashmiri identity, literature, and traditions through her writings and activism.
6. Honorary Felicitations: at various conferences, seminars, and social gatherings for her public service and intellectual contributions.
Facts & Trivia about Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi
First woman in the world to head a Waqf Board (2022).
Nicknamed the “Daughter of India” for her peace campaigns.
Founded the Socialistic Democratic Party before merging it with BJP in 2014.
Launched campaigns like Vote for India and Aman Ke Liye Rai-Shumaari between 2008–2012.
An accomplished poet and author, writing in Urdu and Kashmiri.
Advocates for women’s empowerment, communal harmony, and modernization of shrines.
Oversaw geo-tagging and digitization of 32,000 Waqf properties as Chairperson.
Announced historic salary hikes for Waqf Board employees in 2025.
Known for fearlessly defending constitutional values during controversies.
Recipient of major honors: J&K State Highest Civilian Award (2009), Rani Laxmi Bai Award (2011), Rajbhasha Samman (2012), Sahir Ludhyanvi Award (2015), Khillat-e-Noor (2017), Vandemataram Samman (2018).
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi’s Official Social Media
X (Twitter): @drdarakhshan
Facebook: Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi Official
Instagram: @drdarakhshanandrabi
FAQs
1: Who is Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi?
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi is a Kashmiri politician, poet, academic, and social activist, serving as the Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
2: When was Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi born?
She was born in 1974 in Kashmir, India, and she is 51 years old as of 2025.
3: What is Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi famous for?
She is famous for her political leadership in BJP, reforms in J&K Waqf Board, literary contributions in Kashmiri and Urdu poetry, and advocacy for women empowerment.
4: What is Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi’s educational qualification?
She holds a PhD degree and is respected as an academic scholar, poet, and reformist leader.
5: What are Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi’s key contributions?
Her key contributions include modernizing the J&K Waqf Board, ensuring accountability and transparency, and promoting cultural preservation, women’s rights, and youth empowerment.
6: Has Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi received any awards?
Yes, she has been honored for her poetry, literary achievements, social reforms, and political leadership in Jammu & Kashmir.
7: Is Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi married?
Yes, she is married, but she keeps her personal life private, and her husband’s details are not publicly disclosed.
8: What is Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is not publicly declared, but her influence comes from her political, academic, and social work.
9: What are Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi’s social media handles?
She is active on Twitter (X): @DrDarakhshan and Facebook: Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi.
10: What makes Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi unique?
She is one of the first prominent female BJP leaders from Kashmir, combining politics, literature, and social activism, making her a reformist voice in J&K.
In Conclusion
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi (born 1974, age 51 as of 2025) stands out as a trailblazing Kashmiri politician, poet, academic, and social reformer who has successfully balanced intellectual pursuits with political leadership.
Rising through the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she has earned recognition as the Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board, where her reforms brought accountability, transparency, and modernization.
Beyond politics, her literary contributions in Kashmiri and Urdu poetry, along with her dedication to women empowerment, education, and social service, showcase her as a multifaceted leader.
With a career rooted in integrity and a private yet supportive family life, she continues to inspire many as one of the most influential female voices from Kashmir, embodying the values of resilience, culture, and progressive leadership.
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