English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Russian
Spanish
Urdu
Srinagar : Kashmir Youth Parliament today organised an intellectually driven youth engagement program at Kongposh – TDC, Rajbagh, Srinagar, under the theme “Ideas to Impact: Mindset, Mentorship, and Market.” The program was conceptualised as a structured platform for dialogue, mentorship, critical thinking, and meaningful public engagement, with a special focus on nurturing young minds and encouraging them to transform ideas into impact.
The initiative brought together speakers from academia, entrepreneurship, industry, education, and social leadership, creating a space where youth could listen, reflect, question, and engage with issues that shape their aspirations and opportunities. The larger purpose of the event was to promote a culture of informed discussion, constructive mentorship, and responsible youth participation in society.
The program was divided into three focused sessions, each addressing a vital dimension of youth development.
Session 01: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The first session was moderated by Dr Touseef Bhatt, Entrepreneur and State Convenor, MSME.
The guest speakers for the session were:
• Prof. (Dr) Mir Parvaiz, Director, CEID-IUST
• Ms Khair ul Nisa, Entrepreneur
• Dr Umar Mufeed, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies, University of Kashmir
The session explored the importance of innovation-led thinking, entrepreneurship as a mindset, and the need to create local ecosystems that encourage youth to move beyond conventional limitations and become creators of opportunity.
Session 02: How Stereotypes Shape Youth Opportunities
The second session was moderated by Prof Mir Salim, CEO, Commerce Guru.
The guest speakers for the session were:
• Dr Shahid Jibran, CEO, CISR-IIM
• Irfana Zargar, Social Activist / Pad Women of Kashmir
• Syed Aijaz Kashani, Social Activist
This session focused on the deeper social and psychological barriers that often shape youth confidence, access, and participation. The discussion underlined the need to break limiting stereotypes and create an environment where young people are judged by their potential, talent, and contribution rather than by inherited assumptions.
Session 03: Ideas and Finance
The third session was moderated by Dr Touseef Bhatt, Entrepreneur and State Convenor, MSME.
The guest speakers for the session were:
• Er. S.P. Qalandar, Senior Industrial Consultant
• Qaisar Jan, Co-founder & Managing Director, Orion Valley Solar Pvt Ltd; Co-Convener, She-forum at PHDCC Chamber of Commerce
• Shahid Khan, Educationist
The session highlighted the importance of financial awareness, practical understanding of markets, and the role of strategic thinking in converting ideas into sustainable ventures and long-term value.
A significant feature of the event was the interactive Q&A and open-mic engagement after every session, allowing participants to directly interact with the panelists. This added depth to the program by ensuring that the event remained not merely speaker-centric, but genuinely youth-centered and participatory.
Kashmir Youth Parliament stated that the program was designed to cultivate a generation that can think critically, engage responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to the future of society. By bringing together mentorship, ideas, and dialogue under one platform, the initiative seeks to inspire youth not only to dream, but also to debate, develop, and deliver.
The event reflected the growing need for intellectual forums in Kashmir that invest in the transformation of young minds through conversation, exposure, and guided engagement. Kashmir Youth Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to continuing such platforms in the future to strengthen youth leadership, civic understanding, and idea-driven growth.
