During a diplomatic seminar in Dhaka, a map mistakenly placed Jammu & Kashmir on the Pakistani side. IFS Officer Pooja Kumar Jha promptly objected, reaffirming India's official stance and earning widespread praise online.
Key Takeaways
- Incorrect Indian map displayed at a Dhaka seminar
- IFS Officer Pooja Kumar Jha immediately corrected the error
- Her response highlighted India's firm position on territorial integrity
At a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka, a presentation displayed a map of India that incorrectly placed Jammu & Kashmir on the Pakistani side. The mistake prompted an instant reaction from IFS Officer Pooja Kumar Jha, who declared, “The map of India being displayed is incorrect. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.”
Seminar Context and Immediate Reaction
The event attracted diplomats, scholars, and Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid as the chief guest. Former Bangladeshi diplomat to India Ahmed Tariq Karim was delivering the talk when the erroneous map appeared. Pooja Jha, serving as Second Secretary (Political and Information) at the Indian High Commission, raised her objection without hesitation, echoing India’s long‑standing position on the disputed region.
Profile of Pooja Jha
Jha belongs to the 2022 batch of the Indian Foreign Service. She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2021 on her first attempt, securing an All‑India Rank of 82. Hailing from Puranhiya village in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, she now resides in Delhi with her family. Her father has worked for nearly four decades as an office helper in a private firm in Gurugram, while her mother manages the household.
Overcoming Socio‑Economic Barriers
As the fifth daughter in a modest household, Pooja faced cultural biases that often favoured sons over daughters. She has spoken about confronting these prejudices through education and professional achievement. Financial constraints forced her family to shift from private schools to government and MCD schools, yet she consistently excelled academically, ultimately securing a coveted diplomatic posting.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding the Jammu & Kashmir issue and reinforces India’s unwavering stance on its territorial integrity. Moreover, Pooja’s decisive action serves as a powerful narrative for young Indian aspirants—especially women—demonstrating that perseverance can break societal barriers and shape national discourse.
