Bashir Assad, a brilliant student admired for his intellect and charm, initially fell under the sway of extremist ideologies through Jamaat-e-Islami. By 17, deeply indoctrinated, he preached Maududi Islam. However, witnessing the violent militancy of the 1989 Kashmir insurgency jolted him out of his religious fervor. Disillusioned, he renounced extremism and dedicated his life to countering it. Bashir pursued journalism and activism, becoming a prominent voice against violence perpetrated by both militants and security forces. Despite surviving multiple assassination attempts and enduring torture, he remained undeterred. He founded the NGO Lehar to guide Kashmiri youth towards constructive and rational political engagement. Through his writings, workshops, and public speaking, Bashir tirelessly advocates for peace and reconciliation in Kashmir.