In the late 90s, Kashmir's Kulgam district bore witness to a landscape colored by the intense and often violent push-pull of politics and insurgency. Remembering 1998, the valley was shaken by the death of Arif Khan of Zangalpora, South Kashmir's renowned militant, during a confrontation with security forces. His passing was met with an outpouring of grief, evidenced by the approximately 40,000 attendees at his funeral, led by the fiery separatist hardliner, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who journeyed from Srinagar for the occasion.

The shadows of militancy lingered for years. A striking instance was when two neighboring villages hotly contested the burial rights of the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba’s Pakistani chief commander, Abu Qasim. His end came at the hands of the Jammu and Kashmir Police soon after he was involved in the demise of a noted counterinsurgent officer, Altaf Dar, often referred to as Altaf Laptop. The contention was so fierce that each village was adamant about laying Abu Qasim to rest within their boundaries, a testament to the deeply rooted culture of AK-47s and militancy that once defined the area.

However, times change. And as we delve deeper into this story, we'll uncover how this land, once synonymous with militancy, is now basking in a different kind of recognition.

Two decades ago, the mere thought of Kulgam was intertwined with images of rifles, militant parades, and widespread insurgency. The younger generation lived under the omnipresent shadow of the gun, whether they feared it or revered it. But like the proverbial phoenix, Kulgam has risen from those ashes, undergoing a heartening and impressive transformation.

Fast forward to today, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. The youngsters of Kulgam are more likely to be seen wielding pens and tapping away on laptops than holding guns. An insatiable hunger for knowledge and progress has taken hold, with a surge in youth pursuing education, delving into science and technology, and dreaming bigger than ever before. The district, previously known for its jihadist insurgency, now boasts a long list of accomplished professionals. Hundreds of top-tier doctors, engineers, academicians, and government officers hail from this region, showcasing the area's incredible turnaround.

Take Dr. Feroz Paddar, for instance. A cardiologist by profession, he now owns and operates a hospital in the USA. But he hasn't forgotten his roots. To give back to his hometown, he's also established a prominent school in Kulgam. And then there's Imtiyaz Ismail Parray. Choosing a different path, he took on the challenging Union Public Service’s competitive exams. His determination bore fruit in 2008 when he secured a place in the IPS, and he currently serves as a Deputy Inspector General of Police.

The tales of these stalwarts, along with countless others, serve as a testament to Kulgam's extraordinary journey. They are shining examples of how, with the right mindset and opportunities, one can rise above adversities and reshape the destiny of an entire community.

A New Star in Apple’s Sky: Kulgam’s Own Shines Bright

From the heart of Zangalpora, a name has recently been etched in golden letters into the annals of the Apple ‘Hall of Fame.’ At just 21, Muneeb Amin Bhat stands as a shining example of the potential lurking in the valleys of Kashmir. His claim to fame is no minor feat. Muneeb discovered a critical vulnerability within the systems of Apple Inc., potentially threatening the integrity of iCloud data.

Apple Inc., an epitome of innovation and sophistication in the tech arena, has continually redefined how the world perceives and uses technology. Since its establishment in 1976, the tech giant has introduced products that have revolutionized industries, with iconic inventions such as the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and more. Given Apple's prestigious stature, making a mark in their 'Hall of Fame' speaks volumes about Muneeb's acumen and skills.

Muneeb's recognition isn't just a personal achievement but a testament to Kulgam's transformative journey and its undying spirit. This young tech wizard's achievement is a beacon of hope and a message to the world: Talent knows no boundaries and thrives even in the most unexpected places.

Apple Inc.'s influence is undeniable. Its evolution has not just changed the dynamics of how we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves but has also left a transformative impact on the global economy. As it permeates various landscapes, it touches stories like that of Muneeb's from the valleys of Kashmir.

Kashmir's association with a name as esteemed as Apple could herald an era of unparalleled opportunities for its youth. Muneeb's journey to the apex of cybersecurity began with a vital academic shift. Although he initially enrolled for a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science at SSM, he realized within a year that his heart was elsewhere. He then switched his academic trajectory towards a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) through the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

Muneeb's attraction to the domain of cybersecurity isn't a recent development. His flame for this field was ignited much earlier, tracing back to 2011-2012, during his formative years in the fourth grade. As he scaled the heights of cybersecurity, it was evident that passion, when married to purpose, can lead to unparalleled greatness.

As Muneeb looked back at his early years, he fondly remembered a time when the internet's expanse was significantly limited in his region. “Back then, the internet was a luxury rather than the necessity it has become today,” he reminisced. Operating primarily via a mobile device, his curiosity led him down paths less trodden in the online world of his times. “I was enamored by hacking. Gaining internet access through Wi-Fi in unconventional ways was not just intriguing but also entertaining. To be honest, in those naive days, the possible legal consequences of such activities were beyond my grasp,” he candidly shared with KashmirLife.

However, as the years rolled on and technology became more accessible, Muneeb's pursuits evolved. Platforms like YouTube became his tutors, introducing him to the ethical side of hacking. It was an eye-opener. He discovered the world of ethical hacking, where instead of exploiting vulnerabilities for malicious purposes, one identified and reported them responsibly. “This was a game-changer for me. It was the moment I realized I could channel my interests into something that was not just legal but also constructive. It offered a chance to genuinely contribute positively to our increasingly digital realm,” Muneeb passionately conveyed. The subsequent years saw him dedicating himself to mastering this craft, refining his skills, and becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of ethical hacking.

While Muneeb might be a veteran with ten years of hacking experience under his belt, he firmly believes that the world of technology is forever young and evolving. “The fascinating thing about ethical hacking is its relentless dynamism. Every day, there’s something new to learn, a fresh challenge to embrace,” Muneeb remarked.

Though he has chosen the path of a freelance ethical hacker, Muneeb’s thirst for knowledge never seems to quench. He continuously hones his skills, diving deep into the intricacies of new programming languages and integrating them seamlessly into his professional endeavors.

On his journey, Muneeb also enlightened us about the commendable initiatives by tech giants. “Major players like Google, Apple, and Facebook have set up responsible disclosure platforms,” he explained. These platforms invite tech enthusiasts to dig deep into their systems, identify potential vulnerabilities, and report them. “And it’s not just about identifying the flaws. Once your findings are verified and recognized as genuine vulnerabilities, not only are there monetary rewards, but there’s also the prestigious honor of having your name etched in the company’s 'hall of fame.' It’s recognition on a global scale,” Muneeb added with a hint of pride.

In today's digital age, the significance of ethical hacking has skyrocketed, becoming a linchpin for many established organizations. Renowned companies, like Tesla, aren't just passively benefiting from it; they're actively urging these virtuous hackers to dig deep into their systems, unearthing vulnerabilities and reporting them responsibly.

But it's not just about the nobility of the act. There's a lucrative side to it as well. “When you unearth a critical vulnerability, the rewards can be quite bountiful. Sometimes, it can even run into the millions. The payoff largely hinges on two factors: the magnitude of the enterprise and the severity of the vulnerability,” Muneeb elucidated.

And there's no proverbial ceiling to what one can earn. “The bigger the company, the heftier the reward. There's virtually no upper limit,” he affirmed, hinting at the boundless opportunities this domain offers.

Muneeb's story isn't just another success narrative; it's an epitome of dedication, resilience, and mastery. Engaging for merely 3-4 hours daily in the intricate craft of ethical hacking, Muneeb rakes in monthly earnings that ascend to the lakhs. It's not just about the income, though that's undoubtedly impressive. It's about the commitment, the persistence, and the passion that drives such achievements.

His journey underscores a broader truth pertinent to our tech-centric era: the domains of ethical hacking and cybersecurity aren't merely niche sectors; they're burgeoning fields brimming with opportunity. And for those who embark upon this path with dedication, not only are there intellectual rewards but also tangible financial prosperity.

In concluding this narrative, one thing is clear: in a world increasingly intertwined with technology, individuals like Muneeb illuminate the path forward, showing how expertise in digital realms can lead to both personal and professional triumphs.