In the heart of Kashmir, nestled in the quaint village of Watapora, Bandipora , lived a man named Azad Hussain Bhat. An ordinary vegetable seller by profession, Azad harbored an extraordinary dream – to transform the barren lands of Kashmir into lush green fields. His journey began with a small plot of land near his home, where he sowed the seeds of hope along with various vegetable seeds.
His path to success was fraught with challenges. Pests ravaged his crops, and the scarcity of water threatened his young plants. Yet, Azad’s determination remained unwavering. His resolve grew stronger, with each setback . Through countless hours of toil and perseverance, he nurtured his plants, transforming the barren land into a vibrant oasis.
In his words, “Land is our future and we should preserve it,” . These words were more than a statement; they were a call to action. He envisioned a future where Kashmiris embraced their role as stewards of their land and protect it for generations to come.
While taking with Azad , he said ,” my family has been my rock ” . His family always helped him and were there for him when things were tough. Azad’s son, Mohammad Ramzan, played a pivotal role in this transformation. Despite holding a Bachelor of Technology degree, Ramzan chose to support his father’s vision rather than pursuing a traditional career path. Together, they turned their small plot into a thriving nursery .Their unwavering belief in him has been instrumental in his success. In fact, their little nursery has blossomed into a profitable venture, earning them over five lakh rupees .
Azad’s vision extended beyond his own community. He believed that preserving Kashmir’s land was crucial for the entire region’s well-being. He spoke passionately about the need for a collective effort to protect the land for future generations, suggesting initiatives like reforestation, organic farming, and community-driven conservation programs.
His work has not gone unnoticed; he is a recipient of twelve state awards and one national award for his exceptional contributions. With a vision that extends beyond accolades, Azad aspires to receive the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, as a testament to his lifelong commitment to Kashmir’s environment.
The story of Azad Hussain Bhat and his son is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. It sets a narrative that encourages people in Kashmir to look beyond conventional career paths and explore opportunities within their communities and embrace agriculture and contribute to the revitalization of Kashmir’s landscape.
