Says ‘Startup Kashmir Must Continue Its Journey to Engage More Entrepreneurs’
Srinagar: In its continued efforts to foster entrepreneurship, startups, and self-employment, Startup Kashmir organized a vibrant meet-up at Meydani Café in Srinagar. The event, aimed at building a strong and sustainable startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed the participation of startups, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs from various fields.
The event titled “Scaling Business – From Local to Global” featured renowned fashion designer Samina Khan as the guest speaker. Samina captivated the audience with her insights on the importance of evolving Kashmiri craftsmanship to meet the demands of the global market. She remarked, “Kashmiri design isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about ensuring it survives, evolves, and thrives in a competitive world.”
During her interaction with participants, Samina shared her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. She recounted how she started her business with limited resources, faced numerous challenges, and persevered through setbacks to establish herself as a globally recognized designer known for her exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Samina’s story and vision left the audience inspired, highlighting the immense potential of Kashmiri craftsmanship on the international stage.
Speaking at the event, Shahid Ansari, Founder of Startup Kashmir, emphasized the urgent need for youth to take proactive steps in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams. “It is high time we take control of our economy and contribute towards making Kashmir a self-reliant region,” he said, inspiring attendees to embark on their journey of innovation and enterprise.
The event brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, offering a platform for sharing ideas and feedback, fostering a dynamic conversation on the future of Kashmiri handcrafts and design.
Nazir Ganaie, Multimedia Head of Kashmir Observer and Executive Editor of Startup Kashmir Magazine, emphasized the importance of building a robust startup ecosystem in Kashmir. He urged for the establishment of a hassle-free, single-window system to support entrepreneurs. Ganaie also highlighted the need for startups and innovators to identify existing gaps within the community and work towards addressing them to foster growth and development.
Dr. Qazi Haroon, another speaker, stressed the urgent need for innovation in the healthcare sector. He pointed out that mental health remains a significant challenge for society, urging individuals to take action and engage with young people who are struggling with these issues. Dr. Haroon emphasized the importance of providing support and creating awareness to address the mental health crisis.
Urnaib, the owner of Meydani Café at The Bund, Srinagar, shared her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the numerous hurdles she has faced along the way. Despite these challenges, she emphasized that passion has been the driving force behind her perseverance. Urnaib urged the community to show more consideration towards beginners and startup owners, offering support and encouragement to help them succeed in their ventures.
The event highlighted Startup Kashmir’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking. This initiative is a vital step toward building a robust, sustainable startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
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