With a Camera, Sopore Girl Frames a New Story of Change

Suhail Khan 

Sopore, Dec 12: In a place where young girls have long faced significant barriers, societal criticism, family pressure, and the constraints of a patriarchal society how’ver many have still refused to be left behind. They have stepped forward and, with great determination, pursued their passions relentlessly, chasing their dreams. Among them is a young girl from Sopore town who has transformed her vision into reality, embodying the broader social shifts occurring across Kashmir.

This young girl from North Kashmir’s Sopore a town where fulfilling dreams has long remained a challenge for girls, how’ver Insha Manzoor has carved a name for herself as a photographer through talent and determination, fighting every hard battle on her path to follow her dreams.

Speaking exclusively with Kashmir Convener, Insha Manzoor said, “I began photography in the eighth grade, covering school events. That experience ignited my passion for capturing moments.” After school, she ventured into commercial and wedding photography, later expanding into social media management. Alongside her creative work, she completed her bachelor’s degree and is currently pursuing a master’s.

“My family has been my strongest support—they never pressured me and always trusted my path,” Manzoor stated. “My friends have stood by me at every stage.” She also credited her mentor, Junaid Bhat, for guiding her into professional photography and offering steadfast encouragement.

She acknowledged that being a woman in this field can come with societal barriers. “People often hold assumptions about girls choosing photography, and at times you feel judged,” she said. “But with a supportive family and a great mentor, the journey becomes easier. I have been fortunate—I did not face many of the hurdles others often describe.”

For her, photography has been transformative. “It taught me patience, observation, and calm under pressure. It improved my communication, professional conduct, and how to engage with diverse people. Above all, it instilled responsibility, confidence, and consistency,” she reflected. “This craft has helped me understand myself and strengthened my approach to work and life.”

To other young women hesitant to pursue their dreams, Manzoor said, “If photography is an innate passion, pursue it. This profession brings you into contact with all kinds of people, each with different behaviors and perspectives. Weddings, commercial assignments—each project presents unique challenges and lessons. If you are prepared to face varied situations and navigate hurdles, this field is for you. What matters most is passion and a willingness to engage with the real-world dimensions of the work.”

Through her lens, Insha Manzoor is not only capturing images—she is helping bring into focus a new picture of possibility for Kashmiri women, especially in a place where stepping out to follow one’s dreams can still feel like a distant aspiration for many. But Insha is a shining example, like other young women in Sopore, who are making change visible with the conviction: why not me?

The changing situation in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir since years has not only created avenues for success but is also reshaping entrenched mindsets. Where daughters were once confined to the four walls of their homes, today’s parents are increasingly instrumental in nurturing their ambitions and ensuring they have every opportunity to build meaningful futures.

The daughters of Kashmir are now authoring their own stories of achievement, standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of country women flocks in shaping and contributing to the nation’s progress.