RISE UP: The Sustainable Kashmir Fellowship
- Dr. Shaheena Parveen with Team @ MOOL
- Aug 5
- 10 min read
Written by Dr. Shaheena Parveen with Team @ MOOL
Photos by Team @ MOOL
Region: Ganderbal, Kashmir
Organisation: MOOL Sustainability Research and Training Center
Area of Work: Sustainable Development; Youth Empowerment
About MOOL:
Founded by Fayaz Ahmad Dar in Ganderbal, Kashmir, MOOL Sustainability Research and Training Center is a pioneering organization dedicated to sustainable development. MOOL envisions building integrative and regenerative lifestyles, communities, and societies.
MOOL works for sustainable socio-economic transformation in the region by fostering community well-being and holistic lifestyles, and by creating a harmonious relationship between human needs and the natural world.
At the heart of this mission is the empowerment of young people, and the active engagement of all stakeholders and communities. Through participatory capacity-building, experiential education and knowledge exchanges, MOOL equips individuals, organisations, and communities with the knowledge, mindset, and skills to lead transformative initiatives that benefit both people and the planet.
“Fellowships are the seedbeds of transformation. They provide a unique space for young minds to reimagine themselves and their communities, aligning their passions with purpose and action. In a place like Kashmir, where challenges often overshadow possibilities and traditional education leaves huge gaps in capacity, our fellowship ignites potential, instilling the courage to dream, the skills to build, and the wisdom to serve. By investing in young individuals, we are sowing the seeds and nurturing the roots of a regenerative future—one where empowered leaders rise up to nurture a thriving, sustainable society.”
- Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Founder - MOOL Sustainability Research and Training Center, Kashmir
In the heart of Kashmir, where challenges often narrow the horizons of possibility, a quiet revolution is taking root. The RISE UP: The Sustainable Kashmir Fellowship, launched by MOOL Sustainability Research and Training Center, is equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and support they need to reimagine their futures. Through this initiative, they are not just dreaming of change—they are creating it, weaving new possibilities into the fabric of their communities.
MOOL, meaning "root" in Kashmiri, believes in nurturing deep, foundational change. By investing in youth, the organization is cultivating a stronger, more sustainable future—one where leadership, ecological entrepreneurship, and community-driven solutions shape the landscape of Kashmir. This blog delves into MOOL’s vision, the ethos behind RISE UP, and the inspiring journeys of the fellows who are bringing this vision to life.
A Transformative Approach
At the core of MOOL's philosophy is an integrated understanding of the self and community. Their methodology encourages participants to explore who they are, envision the futures they wish to create, and contribute their best to the world around them.
Through a process of study, research, action, and reflection, participants align their mindset, heartset, and skillset with their goals. MOOL’s curriculum, refined through experience, bridges personal and community needs, spanning spiritual, cognitive, physical, technological, and ecological dimensions. This holistic approach fosters a lifestyle rooted in sustainability, well-being, inclusivity, equity, trust, and collaboration.
As these young changemakers step forward, their stories unfold—a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of nurturing roots for a thriving future in Kashmir.
Cultivating Leadership and Sustainability in Kashmir
Since its inception in 2010, MOOL has impacted over 15,000 lives. This includes training approximately 13,000 youth in participatory personal and community transformation, supporting 500 families with emergency relief, and training 55 fellows, interns, and volunteers in participatory action research, sustainable systems design, and ecological entrepreneurship. MOOL has also collaborated on around 40 programs with academia, civil society organisations, social and environmental movements, bureaucracy, and media, fostering meaningful change and sustainable development.
Building on this legacy, RISE UP: The Sustainable Kashmir Fellowships at MOOL train young people in personal leadership, service-oriented careers, and ecological entrepreneurship. The program brings together fellows from diverse backgrounds across Kashmir and offers them a transformative space to grow, reflect, and lead with purpose.
Why This Fellowship Matters for Kashmiri Youth
In Kashmir, the current environment often conditions young people to set aside their innate talents in favor of ‘stability,’ leaving little room for personal growth or entrepreneurial exploration. Combined with the challenging living conditions and limited livelihood opportunities, this makes it even harder for young people to envision and pursue a fulfilling and purposeful path.
It is essential to create opportunities that empower young people to build personal leadership and develop their capacities to drive the desired meaningful change within themselves and their communities. By supporting their growth, we can enable them to build service-oriented careers, launch social initiatives, or create ventures that fulfill them while addressing environmental challenges, conserving resources, and contributing to community development. Investing in their potential is an investment in the sustainable future of the region.
The Journey of RISE UP Fellows: Learning experiences & methods of growth
The RISE UP Fellowships at MOOL empower young people through personal leadership, service-oriented careers, and ecological entrepreneurship. Through personal leadership training, fellows explore their vision, strengths, clarify their values, and cultivate the mindset needed to create meaningful change within themselves and the communities they belong to.
The focus on service and goal-oriented careers equips them with the skills to address pressing community challenges with confidence, empathy, and dedication. In ecological entrepreneurship, they learn to design innovative ventures that integrate ecological regeneration, local resources and cultural ethos, and economic growth.
