Sobia Nabi: Champion of Public Speaking, Gender Equality, and Student Leadership in India

Sobia Nabi, known affectionately as Tabu, is a 19-year-old rising star from Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, making waves in the fields of public speaking and social advocacy. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Political Science from the University of Delhi, Sobia has already established herself as a leader in the academic and social justice spaces. As the Secretary & President of Aawaz ,The Debating Society and Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee at Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), she has championed causes such as gender equality and youth empowerment. Her accomplishments as an ambassador for Lafz India and her awards in debating and essay writing reflect her passion for leadership and social change.

Early Life and Education

Sobia Nabi was born on May 26, 2003, in Kupwara, a picturesque town nestled in Jammu and Kashmir. From an early age, Sobia demonstrated a keen interest in academics and leadership. Her parents, especially her mother Hassina Begum, supported her aspirations, fostering a strong sense of independence and intellectual curiosity in her. Tragically, Sobia lost her father, Ghulam Nabi Ganie ,a well known businessman at a young age, but this hardship only strengthened her resolve to succeed and honor his memory.

Her academic journey began at Kupwara Public School, where she matriculated with a commendable 87% in her matriculation exams. Moving on to Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kupwara, Sobia continued to excel, securing 95.6% in her 11th-grade examinations and 86% in her 12th grade. This academic excellence paved the way for her to attend the University of Delhi, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Political Science with First-Class honors. 

Currently, Sobia is pursuing her Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Delhi, focusing on governance, policy-making, and international relations. Her academic success and leadership roles at the university have made her a role model for many young students, particularly women.

Leadership and Public Speaking: A Star in the Making

Sobia Nabi has always had a natural flair for public speaking, a skill she honed over the years through practice and dedication. Her talent was recognized early on when she joined the Aawaz Debating Society at Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), where she quickly rose through the ranks to become its Secretary.Her leadership has transformed the society into a platform for engaging in meaningful discourse on critical issues, ranging from politics to social justice.

One of her most notable achievements is her role as an Ambassador for Lafz India, the country’s largest public speaking platform. In this capacity, Sobia has inspired countless individuals to develop their public speaking skills and use their voice to advocate for causes they believe in. As a seasoned debater, she has participated in numerous competitions, often leading her team to victory. 

Her success in public speaking is reflected in her numerous awards, including:

- Best Team Leader Award in the M. M Beg Memorial Parliamentary Debate Competition.

- First Position in the All India Essay Writing Contest organized by Miranda House, University of Delhi.

- Winner of the Lincoln Elocution Competition in the National Youth Fest organized by Arctik Circle.

- Quarter-Finalist in the prestigious British Parliamentary Debate Competition.

Advocating for Gender Equality: A Role Model for Social Justice

Beyond her accomplishments in public speaking, Sobia has taken up the mantle of advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights. As the President of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee at Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), Sobia plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students on campus.

Her work includes organizing gender sensitization workshops, implementing anti-harassment policies, and providing a safe platform for students to voice their concerns.

Her advocacy extends beyond her college, as Sobia is actively involved in promoting gender equality at various forums. She has served as a Moderator for lectures on political and social justice topics, including sessions with distinguished speakers such as Professor Narendra Kumar from Jawaharlal Nehru University and Professor Kahkashan Y. Danyal from Jamia Millia Islamia University. These platforms have allowed her to bring attention to issues such as workplace harassment, women’s rights, and the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect vulnerable populations.

Public Representation and Media Recognition

Sobia’s impact is not limited to the academic sphere; her leadership and advocacy have gained recognition in the media as well. She was selected as the Representative of Kupwara District's Student Body, where she delivered a powerful speech before Lt. Governor Shri Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir. This opportunity allowed her to highlight issues affecting her community, particularly the need for better educational infrastructure and support for youth empowerment.

Her work in public speaking and gender advocacy has also attracted attention from various media outlets, including Kashmir Crown, where she was interviewed about her journey, challenges, and future aspirations. These interviews have given Sobia a platform to inspire other young women from marginalized communities to pursue their dreams and make their voices heard.

Awards and Achievements: A Legacy of Excellence

Sobia’s list of accomplishments is both extensive and inspiring. Among her notable awards and recognitions are:

- College Crest Award from Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), an honorary award recognizing her exceptional contributions to the academic and social life of the college.

- Co-author of the book “Gemstones and Frientimacy”, which explores the complexities of friendship and intimacy in modern relationships.

- First Position in the All India Essay Writing Contest at Miranda House, University of Delhi.

- Winner of several high-profile debate competitions, including the Lincoln Elocution Competition and British Parliamentary Debate.

Her accolades are a testament to her hard work, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to excellence. Each award reflects her ability to balance her academic responsibilities with her leadership roles, all while remaining true to her principles of social justice and equality.

Lesser-Known Facts About Sobia Nabi

While Sobia’s public persona is well-documented, there are several lesser-known facts about her that paint a fuller picture of her personality:

1. A Love for Literature: Sobia is an avid reader, with a particular fondness for classic literature. Some of her favorite authors include Jane Austen and George Orwell, whose works she often references in her speeches and essays.

2. Multilingual Skills: Sobia is fluent in four languages—English, Urdu, Kashmiri, and Hindi and learning French now from Hansraj College university of Delhi —allowing her to connect with diverse audiences and participate in multilingual debates.

3. Interest in International Relations: Sobia’s long-term career goal is to work in the field of international relations and diplomacy, representing India on global platforms.

4. Passion for Poetry: In her free time, Sobia writes poetry, often drawing inspiration from her personal experiences and the social issues she advocates for.

5. An Enthusiastic Host: Sobia has hosted more than 15 academic and cultural events at her college, a testament to her versatility as both a speaker and event organizer.

Future Projects and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Sobia Nabi has big plans for her future. She aspires to pursue a career in international relations, with a focus on diplomacy and conflict resolution. Her academic background in political science, combined with her experience in public speaking and leadership, positions her as a strong candidate for roles in global governance and advocacy.

Sobia also plans to continue her work in public speaking, with the goal of expanding her reach to a national level. She is currently working on a book that explores the intersections of gender, politics, and culture in India, which she hopes will spark important conversations about the challenges facing young women today.

In addition, Sobia is looking forward to participating in more national and international debate competitions, where she can further hone her skills and represent her college and community on a larger stage.

Conclusion

Sobia Nabi’s journey from a small town in Jammu and Kashmir to the bustling academic and social scene of Delhi is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to public speaking, gender advocacy, and academic excellence has earned her numerous accolades, but more importantly, it has positioned her as a role model for young women across India. 

With a bright future ahead, Sobia’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when driven by passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Connect with Sobia Nabi on Social Media

Sobia maintains an active social media presence, where she shares her thoughts on current events, public speaking tips, and updates about her advocacy work. You can follow her journey on Instagram:

• Instagram: sobia._19