Farooq Abdullah is a big name in Indian politics. He comes from Jammu and Kashmir. This article tells his life story in simple words. Today is March 12, 2026. He is still active in politics at age 88. His life is full of ups and downs. Let us read about him step by step.
Early Life
Farooq Abdullah was born on October 21, 1937. The place was Soura in Srinagar. Srinagar is in Kashmir Valley. His father was Sheikh Abdullah. Sheikh Abdullah was a great leader. People called him Lion of Kashmir. He fought for Kashmir's rights. Farooq's mother was Akbar Jehan Abdullah. She was strong too. Farooq grew up in a big family. He had brothers and sisters. His home was full of talk about freedom and politics. Young Farooq saw his father lead big rallies. This shaped his mind early. He loved Kashmir's green hills and lakes. But politics was always near him.
Farooq went to school in Srinagar. He did well in studies. Then he left for higher education. He went to India first. Later, he flew to England. There, he studied medicine. He worked hard day and night. In 1965, he became a doctor. His degree was MBBS. He trained at Cardiff Royal Infirmary.
Farooq wanted to help sick people. But fate had other plans. His father's work pulled him back to politics. He practiced medicine for some years. Yet, politics called louder. Farooq married Mollie Abdullah. She was from a Christian family in England. They met during his studies. They have three children. Son Omar is also a leader now. Daughters Sara and Afshan help in family matters.
Farooq Abdullah Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Son, Family
Politics
Farooq came back to India in the 1960s. He opened eyes to Kashmir's problems. His father led National Conference party. It was the main party in Jammu and Kashmir. In 1967, Farooq joined it. He was young and full of energy. People liked his smile and bold talk. In 1980, he won big. He became MP from Srinagar seat. This was his first win in Lok Sabha. Farooq spoke for Kashmir's needs in Delhi. He mixed modern ideas with old values. Sheikh Abdullah was old by then. Health was not good. In 1982, Sheikh died. Farooq felt sad. But he took charge. He became president of National Conference. Soon, he was Chief Minister. This was on September 1982. Age was just 45.
His first term was short. It lasted till 1984. Family fight hurt him. His brother-in-law G.M. Shah split the party. Shah made a new group. Congress helped Shah. Farooq's government fell. He felt angry. But he did not give up. He waited for next chance. In 1986, he came back strong. National Conference joined hands with Congress. Farooq became Chief Minister again. This term went till 1990. Times were tough. Militancy rose in Kashmir. Young boys took guns. They wanted separate country. Rubaiya Sayeed was kidnapped. She was daughter of a minister. Kashmiri Pandits left Valley. They ran from danger. Farooq tried peace talks. But Delhi dismissed his government. President's rule came. Farooq went to London. He stayed there for years.
Tough Years
1990s were hard for Farooq. Kashmir burned in fire of violence. He watched from far. Heart ached for his land. In 1996, elections came. Farooq returned home. National Conference won many seats. He became Chief Minister third time. This term lasted six years. Till 2002. He worked on roads and schools. Power supply improved a bit. Tourism started slow return. Farooq joined NDA alliance. It was led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Son Omar became minister in Delhi. For outer affairs. Family was in power. Farooq spoke for more freedom for Kashmir. He said Article 370 is key. This made some leaders in Delhi upset. But people in Valley loved him.
In 2002, his government fell again. PDP and Congress made new team. Farooq sat in opposition. He did not stay quiet. He attacked rivals in speeches. His voice was loud and funny. People came to hear him. In 2008, elections happened. National Conference won with Congress. Omar became Chief Minister. Farooq was happy. He guided from back. But in 2014, big change came. BJP joined PDP. National Conference lost power. Farooq felt bad. He said coalition was wrong. In 2019, Article 370 ended. Jammu and Kashmir became Union Territory. Farooq was in jail for some days. He spoke against it. Said Kashmir heart is hurt.
Personal Side
Farooq's family is close to politics. Son Omar Abdullah is young leader. He was Chief Minister too. From 2009 to 2014. Omar learned from father. He is MP now. Daughters Sara and Afshan stay low. But they help party work. Farooq loves cricket. He played in youth. Now he watches matches. He likes good food. Kashmiri Wazwan is favorite. He speaks Urdu, Hindi, English well. Voice has Kashmir tune. Farooq faced health issues. Once heart surgery. But he fights back. Age 88 now. Still goes to rallies.
Wife Mollie is his strength. She lives simple life. They live in Srinagar and Delhi. Farooq writes books too. One is "My Dismissal". It tells his side of story. He meets people daily. Listens to problems. Poor farmers come to him. He gives advice. Farooq is doctor by training. So he cares for health. He started eye hospital in Srinagar. Many poor get free care.
Political Views
Farooq always wants autonomy for Kashmir. He says special status must return. Hurt by 2019 changes. But he says India is home. No full separation. He talks peace with Pakistan. Meets leaders there. Hates terrorism. Calls militants misguided youth. Farooq joined INDIA alliance lately. Against BJP. In 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he won Srinagar seat. Big margin. People trust him. At 87 then. Now in 2026,
He guides party. Son Omar contests assembly polls. Farooq hopes for power back. He speaks on climate too. Glaciers melting in Kashmir. Tourism hit. Farooq says save nature. He likes youth power. Tells them study and vote. No guns. His speeches mix jokes and serious words. Crowd laughs then thinks. Farooq is bridge between old and new Kashmir.
Achievements
Farooq was Chief Minister five times. No one else did that. Terms: 1982-84, 1986-90, 1996-2002. Plus short ones. He was Union Minister. For new and renewable energy. Under Manmohan Singh. Made solar power push. Kashmir got some plants. He built Gupkar Road. Helped economy. Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences grew big. Under him. Power projects like Baglihar. Water to farms. Farooq won Padma Bhushan award.
In 2019. High honor. In Parliament, he spoke bold. On Babri Masjid. On floods in Kashmir 2014. Helped relief. Farooq made National Conference strong. It rules hearts in Valley. He faced jail many times. By Delhi rulers. But came out stronger. People call him Doctor Sahab. With love.
Challenges
Life not easy. Family splits hurt. 1984 defection by Shah. 1990 militancy wave. Pandits left. Blame on him some put. But he tried control. 2019 changes shocked. Special status gone. He said democracy killed. Health fights. COVID time he got virus. Recovered. Age brings weakness. But spirit high. Political rivals call him dynasty man.
He says people choose us. Vote after vote. Kashmir problem long. Pakistan side claims. China too. Farooq walks middle path. India first. But Kashmir voice heard. He lost father early. Took big shoes. Did his best.
Legacy Today
On March 12, 2026, Farooq is senior statesman. Guides Omar. Party eyes polls. Wants statehood back. He meets Amit Shah, others. Talks solution. Youth see him as fighter. Books written on him. "Kashmir's Prodigal Son". "Farooq of Kashmir". Tell his drama life. Farooq changed Kashmir politics. From father’s era to now. He loves land. Fights for peace. Simple man in suit. Big heart. His story teaches never quit.
Farooq Abdullah's life is like Kashmir. Beautiful but stormy. He stands tall. At 88, still speaks truth. India needs such voices. For unity in diversity. His journey from doctor to leader inspires many. In Kolkata or Delhi, people know him. For bold stand.