Srinagar, Feb 18: Most say acquiring an education not only gives us the power of knowledge, but also develops in us a perspective on how to look at and experience life.

Masrat Farooq (Bhat), a Srinagar-based entrepreneur is a shining example of this philosophy, having recently been declared the “First Female Entrepreneur” in the field of education by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.

We met Masrat recently at her home in Srinagar where she informed us that she has a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and has also been awarded a certificate by the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NIMSME) and the ASEAN Centre for Economic & Entrepreneurship Development and Education on completing a six-month-long course for aspiring entrepreneurs.

I have a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in clinical psychology. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, I thought of starting “smart classes  home tuition throughout  the Srinagar city  I felt that children's were being deprived of an education and were suffering a huge loss, and that made me think that I must do something to correct this,” Masrat told Brighter Kashmir.

She further revealed that along with pursuing her studies, she acquired a love for teaching and even taught some children when not preoccupied with her own studies and other responsibilities.

“I use to work before the onset of Covid, I had to stay at home for some time. What I had seen during this time (pandemic period) was that the children were not able to concentrate well during online classes. There are children in our home as well, my cousin’s children for example, etc., I could see that they were losing interest,” Masrat said.

“There and then, I decided to create a team of teachers; I hired tutors, got ads published in newspapers here and on social media. I started my classes with two teachers, and now we are providing schooling to about 300 children,” she added.

“It was a very joyful moment for me when the governor of the state (Lt Governor Manoj Sinha) declared me the “First Female Entrepreneur” in the field of education,” Masrat revealed.

The state of education in Kashmir is dismal. According to a survey undertaken recently by the National Statistics Office (NSO), only 8.4 percent males and 2.8 percent females graduate from colleges in this region.

The last two to three years have been particularly difficult for students and youth in Kashmir with regard to pursuing their studies without disruption. There are several factors for this crisis, but notably among them are repeated shutdowns and imposition of curfews due to violence; a breakdown and withdrawal of communication due to the central government’s move to amend Article 370 of the Constitution, abrogating some sections that gave J & K special status for nearly seven decades, growing unemployment, mental distress, poor online connectivity and lower standards of learning.

Masrat acknowledged these factors to be very real. She said: “The situation in Kashmir is so grim and sad in the sense that highly qualified and educated youth are unemployed. I have a lot of PhD scholars and people with high degrees, but in spite of these qualifications, it is unfortunate to see such professionals doing this kind of work for a living.”

“They should get much better opportunities, better jobs. This is not to say that they are not earning well; they are<” she added.

At 27, Farooq today runs two centres with 80 teachers. Her story is an inspiration for the youth.

“People must not only be dependent on the government for jobs, nor is it only the government’s responsibility to provide career opportunities. As a businesswoman, I can say with certainty that there are so many opportunities and avenues available where we can make a mark and excel,” she said.

“The government has started so many schemes, which the people, the youth and the jobless can take advantage of for their own benefit. I have been quite successful through my venture. There is really not that much internet-related work and I really don’t have much of a link with it. My attention is focussed on off-line classes,” Masrat adds.

Masrat told Brighter Kashmir she is confident about overcoming all the problems caused by the pandemic and other crises, but insists that loss of access to academics is something no one should experience, because once it is lost, it is difficult for students to change their circumstances.

“Together with my team, I have fought tirelessly to make up for the academic loss and we have been applauded for our efforts. It is my aim and ambition to take our smart classes to new heights by providing creative, high-quality and career-oriented education,” she said.

As per reports, she is now in the process of starting two computer institutes on the outskirts of Srinaga