Opinion | Drangyari: A Beacon of Change and Opportunity in Kashmir

Tucked away in the serene foothills of Bangus Valley, Drangyari is a small, untouched village that is reimagining its future. Once a quiet settlement, it is now emerging as a hub of sustainable tourism and inclusive economic growth.The initiative is supported by SIDBI, TYCIA, the Indian Army, and the district administration under Project Jazba, Drangyari is fostering livelihoods, challenging societal norms, and carving a path towards progress.
At the heart of this transformation are the people of Drangyari, who have united to start over 50 micro-businesses. From homestays to adventure tourism and petty shops, these initiatives are providing employment opportunities and driving socio-economic development in the region.
Inclusive Growth, Led by the Community
The change in Drangyari is fueled by inclusivity. Women, who were once limited to traditional roles, are now managing homestays, running community kitchens, and operating local businesses. This shift has not only brought financial stability but has also fostered a newfound sense of purpose and pride.
“Being part of this initiative has given me confidence and a sense of belonging. We are building a better future for everyone,” says Shafeena, a local entrepreneur.
The collective effort has created a model where everyone—men, women, and youth—play an active role in the village’s growth.
Alongside Drangyari’s emergence as a tourism hub, the village’s education landscape has also seen a transformative shift with the revival of its middle school. Previously operating with three cramped 10×10 classrooms, no washrooms, and high dropout rates—especially among girls—the local school in the Drangyari village, now boasts three sufficiently large and fully equipped classrooms, modern washrooms for boys and girls, and temperature-controlled infrastructure, to sustain during harsh conditions. With the district administration’s support, four teachers have been recruited for the 80 enrolled students from grades 1 to 8. The school is now furnished with 35 desks and benches, eight whiteboards, and a solar inverter, ensuring a conducive and reliable learning environment for the village’s children.
This transformation marks a pivotal step in addressing long-standing educational challenges in the region, providing children with access to quality education and empowering the community and nearby villages to envision a brighter, more inclusive future.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Change
On the other hand, Homestays in Drangyari have become the cornerstone of its tourism model. Families have converted parts of their modest homes into cozy accommodations, supported by hospitality training by members of Project Jazba. The region has embraced adventure tourism to attract thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Eleven camps, equipped with essential amenities, have been set up across scenic spots in the village with support for infrastructure and logistics. The village has also ventured into adventure sports with the introduction of ATV rides, paddling, and zorbing. Local youth have been trained to operate and maintain the equipment.
Drangyari’s tourism offerings are deeply rooted in its culture and natural beauty. Evenings in the village come alive with musical bonfires led by local musicians, fostering meaningful connections between villagers and visitors. This immersive approach to tourism has made Drangyari a destination that celebrates both tradition and progress.
Challenging Stereotypes Through Unity
The transformation of Drangyari goes beyond economic development—it is a story of challenging long-standing stereotypes and creating an inclusive future. By involving every segment of the community, Drangyari is fostering social cohesion and building a narrative of empowerment and progress. The people have now stepped in to participate in a cleanliness drive in the region, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and a feeling of how they can break the cycle of neglect.
On the other hand, Petty shops in the vicinity, adventure sports, and community-driven tourism have not only diversified income sources but also strengthened bonds within the village. Fireside discussions and collaborative projects have reinforced a shared vision.
A New Chapter for Kashmir’s Future
Drangyari is no longer just a remote village on the map—it is a symbol of hope and resilience. By prioritizing inclusivity, sustainable tourism, and local leadership, this small community is redefining what development can look like in Kashmir.
For those seeking adventure, culture, and a chance to witness real change, Drangyari offers more than an escape. It invites you to be part of a journey toward a brighter and more inclusive future.

Women of Kashmir, rewriting the Narrative with Walnut Processing Unit:
Anderhama, Kupwara: In a region long affected by militancy, a group of ten women from Anderhama village in Kashmir’s Kupwara district are rewriting the narrative around themselves and their region. These women, scarred by personal loss and struggle, have come together to launch a walnut processing unit—a shining example of courage, community, and entrepreneurship. With crucial support from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Ananya Birla Foundation, the Indian Army, and the TYCIA Foundation under Project Jazba.
Their journey illustrates how collective action, cultural pride, and modern business practices can drive socio-economic transformation. As part of a broader mission, Project Jazba aims to cultivate over 200+ entrepreneurs across Kupwara and Bandipora districts. With the main aim to reshape the narrative of Kashmir as a thriving, innovative, and resilient region. how collective action, cultural pride, and modern business practices can drive socio-economic transformation.
A Collective Solution to Shared Challenges
Recognizing the economic struggles faced by women in Anderhama due to the loss of family breadwinners, women came together to create sustainable livelihoods. Their flagship product, a traditional walnut chutney, is the first step in building a comprehensive agribusiness focused on walnut-based products.
At the heart of this transformation is the production of walnut-based goods, starting with a traditional walnut chutney. Building on this success, the unit has expanded its repertoire to include walnut chocolate rocks, walnut fudge, and brownies.
The women, under training by Ms.Paakiza, manage the entire product manufacturing and operation—from sourcing walnuts to adopting modern packaging and branding techniques. Their efforts have resulted in total sales of ₹2,30,000 to date, with significant orders coming from the Indian Army and plans underway to tap into retail markets.

