Srinagar, March 8 -- The youngest of four sisters, Neelofar grew up in the traditional and conservative setting of the old city. However, she was always determined to make unconventional choices, often challenging societal norms. Active in sports and an exceptional student, she completed her primary and secondary education at a government school before pursuing a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Agriculture. She later earned a Ph.D. in Floriculture and Landscaping from SKUAST-Kashmir.

Neelofar credits her father as the driving force behind her decision to pursue agricultural science. "My father was my greatest source of inspiration," she said. "From high school, he encouraged me to study science, always reminding me that women hold up h...