Sheikh Nadeem
Anantnag, Jan 07: Hailing from a middle-class family of Shipora area of Anantnag, Dar Aijaz’s rise from a roadside street vendor to a successful small entrepreneur, who now owns three shops in Janglat Mandi, is a story of perseverance, patience and self-belief.
Aijaz began his journey with very limited means, selling crockery items on a small handcart along the streets of Anantnag. Burdened with responsibilities and lacking resources, he chose self-employment over despair and continued working with honesty and dedication despite numerous challenges.Dar talked with Roshan Kashmir.
“Initially, I used to sell items on a simple cart. Life was difficult, but I never gave up. I believed that hard work and sincerity would one day pay off,” Aijaz said, recalling his early struggles.
Through consistent effort, honest dealings and the trust of customers, his small roadside business gradually expanded. With time, his hard work bore fruit, and today he owns three shops in Anantnag, providing employment to four people, thereby contributing to local livelihood generation.
“Success does not come overnight. It took years of patience, sacrifice and faith in Allah to reach this stage,” he said, adding that every challenge strengthened his resolve rather than weakening it.
Aijaz believes that starting small should never be seen as a weakness. Sharing a message for unemployed and educated youth, he said, “No work is small. If you begin with whatever resources you have and remain sincere, growth will follow. One should not wait for big opportunities; rather, create them.”
He further said that self-employment not only brings financial stability but also dignity and confidence. “Today, I feel proud that my small effort has also helped other families earn their livelihood,” he added.
Dar Aijaz’s inspiring journey from a roadside cart vendor to multiple shops stands as a shining example for the youth of the Valley, proving that self-belief, perseverance and hard work can transform even the simplest of beginnings into a dignified and sustainable source of income, while also creating opportunities for others. — (RK)