With financial and logistical backing from their partners, the women have been able to set up a dedicated workspace equipped with proper storage and packaging facilities. This enables them to maintain high quality standards while scaling their production efficiently. From sourcing to managing finances and ensuring quality control, the women run all aspects of the business.

The unit has already secured an order of 2000 walnut chutney bottles and 100 customised gift hampers leading to a stable income source for the women involved. The impact of the initiatives extended far beyond revenue generation. Women across both units have shown significant increases in confidence and self-esteem as they actively contribute to household income. Beyond economic empowerment, cultural revitalization has emerged as a key outcome. The walnut chutney production is reviving traditional Kashmiri recipes, while the unit has significantly progressed to making walnut chocolate rocks, walnut fudge and brownie, to navigate through the business aspects of leveraging a natural resource.
Socially, the project has sparked important conversations around gender roles. The initiative has fostered confidence and self-reliance, enabling the women to challenge traditional gender roles and gain respect within their families and communities. Families have embraced the women’s entrepreneurial contributions, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and challenging deep-rooted stereotypes. Their efforts gained national attention when their walnut products were showcased at the Regional Winter Carnival 2025 and was sent to the Chief of Army Staff to represent the region, symbolizing the empowerment of Kashmiri women and their pivotal role in driving social change.
The group further plans to expand their product range and scale up operations, with a vision to market their goods across wider geographies. The support from SIDBI, Ananya Birla Foundation, the Indian Army, and TYCIA Foundation is instrumental in realizing these goals.

Poshpora Women Revive Kashmiri Craftsmanship Through Textile Unit
Kupwara, Kashmir
In the heart of Poshpora, a village once synonymous with tragedy, a remarkable story of resilience and progress is unfolding. Zareena, a visionary leader from the village, is spearheading a transformative initiative to revive the region’s traditional arts while providing sustainable livelihoods to local women. With the scars of the 1991 Kunan Poshpora incident etched in its history, the community is now rewriting its narrative—this time as a hub of creativity, culture, and empowerment.
Under the banner of Project Jazba, Zareena has mobilized 20 women artisans, aged 18 to 40, into two dedicated groups specializing in Kashmiri crewel work and sozni embroidery. These artisans are blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities, creating high-quality shawls, home décor, and other artifacts inspired by Kashmiri culture, poetry, and folklore.
Empowering Women Through Skill Development
The initiative goes beyond economic opportunities, focusing on empowering women to take charge of their futures. Training programs are underway, covering vital skills such as time and money management, leadership, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. These programs are designed to equip the artisans with the tools they need to succeed in both production and business operations.
The textile unit aims to preserve and restore Indian craftsmanship, leveraging the rich heritage of Kashmiri handwork. The artisans’ creations will cater to the national market, with vendors already onboarded to take these products to exhibitions and retail platforms.
Zareena’s initiative is a beacon of hope, showing how grassroots efforts can drive economic and social development. As vendors prepare to showcase these products in exhibitions, the women artisans are also being introduced to e-commerce platforms, further ensuring the sustainability and scalability of their work.
A New Chapter for Poshpora
The transformation of Poshpora into a thriving center for traditional textiles represents more than just economic growth—it symbolizes the strength of a community reclaiming its narrative. By turning pain into progress, Zareena and her team are setting an example for the entire region, proving that collective action, creativity, and determination can build a brighter future for Kashmir.
For those looking to support or witness the revival of Kashmiri craftsmanship, Poshpora’s textile unit is a testament to the power of art, resilience, and hope.

