SRINAGAR: In a dazzling display of youthful ingenuity, Government Girls Higher Secondary School Zadibal hosted the inaugural FuturePreneurship Fest on Saturday, transforming the serene school campus into a vibrant hub of commerce and creativity.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd, including students, alumni, parents and community members from across the locality, celebrating the untapped potential of young girls in the world of business.
What began as a modest idea blossomed into a full-fledged entrepreneurial extravaganza, with the school grounds alive with the chatter of eager vendors, the aroma of sizzling street food, and the sparkle of handmade crafts.
Over 70 talented students from classes 9 to 12 stepped up as budding entrepreneurs, managing more than 18 stalls that showcased a remarkable diversity of products and ideas. From mouthwatering homemade delicacies like Kashmiri kahwa-infused treats, fluffy cakes and innovative fusion snacks to exquisite handmade jewellery and modern minimalist designs, each stall was a testament to creativity, resourcefulness and cultural pride.
Art enthusiasts were captivated by vibrant displays of student-created paintings, intricate embroidery and upcycled fashion items made from recycled fabrics with an aim to promote sustainability in style. Stalls representing authentic Kashmiri heritage, such as papier-mâché artifacts, not only preserved traditions but also introduced eco-conscious business models. Visitors haggled, sampled, and cheered, generating lively transactions that mirrored real-world markets and instilled invaluable lessons in customer interaction and salesmanship.
Organized meticulously by the Department of Commerce under the visionary guidance of dedicated faculty, the festival served a profound purpose: to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom knowledge and practical entrepreneurship. Participants gained hands-on experience in critical areas like business planning, inventory management, financial literacy through mock profit-loss calculations and sustainable practices such as zero-waste packaging.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with GHSS Zadibal’s core mission to empower girls through holistic education, fostering self-reliance, leadership and innovation in a rapidly evolving world. By providing a safe yet dynamic platform, the school is nurturing the next generation of female trailblazers who can compete globally while staying rooted in their cultural ethos.
Principal GHSS Zadibal, Mr. Mohammad Shafi Lone extended heartfelt praise to the Department of Commerce and the student teams for orchestrating this resounding success. “Today’s FuturePreneurship Fest is more than an event. it’s a launchpad for dreams. Witnessing our girls confidently negotiate deals, innovate on the spot and inspire their peers fills me with immense pride. The overwhelming response, with stalls buzzing from the early morning, underscores the boundless potential of our students when empowered with opportunity,” the Principal remarked.
As the day drew to a close amid applause for top-performing stalls, GHSS Zadibal reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to such transformative programs. Looking ahead, the school plans a robust calendar of initiatives, including collaborations with local incubators. These efforts will ensure every girl at Zadibal emerges not just as a learner, but as a confident and a skilled entrepreneur ready to shape a brighter future.