A people person in every sense of the word, she’s endearing and empathetic. Equally adept at connecting with the masses and speaking their language or being a charming conversationalist when rubbing shoulders with Delhi’s elite.
She is Kausar Jahan, born into what some might see as an easy, privileged life yet the reality is that she has faced some of life’s toughest challenges along the way. Having lost both her parents to the terrible pandemic wave that hit last year, she found herself in unprecedented circumstances overnight. Not only were her personal pillars gone, their family business which was already heavily impacted by the economic climate at the time, had lost its proprietors. It is admirable how she has held her own amidst this terrible tragedy, coming out more determined than ever to face the future with courage and optimism.
Her late mother Begum Fatima Husain belonged to an aristocratic lineage, with great grandfather Nawab Fakhr Ul Mulk Bahadur, Hyderabad’s leading Shia nobleman of the Nizam era. Her paternal ancestry consists of bureaucrats, academic heavy weights and political office bearers. As she puts it, “I am blessed to be born with such illustrious pedigree, however the world we live in is all about the here and the now. All that matters is who we are today and our contribution to society. Actions must speak louder than words.”
She has travelled the world and has had many opportunities to settle overseas, but her heart resides in the motherland. Kausar Jahan is a self-confessed nationalist who has worn many hats professionally, from being a local entrepreneur to social activist. Long-time associate of leading women empowerment NGO Sampurna, she has also recently joined the Bharatiya Janta Party and beams with pride when talking about what she calls “a golden or more accurately, saffron opportunity.”
Fiercely motivated by her goals, making an impact through public service is what drives her. It is this burning ambition that gives her purpose and fuels her passion to help empower women from minority communities and more broadly support women in need of guidance.
Coming from a cosmopolitan family herself, Kausar believes in the uniting power of humanity. As she says, “There is no shortage of negative news surrounding us humans, so the least we can do is try to make our own positive story, even if it is through the small changes we may bring about in one person’s life around us.” Her personality has been carved out of her upbringing as an Indian First and is blended with immense pluralistic values. She endeavours to carry on the process of taking along everyone towards evolution of positivity and camaraderie among all. Her association with the largest political party is backed by her commitment to contribute to the nation taking along all constituents.
Her generosity, kindness and personable nature makes you warm up to her instantly, however behind the gentle exterior lies the soul of a fighter. Dynamic, resilient and loved by those who cross her path, Kausar Jahan has all the makings of an emerging leader, undoubtedly a woman to watch.