Kupwara : In a moment of pride for the border district of Kupwara, two promising local startups — FLWOK (Flag Women of Kupwara) and Barkat Bistrow — represented the region at the prestigious CII Young Indians National Summit held in Mumbai on July 18–19, 2025.
This opportunity emerged through a collaborative initiative by the Vajr Division, the Roshan Mustaqbil Youth Development Centre Kupwara, and Young Indians — an initiative of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) aimed at nurturing young changemakers across the country.
Among the two ventures, FLWOK stood out as an all-women-led enterprise dedicated to preserving and promoting local artisanship and sustainable fashion. Recognizing their innovation and commitment, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, presented FLWOK with a state-of-the-art automatic embroidery machine, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward modernizing traditional crafts.
Exposure, Investment & Recognition
Both FLWOK and Barkat Bistrow had the opportunity to pitch their business models before a panel of leading national investors, potentially paving the way for broader recognition and investment. Participants also visited the National Stock Exchange (NSE), gaining valuable insights into real-time financial operations and market behavior.
A Vision for Kupwara’s Future
This initiative by Vajr Division, CII, and Roshan Mustaqbil signals a new chapter for Kupwara’s youth — fostering a sustainable, inclusive startup ecosystem and unlocking entrepreneurial potential in the region. With growing support and exposure, the youth of Kupwara are well on their way to shaping a resilient, empowered, and self-reliant future.
