Muzaffar Ahmad

My name is Muzaffar Ahmad and I run my business in Meej, which is in the Pampore area of Pulwama. This part of Jammu and Kashmir is known for many things, but for me, it is just where I work every day. My shop is a simple setup where I handle various goods that the local people in Meej need. It is not a grand establishment with many employees; it’s mostly just me taking care of things. The winters here can be quite tough, and sometimes the snow makes it hard for suppliers to reach us, so I have to plan ahead and keep the store well-stocked during the autumn. I spend my days talking to the people from around the village who stop by. We talk about the crops or how the weather is changing. The pace of life here in Pampore is different from the big cities. I try to be honest in my dealings and keep things straightforward. People know me by my name rather than some corporate brand, and that’s how I prefer it. My shop might not have the latest gadgets or fancy lighting, but it has the essentials. It’s a lot of physical work, moving boxes and keeping the place clean, but it’s a living. I’ve been in this spot for a long time and I don't see myself being anywhere else.