This refers to the column ‘Partnering Entrepreneurship’ by Sajjad Bazaz (GK Dec 26). The author has very clearly brought out various aspects of entrepreneurship in Kashmir. I completely agree with his assertion that ‘entrepreneurship cannot be made hostage to the conflict in Kashmir.’ In fact many of our entrepreneurs have proved their mettle by managing their enterprises effectively in the conflict situation and have achieved success on the entrepreneurial front during the last two decades. The author mentions that a good number of our successful entrepreneurs are school dropouts who have successfully expanded their businesses and created job opportunities for educated unemployed youth. Being a student of commerce and business administration, I feel no hesitation in stating that to be a successful entrepreneur one doesn’t necessarily need to be well-versed with commerce, economics and management studies. In fact one may not even need to have a sound educational qualification. In commerce and management studies, we are taught how to manage an existing business enterprise, but not how to become entrepreneurs. In fact, no institute or university in the world can teach this. Agreed that education is needed to polish some skills, but as the author writes it should not be a ‘must-have factor’. Entrepreneurship is all about having innovative ideas, organising these ideas and turning them into reality. The author has mentioned about the Kashmiri women being outstanding entrepreneurs at the national level across the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprise). Over the years Kashmiri women have proved to be successful entrepreneurs especially in the sectors like floriculture. Kashmiri women entrepreneurs have also bagged many prestigious awards at the state and national level. We may face obstacles, we may face failures but it is the perseverance to rise after each fall which makes successful entrepreneurs.

Raies Ul Haq Ahmad Sikander
BBA 2nd year
Islamia College Srinagar
corporate.raider_8191@yahoo.com

Lastupdate on : Sun, 2 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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