'No job is small when it comes to achieving financial independence'

Bandipora, Dec 21: Every day, 28-year-old Umair Akbar Mir sets up his food cart outside the Jammu and Kashmir Bank at Gulshan Chowk in Bandipora. What changes with the seasons is not the spot, but what he sells.

During summers, Mir serves salted yoghurt drink (lassi). With the onset of winter, he switches to Kashmir’s famed kahwa, catering to the changing tastes.

“No job is small when it comes to achieving financial independence and self-sustenance,” Mir told Greater Kashmir.

Soft-spoken and humble, Mir treats every customer with respect, reflecting his values and educational background as a diploma holder in civil engineering.

Mir completed his diploma from Government Polytechnic College, Ganderbal, in 2023. After failing to secure admission to a BTech programme, he chose not to remain idle and instead strove to become financially independent.

He currently helps support his family, which includes his parents and younger sister. His father works as a driver.

Earlier this year, Mir explored several business ideas but soon realised that most small traders in the market were selling similar products and struggling to sustain themselves.

“The vendors in the market were selling the same items. I felt I needed to do something different,” he said.

He eventually installed a stall and began selling fresh yoghurt-based drinks. From sourcing authentic curd to serving freshly prepared lassi, Mir quickly built a customer base, offering relief to pedestrians and market-goers.

As winter approached, he switched to selling egg rolls, but rumours surrounding egg consumption adversely affected his business.

“The rumours completely pushed me out of that business,” Mir said.

Although initially shaken, his determination to remain financially independent helped him overcome the setback. He soon took another initiative — selling kahwa.

Within a short time, his cart was fitted with a traditional samovar, simmering with freshly brewed kahwa, served hot with Kashmiri kulcha and enriched with spices and dry fruits to help people brave the biting cold.

“With the Almighty’s help, business has been good, and people come specifically to relish the kahwa I prepare,” Mir said.

Despite embracing self-employment, Mir has not given up on his academic aspirations. He continues to explore opportunities for further studies or a stable job.

“There is no shame in doing odd jobs. Choosing dignity over damaging one’s mental health or falling into depression should never be a compromise,” he said.