Beyond Degrees, Aatira Chooses Enterprise

Suhail Khan 

Sopore, Jan 20: In Kashmiri society, where advanced degrees are traditionally viewed as a direct pathway to government employment, however, this north Kashmir girl, Aatira Akbar, is forging a different path.

The Sopore-based entrepreneur holds a Master’s degree in Kashmiri—the study of Kashmiri culture, heritage, and communal harmony—yet she brings its principles to life not within a lecture hall, but through her thriving bakery.

A resident of Heb Dangerpora village, Aatira Akbar represents a growing shift among educated Kashmiri youth who are choosing entrepreneurship and self-reliance over conventional career tracks. “Seeing the condition of society, where even PhD holders are struggling for jobs, struck me deeply,” Aatira told Kashmir Convener. “It made me think why not become self-dependent instead of chasing a government position?”

She said, “I came from a family where public sector employment is the norm. My initial announcement that I wanted to pursue baking professionally was met with skepticism and the dismissive label ‘Kandur Kour.’ It took months to gather the courage,” she recalls. However, her brother’s steadfast support proved crucial, enabling her to act on a long-deferred childhood dream.

Without formal training, I turned to online tutorials, mastering the fundamentals through sheer persistence. My first year operating from home was marked by societal pressure and logistical hurdles.

The significant breakthrough came with professional training under Chef Rouf in Srinagar. “He not only honed my skills professionally but gave me the wings to fly,” she said. This step allowed me to formally establish my presence in the market she said.

“Alhamdulillah, today I not only earn for myself, but I also encourage others to pursue their own ventures and move beyond the notion that a government job is the only option for survival,” she said.

“Nothing is impossible,” she added, reflecting on a venture that became profitable despite its difficult beginnings. “How long will we wait? It’s time to step forward, follow our passions, earn a living, contribute to society and family, and live better.”

She credits her brother as being instrumental in shaping and following her dream. “Today, it matters less that I am making cakes. What is important is that I am proudly sharing happiness beyond my family, and everyone at home supports my efforts,” she added.

Aatira says she is now focused on expanding her business to other towns, with a parallel aim to create employment opportunities for others.