PM Modi asked me about my journey and gave suggestions: Nazim
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Mar 07: It was a dream come true for south Kashmir’s entrepreneur Nazim, who fulfilled his wish by taking a selfie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The jam-packed Bakshi stadium in the summer capital Srinagar was surprised when Nazim Nazeer from Pulwama, a beekeeper, interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and requested a selfie.
The moment became even more surprising when the PM accepted his request and asked security to take him toward the stage after the event.
According to Kashmir Despatch Correspondent present at the occasion, Nazim Nazeer described his journey to the Prime Minister, explaining how he expanded his business by availing benefits from the government. He bought 25 boxes for beekeeping at a 50 percent subsidy and gradually expanded to 200 boxes by availing Rs 5 lakhs under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme.
“This led to me building a brand for myself and creating a website that generated thousands of orders, totaling about 5000 kilograms across the nation. My business grew to almost 2000 beekeeping boxes, engaging about 100 youth from the region,” Nazeer stated.
He further informed the Prime Minister about receiving an FPO in 2023, which helped grow his business.
He thanked the Prime Minister for launching the Digital India initiative, which has transformed the fintech landscape in the country.
The Prime Minister praised Nazim’s effort in leading the way to a sweet revolution in Jammu & Kashmir and congratulated him on his success.
Upon the Prime Minister’s inquiry about getting initial support from the government to establish the business, Nazim said that despite facing initial difficulties, the Department of Agriculture came forward and supported his cause.
Noting that the beekeeping business is fairly new, the Prime Minister highlighted its benefits, mentioning that bees work like farm laborers, making it beneficial for crops.
Nazim said that landowners are willing to offer land for beekeeping at no cost as the process is also beneficial for farmers. The Prime Minister suggested that Nazim research the honey produced in Central Asia around the Hindu Kush mountains and also asked him to look towards crafting a new taste for honey by growing specific flowers around the boxes, as it is a niche market.
The Prime Minister also mentioned similar successful efforts in Uttarakhand. He expressed delight at how the price of Acacia Honey went up to Rs 1000 per kg from Rs 400 per kg due to high demand worldwide. The Prime Minister praised Nazim for his clear thought and vision, and the courage he showed in running his business. He also congratulated his parents and said that Nazim is an inspiration to the youth of India.
Talking to Kashmir Despatch, Nazim said, “I feel really proud of myself, looking at how far I’ve come. It’s the result of my hard work and dedication. Alhamdulillah, the outcome is right in front of everyone.”
He added that overnight success is not possible and that hard work is essential.
Regarding the “Selfie with Modi,” Nazim said that after the selfie, he also shook hands and hugged the PM and told him to boost their beekeeping industry.
He mentioned seeing a statue of Modi at an event in Srinagar where he clicked a picture, but the real feeling was missing. However, today, he clicked a picture with PM Modi, and he is enjoying the real feeling.
Nazeer Ahmad, father of Nazim, told Kashmir Despatch that he is happy to see his son achieve this milestone of getting a chance to click a picture with the PM and briefing him about his journey.
He said, “I am blessed today, even though I suggested him to do something else, he listened to his heart, and today the result speaks for itself.”
Nazeer added that they will continue to support their son so that he can reach greater heights of success.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a selfie picture on X and wrote, “A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting, he requested a selfie, and I was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavors.”
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
