SRINAGAR: Delhi Public School Srinagar is basking in pride as two of its Class XI students, Syed Fatimah Andrabi and Zaairah Alhaq, have clinched prestigious international scholarships, earning places on the global stage through programmes that celebrate academic brilliance, leadership, and intercultural engagement.
VIDEO | Syed Fatimah, a student from Pampore has earned a coveted spot in the prestigious Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Programme, or KL-YES, opening for her doors to a world of opportunities. Fatimah, a student at the Delhi Public School in Srinagar, is one of just 28… pic.twitter.com/Q9RrlC5ZjH
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 5, 2025
Syed Fatimah Andrabi has been selected for the coveted Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) Program, a fully-funded U.S. government initiative that promotes cross-cultural understanding through academic exchange. Out of thousands of applicants across India, Fatimah is among just 28 students to have cleared the multi-tiered national selection process. She will spend the 2025 academic year living with a host family in the United States, attending high school, and serving as a Youth Ambassador for India—building bridges between cultures through dialogue and shared experiences.
Speaking about her achievement, Fatima said, “I feel honoured to have qualified for the KL-YES programme. It is a competitive exchange, and being selected means a lot to me. The journey had challenges, but with faith, effort, and support from my family, teachers, and friends, I was able to make it. I encourage every student to believe in themselves and keep going. If I could do it, so can you.”
In a parallel achievement, her classmate Zaairah Alhaq has been named a 2025 Global STEM Changemaker Scholar by AFS Intercultural Programs. Chosen from over 7,000 applicants globally, Zaairah is one of only 145 students worldwide and one of just four from India, selected for this elite programme. Her journey will begin with a 12-week online curriculum focusing on innovation and sustainability, followed by a four-week immersive STEM academy in Brazil, where she will collaborate on hands-on projects addressing real-world challenges.
“These achievements are a proud reflection of the values DPS Srinagar stands for—curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to global citizenship,” said the school in a statement congratulating both students. “Fatimah and Zaairah are not only representing our school but also Kashmir and India on platforms that value youthful energy and purposeful learning.”
Their selection marks a significant milestone not just for DPS Srinagar, but also for the wider community, reinforcing the idea that with dedication and vision, young people from Kashmir can rise to meet the world—and help shape its future.
