Today, it is easy to fall into illegal ways of making money. But Mohammad Sultan Mir shows us that we can still earn an honest living, no matter how hard life gets.
Manzoor Akash
Colin Powell, the American army general, diplomat, and statesman, once said, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” Mohammad Sultan Mir of Gund Karim Khan in Rafiabad, Sopore, lives by this idea every single day. Known as Koll in his neighbourhood – a Kashmiri word used for a person who cannot speak or hear – he works tirelessly just to support his family. Mohammad Sultan is a father of two children and is respected in his locality for his courage and strong work ethic. He sells toys and ice cream, but he is much more than a vendor. At a time when many people look for shortcuts in life, he sets an example for all of us. His life shows what true hard work, determination, and courage really mean.
Not a day goes by that Mir does not face life’s hardships with courage. He works honestly every single day to support his family. Throughout the year, life keeps testing him in new ways. To overcome these challenges, he tries different kinds of work and sells various items in his locality to earn a living. Even though he cannot speak, it is inspiring to see that Mohammad Sultan earns his livelihood with dignity, just like anyone else. People do not just know him for his hard work and bravery. In Rafiabad, Koll has become a symbol of a different kind of strength – a story of silence, struggle, and resilience. He is also a true example of how to adapt, stay strong, and live wisely in difficult times.
There is a saying: “When you can’t change the direction of the wind, adjust your sails.” Mohammad Sultan Mir lives by this idea and does exactly that. He works as a vendor between Dangiwacha and Watergam towns in Rafiabad, and he changes his business with the seasons to attract customers.
Before winter arrives, he sells toys. You will often find him in Watergam’s main market with toys neatly arranged on a cot. Once winter begins, he sets up a small stall in the same market and sells hot omelettes, which helps him earn a living through the cold months. When winter ends, he switches again – this time selling ice cream in the neighbourhood to support his family. That is how he earns his living all year round.
Selling ice cream in summer is Mir’s most profitable work. It has even earned him a nickname: Koll Ice-cream Woel. During the hot summer months, he pushes his ice cream cart through nearby villages to earn an honest living. To let people know he is around, he blows a small trumpet. Children rush out when they hear it—they all know him fondly as Koll Maam, which means “the uncle who cannot speak but sells ice cream”.
Every day, he walks many kilometres with his cart under the scorching sun. In the evening, he takes a break on the bank of a stream called Hamal in Rafiabad, about a kilometre from his home in GK Khan. I have personally seen Mohammad Sultan many times resting by the Hamal stream, counting his earnings for the day.
“The best thing about him is that he earns an honest living,” says Firdous Ahmad, a local resident, speaking about Mohammad Sultan. “These days, many people around us take shortcuts or use illegal ways to make money. But Koll is different. He is a symbol of silent struggle and honest labour. He is a voice of hard work who faces life’s challenges head-on and works hard to support his family. He is the perfect example for others.”
“In our area, he stands for hard work, effort, and determination. He runs his household honestly. I truly believe he is one of the most hardworking, sincere, and brave persons here. Whether he is selling toys, omelettes, or ice cream, he does every job with honesty—and that’s why people respect him,” Firdous adds.
A Lesson For Our Times
Right now, the entire Kashmir Valley is taking part in the 100-Day Drug Awareness Campaign. At such a time, Mohammad Sultan’s story of strength and struggle holds deep meaning. His life gives us more than just hope; it gives us the courage to choose the right path.
Today, it is easy to fall into illegal ways of making money to support our families. But Koll shows us that we can still earn an honest living, no matter how hard life gets. Try to earn your livelihood with honesty, just as Mohammad Sultan does. If you do, one day someone may tell your story too – so tell it with pride.
The writer is a teacher, an award-winning columnist, and the author of several books. He writes on Kashmir’s cultural heritage and senior citizens.
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