On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to Jammu and Kashmir, marking his first trip to the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. During his visit, PM Modi attended the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ event in Srinagar, where he inaugurated multiple projects related to agriculture and tourism. However, one particular moment from his visit stood out – a memorable selfie with a beneficiary of the Viksit Bharat program named Nazim.
Nazim, hailing from Pulwama district in South Kashmir, is an inspiring entrepreneur who started his journey with just 25 boxes of honey in 2018. Over the years, through dedication and hard work, he has grown his business significantly, now selling 5000 kg of honey annually under the brand name Al Nahal. Notably, Nazim’s success story is not just about personal achievement; it’s also about creating employment opportunities for others. Today, his business has expanded to the extent that he has provided employment to over 100 people in his community.
Nazim’s entrepreneurial journey received a boost when he availed a 50 percent government subsidy in 2019, along with a grant of ₹5 lakh under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). These initiatives enabled him to scale up his business and make a tangible impact on the local economy. His story symbolizes the transformative power of government support combined with individual initiative and hard work.
During PM Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Nazim had the opportunity to interact with him. Sharing his experience, Nazim expressed his happiness at being chosen to speak with the Prime Minister. He mentioned that PM Modi inquired about his journey and offered valuable suggestions. In the end, Nazim made a request to take a selfie with PM Modi, which the Prime Minister graciously accepted. For Nazim, it was a joyful moment and a beautiful experience to cherish.
PM Modi, in his address during the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ event, reiterated his government’s commitment to the development of the region. He highlighted the importance of initiatives like Viksit Bharat in fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth. The program aims to empower individuals like Nazim by providing them with the necessary support and resources to succeed in their ventures.
Nazim’s selfie with PM Modi garnered attention on social media platforms, with many commending the Prime Minister’s gesture of interacting with ordinary citizens and acknowledging their achievements. The selfie moment epitomizes PM Modi’s leadership style, characterized by his accessibility and willingness to engage with people from all walks of life.
Beyond the selfie, PM Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir underscored the government’s focus on inclusive development and empowerment. The projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister, particularly those related to agriculture and tourism, are expected to boost economic growth in the region and improve the livelihoods of the local population.
The Viksit Bharat program, of which Nazim is a beneficiary, aligns with the government’s vision of building a self-reliant and prosperous India. By nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering innovation at the grassroots level, initiatives like Viksit Bharat contribute to the nation’s overall economic growth and development.
Nazim’s selfie with PM Modi serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of government schemes and individual initiative. His success story exemplifies the potential for economic empowerment and job creation inherent in entrepreneurship. As India continues on its path of progress and development, stories like Nazim’s will continue to inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s growth story.
