Kashmir’s Nazim Captures PM Narendra Modi’s Attention, Secures Selfie
The individual with whom PM Narendra Modi took a selfie is a beneficiary of the Viksit Bharat program.
During his first visit to Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a selfie on Thursday with Nazim, whom he referred to as his ‘friend’ and praised for his impressive work. “At the public meeting, he requested a selfie, and I was delighted to meet him. I extend my best wishes for his future endeavors,” PM Narendra Modi tweeted.
Who is Pulwama’s Nazim Nazir? Owner of Al Nahal Honey
Nazim, a beneficiary of the Viksit Bharat program, had the opportunity to interact with the Prime Minister during PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir event. During their conversation, Nazim from Pulwama shared his entrepreneurial journey in the honey business, which began in 2018 when he was in the 10th grade. He informed Prime Minister Modi that his venture started with just two bee boxes placed on his roof, sparking his interest in beekeeping. As his passion for beekeeping grew, Nazim delved into online research. In 2019, he approached the government and secured a 50% subsidy for 25 bee boxes, resulting in the extraction of 75kg of honey. Selling the honey in villages earned him ₹60,000. Encouraged by his success, Nazim expanded his beekeeping operation from 25 to 200 boxes and sought assistance from the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Under this scheme, he received ₹5 lakh, which enabled him to launch his website in 2020.
As his brand gained recognition, Nazim reported selling 5,000kg of honey in 2023. Nazim mentioned that his company now employs at least 100 individuals, and they have also obtained Follow-On Public Offers (FPOs).
Nazim ji, you are leading sweet revolution: PM Modi
During the event interaction, PM Narendra Modi inquired about Nazim’s childhood aspirations. Nazim revealed that while his parents hoped he would pursue a career as either a doctor or an engineer, he harbored different ambitions. PM Modi acknowledged Nazim’s family for recognizing his potential, noting that although he could have chosen a path in medicine, he opted for a different route, ultimately spearheading Kashmir’s honey revolution. PM Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Nazim for his achievements.
PM Modi remarked, “This sector is entirely novel because bees also contribute to agriculture. Hence, your efforts not only benefit yourself but also support other farmers.”
“I extend my gratitude to the entire administration for organizing this event and for selecting me for an interaction with the Prime Minister. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to begin with small steps, as perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles. There are no shortcuts to success; one must be prepared to put in the hard work. When I commenced my journey, there were limited government schemes available, but now there are numerous opportunities provided by the government,” remarked Nazim.
“Prime minister asked me about my journey, he asked me some questions as well. Then I requested him for a selfie and that moment was really joyful for that honourable prime minister agreed to a selfie,” Nazim said.
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