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When we look back 20–30 years in Kashmir, internet connectivity and digital infrastructure were virtually non-existent. Life was largely dependent on traditional systems of communication, transport, and trade. People relied on buses, carts, bicycles and personal interactions to conduct their daily activities. Compared to today’s digitally connected world.
If I give the example of dairy farming, in the past, dairy farmers used to carry milk cans on their backs and move from one household to another early in the morning to collect milk. It would generally take three to four hours for them to complete this task. After collecting the milk, they used to transport it to the town where it was sold. Even going to the town consumed around two to three hours of their time.
Similarly, every sector had limited transportation, communication, and the absence of the internet. Every entrepreneur used local markets, local networking, and traditional means of communication to run their business. It was tough and costly for the owner to expand the business outside the local market.
The Rise of Digitalization and Internet Connectivity
Today, we live in the modern era, known as the era of digitalization. The internet revolutionised our lifestyles, modes of learning, communication, and ultimately, ways of conducting business activities. Modern technology has helped connect entrepreneurs with their customers through various means. They can create their businesses online and can market them all across the country and internationally too.
Moreover, the transportation system has improved to an extent where it is convenient for every entrepreneur to take their products to distant areas. A product produced by an entrepreneur in a small village can be transported conveniently to major cities as well as exported to other countries.
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Another important development is the contribution of the internet connection to businesses. Small startup companies that begin from a low level can achieve recognition not only in the domestic market but far beyond it, thanks to websites, social networks, and other tools.
Today, many small businesses have found an opportunity to develop their business due to internet access, opportunities that were impossible several decades ago.
The improved connectivity of the digital era has played a positive role for Jammu and Kashmir as well. With the improvement of peace and stability in the region in recent years, the internet connection has facilitated the development of businesses by helping them reach new markets and communicate. Digital technologies allow businesses to cut costs and make communication much more effective.
Challenges of the Pre-Digital Era
A decade ago, when disruptions in the area prevented people from using the internet, many difficulties emerged. In particular, schools could not function due to frequent interruptions.
Students faced difficulties in continuing their studies, while people could not conduct business properly because of the obstacles they experienced in the market.
New Employment Opportunities in the Digital Economy
Today, with digital connectivity, new channels of employment and income generation are available for people. Influencers, vloggers, YouTubers, content creators, and digital entrepreneurs have become a new labour force. Many young people are earning their livelihoods through online content creation, promoting local culture, tourism, and various types of digital services. All such opportunities were unavailable a decade ago.
Transforming Travel and Transportation
The internet has transformed the way people travel. With applications such as Google Maps, one can know about the shortest route, distance and time to cover, and easily reach. Real-time information helps travelers in being safe and comfortable on their journey. All that used to take time and effort before is now easily achieved by the use of smartphones.
Digital Banking and Financial Inclusion
Another sector that has undergone remarkable change due to digital connectivity is the banking sector. People now do online transactions within minutes without needing to go to banks. Money can be transferred from one place to another at no cost within seconds. Previously, it would require going through lots of paperwork and travelling great distances to complete financial transactions.
Tourism in the Age of Digital Connectivity
One sector that has profited due to the digital infrastructure is tourism, which plays a crucial role in the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir. Travellers coming from different states or countries can monitor weather forecasts, look up destinations, make hotel bookings, get restaurant recommendations, buy tickets and plan their trip through the Internet, hence resulting in an increase in visitors as well as better economic growth.
Revolutionizing Communication and Social Connections
Another aspect is communication. With the help of technologies like video calling, messaging apps, and social media websites, it has become easier than ever to connect with friends and family, no matter how far away from each other they are physically located. It allows relatives to remain in constant touch and strengthen their bonds despite not being able to travel to meet one another.
The Growth of E-Commerce and Online Shopping
Internet connectivity has opened many doors for its users, including online shopping. With the help of websites like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Swiggy, etc., one can shop online easily and conveniently. Items that used to be bought after travelling to different locations to purchase them can now be purchased sitting at home and delivered to one’s address in time.
Information Sharing in the Digital Era
One of the biggest shifts is the sharing of information. In the olden times, if there were to be marriages, deaths, or other significant occasions in the family, it would take days, weeks, months, or even years before distant relatives got the news. It was usually necessary for one to personally visit these relatives to give them the news and invite them wherever necessary. Communication used to depend a lot on personal contact.
Today, the news reaches anyone in just seconds with the help of telephonic and digital communication. One can share all news with one’s family immediately, irrespective of where they are situated. This immediate way of communication has helped improve the relationship and make life much easier for many.
Digital Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Progress
Digital infrastructure and internet connectivity have been among the major pillars that have come up in our society today. They have revolutionized business, learning, banking, tourism, communication, transportation, and our lives in general. Although the difficulties faced by our forefathers are a reminder to us about how hard their lives must have been, the development that we see today is proof of how connectivity can benefit us in many ways.
About the Author: Shoiab Mohmmad Bhat is a writer, social educator and researcher from Baramulla, holds a master’s in Gender Studies and a BED. He writes on social issues, education, and gender perspectives, promoting awareness and positive change.
shoaibhat2018@gmail.com
