Jameela Akhter (JaJi)
Fiercely independent, quick with a laugh, and always the first to lend a hand — she worked hard for everyone she loved, and never once slowed down for herself.
The Lioness
Biography
Early Life
Jameela Akhter was born on 14 April 1972 in Goripora, Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir, to Ghulam Rasool Najar, a Zonal Education Officer in the Tral Education Zone, and Zoona Begum. The youngest of three siblings, she grew up alongside her brother, Ashraf Ullah Najar, and sister, Hanifa, in a family that deeply valued education, discipline, and integrity.
Education
She completed her schooling at Government High School, Goripora, followed by Higher Secondary education at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Pampore. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from Women's College, Maulana Azad Road, Srinagar, and later completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of Kashmir.
Marriage & a Life of Teaching
On 15 May 2007, she married Asif Iqbal Tantray. Three months later, on 10 August 2007, she began her career as a General Line Teacher under the Education Department, Zone Awantipora. Her dedication, discipline, and compassion earned the respect of colleagues, students, and parents throughout her career, culminating in her final posting at Government Middle School, Poshwan.
Family
Jameela and Asif were blessed with two children, Ahtisham Asif Tantray and Ifqa Rani. As a mother, she balanced affection with discipline, encouraging her children to think independently, work hard, and face life with courage and integrity. Known for her humor, patience, resilience, and unwavering principles, she touched countless lives with her kindness and quiet strength.
Her Final Journey
In her later years, Jameela faced significant health challenges. Following surgery for a mucocele of the appendix at Ahmad Hospital, Nowgam, Srinagar, performed by Dr. Nazir Ahmad Kar on 20 September 2020, she underwent regular follow-up treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, for four years, along with preventive oncology consultations at Tata Memorial Hospital, Chandigarh.
Her health unexpectedly began to decline in early November 2025. Extensive evaluations followed at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, and Narayana Hospital, Gurugram. On 20 November 2025, she was admitted to Super Specialty Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Srinagar, under the care of Dr. Tanveer Hassan Baba, remaining hospitalized for 14 days. Further opinions were sought from PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, AIIMS New Delhi, and Manipal Hospital Gurugram, and testing eventually returned an elevated 14-3-3 protein result.
As her condition worsened, she was admitted again on 17 December 2025 and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, without improvement. On 30 December 2025, she was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease — a rare and devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
From 31 December 2025 until 11 March 2026, she received exceptional palliative care from her husband, Asif Iqbal Tantray, whose unwavering love, dedication, and support never left her side. Surrounded by her family, Jameela passed away peacefully on the night of 11 March 2026 at 11:15 PM, at the age of 52. She was laid to rest the following morning at Baragam, Tral.
Though her life was cut short, her legacy lives on through the family she nurtured, the students she guided, and the countless people whose lives were shaped by her compassion, resilience, and unwavering character.
"Wake up early, pray often, work hard, and live life on your own terms." — Jameela Akhter
Her Timeline
A few of the moments that shaped her journey.
Born
Born on 14 April in Goripora, Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir.
Education
Completed her B.Sc. at Women's College, Srinagar, followed by a B.Ed. from the University of Kashmir.
Marriage
On 15 May, Jameela married Asif Iqbal Tantray, beginning a partnership that would carry her through the fullest and, later, the hardest chapters of her life.
A New Career
Began her career as a General Line Teacher, Zone Awantipora, on 10 August.
A Son is Born
Welcomed her first child, Ahtisham Asif Tantray, into the family.
A Daughter is Born
Welcomed her second child, Ifqa Rani, completing the family she cherished.
A Health Challenge
Underwent surgery on 20 September and began years of careful follow-up care that she faced with quiet strength.
Diagnosis
Diagnosed on 30 December with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, a rare and devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
Passed Away
Passed away peacefully on 11 March, surrounded by family, and was laid to rest at Baragam, Tral.
Gallery
Reflections
"She was my greatest blessing, my strength, and the heart of our family. Her love, faith, and kindness continue to guide us every day."
— Asif Iqbal Tantray, spouse of Jameela Akhter"She was a wonderful woman, and the greatest blessing I ever had. Her presence made me feel truly alive."
— Ifqa Rani, daughter of Jameela Akhter"She was (and still is) a legandary woman, frought with warrior spirit and unwavering discipline. You are one of a kind."
— Ahtisham Asif Tantray, son of Jameela Akhter