Srinagar, April 30, 2025: Shahid Ansari, the founder of Startup Kashmir and a leading advocate for entrepreneurship and sustainable development, delivered an inspiring lecture on “Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Livelihood” today at the prestigious Jammu & Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration, and Rural Development (IMPA) in Srinagar.
The session was attended by officers from various government departments, including Industries & Commerce, Handicrafts & Handloom, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and the J&K Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM), among others.

In his address, Mr. Ansari emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift in governmental operations to foster entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized dismantling bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining processes to enable aspiring entrepreneurs to engage more effectively with government institutions. “To build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, we must reimagine how departments collaborate and function. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and creating a supportive environment is critical to nurturing innovation and sustainable livelihoods,” he stated.
Mr. Ansari further highlighted the importance of cross-departmental synergy, urging stakeholders to adopt proactive measures that empower grassroots innovators. “Entrepreneurship isn’t just about individual success—it’s about collective growth. By aligning policies with the needs of startups, we can transform Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of economic resilience,” he added.

Dr. B A Kumar, a distinguished expert, contributing valuable perspectives on the theme.
The event saw an engaging exchange of ideas and perspectives, with participants exploring opportunities to synergize efforts across departments and stakeholders to uplift local entrepreneurs and create sustainable economic opportunities.
The event highlighted IMPA’s ongoing efforts to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building among government officials to drive sustainable economic development in Jammu & Kashmir.