Kupwara : Aijaz Ahmad Ganie, a young and talented singer from Kupwara, is charting a new course in the music industry, blending passion with enterprise. Guided by Project Jazba, an initiative dedicated to “Reimagining Kashmir” through entrepreneurship, Aijaz has transformed his raw talent into a thriving career, inspiring many in the region. Project Jazba, which aims to cultivate over 200+ entrepreneurs across Kupwara and Bandipora districts to reshape the narrative of Kashmir. It is an initiative championed by TYCIA Foundation, supported by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Indian Army.
With support from Project Jazba, an initiative dedicated to “Reimagining Kashmir”, Aijaz has transformed his passion into a career, benefiting from mentorship that honed his skills and helped him establish a presence in the regional music industry. This initiative plays a crucial role in reshaping the socio-economic landscape of Kashmir, providing tools and resources for individuals to thrive, despite the challenges posed by the region’s historical conflict and limited infrastructure.
Aijaz’s rise underscores the role of entrepreneurship in driving socio-economic change. By investing in upgraded sound equipment, he expanded his reach, growing his fan base and increasing his income by 50%. His success is not just personal but represents a broader transformation in Kashmir’s creative industries. Aijaz’s journey serves as a powerful example of how the youth are turning adversity into opportunity, redefining the narrative of a conflict-stricken region.
Recently, Aijaz along with other 5 musicians supported under Project Jazba were invited to the Music festive-event ‘FANKAR-E-KASHMIR’ on 26th October at Sher-i-Kashmir Convention Center (SKICC) in Srinagar. Along with a platform to encourage them to pursue this music with integrity and keep alive the traditional music of Kashmir and the workshops were conducted with The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) & head of Dolby India, to help artists learn how to protect and monetize their work and how to better their recordings with usage of good sound technology.
The growth of artists like Aijaz, supported by initiatives like Project Jazba, is contributing to a more positive portrayal of Kashmir on the national stage. It shows that, despite challenges, there is immense potential for socio-economic development through music and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to a shifting narrative of resilience and hope.
