Beekeeping to Launching Website: Who is Nazim? The Kashmiri Youth Who Earned Praise & A Selfie From PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday shared a selfie with Nazim, an entrepreneur from J&K’s Pulwama, whom he referred to as his ‘friend’ and praised for his commendable work.

During a public gathering at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, which marked PM Modi’s first visit to the region post the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Nazim’s efforts.

“A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting he requested a selfie and was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavours,” Modi wrote on X, accompanying the message with a selfie featuring the Kashmiri youth.

Expressing his happiness about being chosen to speak with PM Modi, Nazim told news agency ANI, “Today, there are several schemes of the Govt that support India’s entrepreneurs but when I started, there was just one scheme…I am really happy that I was chosen to speak with PM Modi today…PM Modi asked me about my journey and he also gave some suggestions. In the end, I requested PM Modi to take a selfie with me and he fulfilled my request. That was really beautiful.”

Who is Nazim?

During the gathering in Srinagar, Nazim, a beneficiary of the Viksit Bharat programme, shared his entrepreneurial journey with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nazim’s journey began in Class 10 when he started beekeeping for commercial purposes with just two bee boxes on his roof. He informed PM Modi about his growth, securing a 50% subsidy for 25 bee boxes in 2019.

“I extracted 75 kg of honey. I started selling the honey in villages and got Rs 60,000. From 25 boxes, it went to 200 and then I took the help of PMEGP (Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme). Under that scheme, I received Rs 5 lakh and in 2020, I started my website,” Nazim narrated.

Nazim also told PM modi that with PMEGP support, his brand sold 5,000 kg of honey in 2023, employing around 100 individuals. His company even went public with FPOs.

During the interaction, PM Modi asked Nazim about his childhood aspirations. Nazim shared that while his parents wanted him to be a doctor or engineer, he followed his passion, leading to what PM Modi called “Kashmir’s sweet revolution.”

Expressing gratitude for the event and the chance to interact with the Prime Minister, Nazim advised aspiring entrepreneurs to start small and highlighted the importance of hard work.

“There are no shortcuts to success. When I began, there were limited schemes, but now the government offers many avenues,” Nazim remarked.