ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET FOR J&K’S FUTURE

In Jammu and Kashmir, the challenges facing the youth in terms of education and employment are deeply intertwined with the region’s unique socio-economic conditions. From an early age, students are conditioned to view education as a stepping stone to securing government jobs or conventional careers. Yet, the harsh reality of today’s job market in Jammu and Kashmir reflects a growing disconnect between academic qualifications and actual employment opportunities. Despite years of schooling and higher education, many young graduates struggle to find meaningful employment. The crux of this crisis lies not only in a lack of jobs or inadequate education but also in a systemic failure to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset among students.

The educational system in Jammu and Kashmir, like many other parts of India, is primarily focused on rote learning, exam performance, and securing degrees. This approach often leaves students ill-equipped for the rapidly evolving job market, where critical thinking, innovation, and adaptability are paramount. In a region with a high rate of unemployment, particularly among educated youth, this disconnect becomes glaring. With traditional job roles shrinking due to automation, technological advancements, and the global shift in industries, the region’s youth find themselves stuck in a cycle of job-seeking rather than job-creating. It raises the critical question: are we preparing our students for the future, or are we simply producing degree-holders with little practical application in the real world?  One of the fundamental issues is the lack of entrepreneurial education within the existing curriculum. In Jammu and Kashmir, where tourism, agriculture, handicrafts, and other industries have vast untapped potential, students are rarely encouraged to think creatively or see themselves as potential business leaders. Instead, the emphasis remains on securing employment, particularly in the public sector. While government jobs offer stability, they cannot accommodate the growing number of graduates entering the workforce every year. The region’s economy, therefore, needs a paradigm shift—one that cultivates entrepreneurship from an early stage to help students envision themselves as job creators rather than job seekers. Other Indian states have already begun to address this issue. For instance, in 2019, the Delhi government introduced the Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum (EMC), a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurial thinking among school students. This curriculum focuses on nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, encouraging students to look beyond traditional career paths. A core component of the EMC, the Business Blasters program, provides students with seed capital to launch start-ups, offering them hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and real-world problem-solving. Such initiatives could be transformational if implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. By introducing an Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum in schools and colleges across the region, policymakers could empower students to take control of their futures and contribute meaningfully to the local economy. In a region rich in natural resources, culture, and tradition, there are ample opportunities for innovation and growth across various sectors. For instance, the horticulture and agriculture sectors, which are integral to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, could see significant expansion through entrepreneurial ventures in organic farming, food processing, and agro-tourism. Similarly, the region’s unique handicrafts and artisanal traditions, such as Pashmina weaving and Kashmiri shawl making, could benefit from fresh business models and digital marketing strategies, helping these industries reach global markets. Tourism, too, offers immense entrepreneurial potential. The natural beauty and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir have long attracted tourists, but the sector remains underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure, services, and sustainable practices. Youth entrepreneurs could play a key role in developing eco-friendly resorts, adventure tourism packages, and community-based tourism projects that not only generate income but also preserve the environment and support local communities. Policymakers in Jammu and Kashmir often respond to the issue of unemployment by offering temporary relief measures, such as financial assistance for start-ups, subsidies, or tax exemptions. While these initiatives are valuable, they do not address the underlying problem—the lack of an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth. Providing access to capital is crucial, but without the skills and confidence to innovate, take risks, and build businesses, many young people remain hesitant to embark on entrepreneurial ventures. This is why entrepreneurship education is vital. It not only teaches students the practicalities of running a business but also instills the values of resilience, adaptability, and self-reliance—qualities that are increasingly important in today’s unpredictable economy. Moreover, entrepreneurship education can foster a culture of problem-solving and innovation, encouraging students to identify the challenges faced by their communities and develop solutions tailored to local needs. This approach can have a far-reaching impact on the region’s development. For instance, young entrepreneurs could work on improving healthcare delivery in remote areas through telemedicine, or they could develop sustainable energy solutions to address the region’s frequent power shortages. The possibilities are vast, but they require a shift in mind set, starting with the education system. Another crucial aspect of this transformation is the role of mentorship and support networks. In Jammu and Kashmir, where entrepreneurship is still a relatively new concept for many, young entrepreneurs need guidance and encouragement from experienced business leaders, educators, and policymakers. Creating mentorship programs, business incubators, and entrepreneurial hubs in schools and colleges could provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources and knowledge they need to succeed. Furthermore, partnerships with private industries, NGOs, and government agencies could help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering students real-world experiences in entrepreneurship. It is also essential to recognize that not every student will become an entrepreneur, nor is that the goal. However, by fostering an entrepreneurial mind-set, students develop skills that are valuable in any career—creativity, problem-solving, risk-taking, and adaptability. These qualities are increasingly important in a world where job roles are constantly changing, and industries are being disrupted by new technologies. Even if only a small percentage of students go on to create successful businesses, the ripple effect on the economy and society would be significant. Entrepreneurs create jobs, drive innovation, and contribute to the overall economic growth of a region.

Finally, the education system in Jammu and Kashmir must evolve to meet the challenges of the modern world. The region’s youth deserve more than a conventional education that prepares them for a shrinking job market. By introducing entrepreneurship education, schools and colleges can equip students with the skills, mindset, and confidence they need to thrive in today’s dynamic economy. An entrepreneurial mindset fostered early in education, could be the key to unlocking the economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir, transforming the region into a hub of innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable growth. It is time to prepare the youth not just for the jobs of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow.