Suhail Khan
Sopore, Oct 31: As per the recent Periodic Labour Force Survey, nearly 46.3 percent of educated youth in Jammu & Kashmir are unemployed, which marks the second highest rate in India. However, some youth in the region are demonstrating resilience and an entrepreneurial spirit in the face of adversity.
After losing hope of securing government jobs, many educated youth have turned to entrepreneurship as an alternative and are now thriving in their endeavors.
Among them is Shakir Akbar, a young entrepreneur who has opened Ilmistan, a unique study lounge in Apple Town, Sopore.
Recognizing the critical need for peaceful and dedicated study environments, Shakir has created a sanctuary for students aiming to excel in competitive exams.
In a conversation with The Web Story/The Varmul Post, Shakir said that Ilmistan is a library-cum-study lounge in Sopore, providing students with a peaceful, private, clean, and quiet environment to prepare for competitive exams.
He stated that at Ilmistan, students can study, take breaks, and refresh themselves with all necessary facilities available.
Shakir said that he and his sister observed a significant lack of private and quiet study spaces in Kashmir, particularly in the northern part. Noticing how youth outside Jammu and Kashmir are advancing rapidly, he felt a desire to contribute something beneficial to society before taking from it. This inspired his excitement for the idea of Ilmistan.
Shakir emphasized that they have always believed in the immense potential of youth in Kashmir. “Our young people are as capable and ambitious as anyone else in the world, yet they lack spaces that truly support their journeys. Ilmistan is here to change that.”
He highlighted that students today are interested in various activities and often frequent the best dining and entertainment spots. However, there is a scarcity of spaces that foster the right environment for academic growth. “These spaces should inspire their studies and serve as a means to achieve a successful and bright future,” he added. “That’s why I opened Ilmistan, even with minimal business margins, as it aims to deliver something meaningful to society and for our younger generation.”
Shakir further said that the Ilmistan library-cum-study lounge features 152 cabins, and students must follow a proper registration procedure to use the facilities.
He stated, “Initially, we have started with permanent cabin rentals at minimal rates with additional services; however, in the near future, we plan to introduce random cabin options at even lower rates.”
The entrepreneurial spirit of the youth in Kashmir is exemplified by the success stories of several young entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges and created thriving businesses in the region over the years. These success stories not only inspire others but also showcase the immense potential of Kashmir as a land of opportunities.
