From UPSC Aspirant to Entrepreneur: Kupwara Youth Builds Homegrown Brand

Suhail Khan

Kupwara, Jan 18: Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Khairpora hamlet in Kupwara’s Rajwara area, has emerged as a leading exemplar of grassroots entrepreneurship. He is the founder of ‘ALBEE’, a homegrown brand in the cleaning products sector distinguished by its commitment to quality, affordability, and environmental stewardship.

Speaking with Kashmir Convener, Bhat said, “After completing an MBA and several attempts at the UPSC examinations, I turned decisively towards business, building my brand from the ground up with a clear vision and sharp commercial insight.”

He said, “The concept came to me in Class 8—I envisioned a brand built around a systematic model that would benefit society as a whole, not just an individual. I wanted to create a setup where many could work and the community could gain.”

“I am truly thankful for my family’s support throughout my academic pursuits, from my schooling in Srinagar to my studies at the University of Kashmir, as well as during my UPSC endeavours. My family always urged me not to lose hope and to treat every attempt as a learning experience,” he said.

Aijaz said that after returning home, having failed to qualify despite multiple attempts, he pursued his long-held ambition. With financial assistance secured through the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and support from J&K Bank, he laid ALBEE’s operational foundation, investing in machinery and initiating its market entry.

“Today, I find profound satisfaction in entrepreneurship. Beyond managing my own venture, I am able to generate employment for others,” Bhat affirmed. He encouraged young job seekers to look beyond government employment, emphasising that business can offer both personal fulfilment and meaningful social contribution.

“Many young people believe a government job is the ultimate goal, but in reality, entrepreneurship can bring greater satisfaction and enable one to contribute to society through job creation,” he said.

He added that government initiatives such as Mission Yuva are pivotal for youth empowerment. “Such schemes can help young people become self-reliant and emerge as change-makers, reducing dependency and fostering innovation,” he said.

Notably, through ALBEE, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat is not only building a trusted local brand but also championing a culture of self-reliance and community-oriented enterprise across the Valley.