“Things were extremely tough when I was a child. We lived on a houseboat near the Jhelum River in Srinagar, a place known for its beauty but also for the unrest that made life unpredictable. Around 30 years ago, geopolitical tensions were at their peak, and strikes and hartals were common. There were days when the whole city seemed to shut down because of the unrest. It was hard for us to survive, especially since our family’s livelihood depended on tourists visiting Kashmir. Without them, we often struggled to make ends meet.
But life has a way of opening new doors. For us, that door was Hyderabad. The open market opportunities here, as well as in New Delhi, gave us a chance to continue our family’s trade. We started bringing Kashmiri handloom products like shawls and silk sarees to Nampally and Abids, especially during the All India Industrial Exhibition at the Exhibition Grounds. Hyderabad became more than just a market for us; it became our second home.
The people here are so welcoming and friendly. Every time I come to Hyderabad, I make sure to bring dry fruits and our special Kashmiri kahwa masala for my friends who are our clients in Hyderabad. It’s a small gesture, but it’s our way of saying thank you for the warmth and friendship we’ve found here.
Today, I’m happy to say that our family is doing well. Both my kids are pursuing their graduation in good colleges, and I’m hopeful they’ll take our business forward while enjoying a better life than I had. Growing up wasn’t easy, but things have changed. Srinagar is now a smart city, and life there is becoming vibrant and hopeful again.
Looking back, I see how far we’ve come—from those difficult days to the opportunities we’ve found in Hyderabad. And I’m grateful for every bit of it.”
- Mohammad Farooq, Businessman