Baking Dreams into Reality: A Story of Resilience and Entrepreneurship in Lassipora
Lassipora, Kupwara
In the serene village of Lasipora, nestled in the Kashmir Valley, two determined men are turning their aspirations into reality. Showkat Ahmad Ganai, a skilled baker with over five years of experience at Srinagar’s renowned Mughal Darbar Bakery, and Rayees Ahmad Mir, a postgraduate in Political Science with teaching experience, have joined forces to establish a thriving bakery business. Their venture is more than just a business—it’s a beacon of hope and progress for the region.
A Journey of Resilience and Collaboration
Both Showkat and Rayees have faced their share of financial struggles. However, their shared vision and complementary skills have enabled them to overcome obstacles and pursue their dream of creating a state-of-the-art bakery production house in Lassipora. While Showkat brings his technical expertise and experience in baking, Rayees’s academic background and managerial acumen are helping the duo expand their business operations.
Reviving Traditional Flavors and Modernizing Operations
Currently focused on manufacturing traditional Kashmiri bakery products like cakes, bread, cookies, and the iconic bakarkhani, the bakery supplies high-quality goods to the local market. Inputs for their products are sourced locally, ensuring that the business benefits nearby farmers and suppliers.
As they scale their operations, Showkat and Rayees are set to move into retail. A new retail outlet in Sogam, spearheaded by Rayees, will soon offer fresh baked goods to customers, blending traditional recipes with a modern business model.
The bakery has already made waves at the Winter Carnival held in Kashmir on January 11, 2025, achieving sales of ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 in a single day. Local service in their immediate periphery has further cemented their reputation as providers of premium, fresh, and authentic baked products.
This initiative goes beyond commerce. It represents a significant step toward economic development and self-reliance in Lassipora. By sourcing ingredients locally and employing innovative practices, the business is fostering a ripple effect of economic activity in the region.
Additionally, the duo’s venture is helping modernize the perception of business in rural Kashmir. By embracing digital tools and scaling up gradually with a focus on quality, they are setting a benchmark for aspiring entrepreneurs in the valley.
A Vision for the Future
With their production house operating smoothly and retail expansion underway, Showkat and Rayees plan to introduce counter sales and diversify their product range in the near future. Their journey is a testament to how resilience and collaboration can turn adversity into opportunity. They are set to receive further support from Project Jazba.
For the people of Lassipora and beyond, the bakery isn’t just a source of delicious treats—it’s a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change in the region. As the aroma of fresh bread and cookies wafts through the valley, it’s clear that Showkat and Rayees are baking more than just goods; they’re baking dreams into reality.

Ali Muhammad : Batting for a Brighter Tomorrow in Kashmir
Kupwara, Kashmir
Amid the serene backdrop of Kashmir’s picturesque valleys, Ali Muhammad is crafting more than just cricket bats—he is reshaping his life and inspiring his community. A man of resilience and determination, Aliis setting up a bat-making unit that not only aims to create a sustainable livelihood for his family but also aspires to provide employment opportunities for local youth.
Ali’s journey has not been without challenges. Having endured a history of incarceration and economic hardship, he is now rewriting his narrative through entrepreneurship. Ali is turning his past struggles into fuel for a promising future, by leveraging his experience and networks in the industry from over the past years.
Harnessing Local Resources for Economic Growth
The foundation of Ali’s venture lies in the abundant Kashmir willow, renowned for its quality in crafting cricket bats. By sourcing raw materials locally, his business is not only tapping into a valuable natural resource but also contributing to the local economy. Ali has already acquired one or two machines necessary for the production process, marking the initial steps in setting up a full-fledged manufacturing unit.
Once operational, the unit will cater to the growing demand for high-quality cricket bats in regions like Ludhiana and Punjab, with plans to eventually expand into the national market. This strategic vision reflects Ali’s drive to establish Kashmir’s presence in India’s sports goods industry.
A Catalyst for Employment and Change
Beyond personal success, Ali’s venture aims to uplift the local community. By employing youth in the manufacturing unit, he is providing them with a chance to build their skills and earn a stable income. This initiative is a vital step in addressing unemployment in the region while fostering a sense of pride and self-reliance among its residents.
Ali’s story also challenges stereotypes, proving that transformation is possible even in the face of adversity. His commitment to rewriting his narrative and contributing to the community exemplifies how individual resilience can inspire collective progress.
A Vision for a Thriving Future
As the bat-making unit takes shape, Ali’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for change through determination and resourcefulness. His vision of expanding into broader markets while supporting local livelihoods reflects the broader theme of economic and social development taking root in Kashmir.
For Ali, every bat crafted is more than just a piece of sports equipment—it’s a symbol of hope, redemption, and a brighter future for his family and community. With support and determination, he is batting for a better tomorrow, proving that even the most challenging beginnings can lead to transformative success.

By : Vanisha Chawla

( Writer can be reached on vanishachawla7@gmail.com )