Opinion | From Academia to Business: The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Masroor Ah Tantray

In the beautiful village of Kujjar Frisal, tucked away in Kulgam district, lives Dr. Masroor Ah Tantray—a man whose life is nothing short of inspiring. Frisal, a well-known village in South Kashmir, is home to hardworking people, but Dr. Masroor’s story is something extraordinary. It’s a story of courage, determination, and choosing an unconventional path to secure a better future.

Dr. Masroor earned his PhD in 2010 and started teaching in the Higher Education Department. He taught at well-known colleges like GDC Anantnag and GDC Kulgam. Over the years, he became known as a dedicated teacher, respected by both students and colleagues. But behind his commitment to education were struggles—struggles that pushed him to rethink his career.
Often, he would say, “Jo kuch bhi hota hai, Allah ki marzi hoti hai. Uske aage hum kuch nahi kar sakte.” These words became his anchor through tough times. Despite putting his heart and soul into teaching, the financial strain of supporting a growing family was becoming unbearable. Inflation, rising expenses, and a salary that just wasn’t enough made things difficult. On top of that, the contractual nature of his job, where he had to reapply every year, added to the uncertainty.
By 2023, the pressure became too much. Dr. Masroor decided he couldn’t keep going like this. With courage and a heavy heart, he made a bold move—to leave his teaching career and start afresh in the business world. As he explained, “Dus saal se iss field mein tha, par ek din samajh aya ki aur kuch saal kaam karke bhi koi faida nahi hoga. Business zyada growth aur stability de sakta hai.”
He chose the dry fruits business, a trade deeply connected to Kashmir’s economy and culture. Starting small, he began with a humble cart in Shopian, selling high-quality dry fruits. Day by day, he worked hard, building trust among customers. Within a few months, he moved his business to Kulgam, where it truly began to take off. Understanding the needs of modern customers, he even started online services to make buying dry fruits easier and more convenient.
His dedication, the same that he brought to teaching, is now evident in his business. He proudly says, “Main koshish karta hoon ki apne customers ko sabse best quality doon aur wo bhi normal prices par. Har field ke apne faide-nuksaan hote hain, par agar insaan mehnat kare aur imaandari se kaam kare, toh zaroor kamyab hota hai.”
Today, people fondly call him the “PhD Dry Fruit Wala.” It’s a title that beautifully captures his journey—from the world of academia to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
His story isn’t just about changing careers; it’s about hope and determination. In a place like Kashmir, where challenges like unemployment and financial instability are all too common, Dr. Masroor’s journey shines like a ray of hope. He has shown that with courage and hard work, it’s possible to step out of one’s comfort zone and find success, even after years in another profession.
Now, his business is thriving, giving him the financial stability and peace he once struggled to find. His journey is a reminder to all of us that sometimes, success lies in taking risks and embracing change. Dr. Masroor’s life is an inspiration for many, not just in Kashmir but everywhere.
If there’s one thing his story teaches us, it’s this: no matter how tough the road gets, with hard work and faith, anything is possible.
Writer is associated with Kashmir Writers Association & can be reached at : mnoorkashmir@gmail.com