The fellowship blends mentorship, experiential learning, and collaborative activities to build resilience, creativity, and a sense of collective responsibility. The major activities include:
In-residence intensive training workshops focused on visioning, personal leadership, venture ideation and development, business models, and implementation strategies.
Mentorship sessions to develop a comprehensive blueprint for personal growth and venture development, equipping fellows to transform ideas into actionable and sustainable plans.
Weekly online training sessions tailored to the fellowship’s objectives.
Structured daily routine development to enhance productivity and discipline.
A joint learning program with the Himalayan Hub in Himachal Pradesh, fostering collaborative growth.
Internships and community visits to gain practical exposure and experience.
Field research with organizations and initiatives in Kashmir, providing hands-on learning opportunities.
Networking opportunities to connect with experts, peers, and industry/institutional mentors and leaders.
By the end of the program, fellows are not only equipped to lead impactful lives but are also empowered to shape a more sustainable and thriving Kashmir.
As these young changemakers step forward, their stories unfold—a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of nurturing roots for a thriving future in Kashmir.
A New Paradigm for a Just and Sustainable Future
The RISE UP Fellowship is more than just a training program—it is a movement towards reimagining how change happens. By focusing on personal leadership, community-driven solutions, and ecological entrepreneurship, MOOL is fostering a new generation of changemakers who challenge conventional paths and carve their own, rooted in sustainability and justice.
In a region where young people often feel constrained by limited opportunities, RISE UP offers an alternative—one that empowers them to dream, build, and lead with purpose. By investing in their growth, MOOL is not only shaping individual lives but also contributing to a larger shift towards a resilient, self-sustaining Kashmir. The stories of these fellows are a reminder that change does not always come from the top down; sometimes, it takes root at the grassroots, nurtured by those who dare to rise up.
Meet the Current Cohort of RISE UP Fellows
The current fellowship cohort includes 10 young people from diverse regions and backgrounds across Kashmir, supported by the Royal Enfield Social Mission. As the 10-month program nears completion in March 2025, fellows are developing blueprints for ecological entrepreneurship, service careers, and social initiatives. Some are already implementing projects, testing prototypes, or interning with organizations for hands-on experience.
Fellows engage in daily routines that integrate learning into practice, conduct field research, explore business models, and establish resource networks. Post-training, continued mentorship and networking will help them refine and implement their initiatives.
Regardless of whether they continue their ventures or explore new paths, the fellowship equips them with skills, clarity, and confidence to shape their careers and positively impact their communities.
Majid Nazir Malla
My name is Majid Nazir. I am from Ganderbal, Kashmir. I am an aspiring ecological entrepreneur improving the health and quality of life of thousands of people. The fellowship is helping me envision and plan Noor-e-Niamat, a unique venture that will combine organic dairy farming practices with athletic training programs. My mission is to promote healthy living, sustainable agriculture, and athletic excellence.
Muneer Ahmed Gashi
Hello! I am Muneer Ahmed from Srinagar, Kashmir. As a MOOL fellow, I am working towards building Shajar - an innovative platform dedicated to supporting the student community in Kashmir including those that come from marginalised backgrounds. Through Shajar, I strive to provide career guidance, mentorship, and support to students, helping them navigate their academic and professional journeys aligned with their aptitude and interests.
Muskaan Rashid
My name is Muskaan Rashid. I am from Ganderbal, Kashmir. Currently I am working on Muskaan’s Well-Being Centre, a space focused on holistic health and sustainable living. My aim is to help people heal and improve their well-being through natural, non-medical methods that support the mind, body, and soul. My goal is to create a space where individuals of all ages, both male and female, can reconnect with themselves and adopt healthier lifestyles. Guided by sustainability and care, I am passionate about promoting practices that benefit both people and the planet. In the fellowship, I am expanding my knowledge and skills on holistic wellbeing through research, training, and fieldwork. Recently, I had the opportunity to test my learning and start working with local children. In one such activity, I organised guided exercises focused on holistic health, such as imagination, mindfulness, and mud therapy. It was a truly enriching experience.
Zubair Ahmad Malla
My name is Zubair Ahmad Malla. I am from Ganderbal, Kashmir. My aspiration is to become an eco conscious entrepreneur and revive Kashmir’s craft heritage for better health of people and the planet. The fellowship is helping me envision Kashur Naqsh - a venture that will focus on local craft, carpets, and various utility items such as wagu (traditional sitting mats), prayer rugs, yoga mats, wall hangings, baskets, lampshades, and basket bags. The word Kashur Naqsh is Kashmiri. Kashur means Kashmiri and Naqsh means design.
Zubair Haneef
I am Syed Zubair from Sopore, Kashmir. The fellowship is helping me build my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. The training is helping me envision and plan Panun, a venture whose mission is to introduce sustainability and holistic health through integrated natural farming practices. Panun is Kashmiri for 'our own'. Currently, I am exploring domestic poultry farming and conducting field research to start a unit. I also aim to adopt eco-friendly practices like vermicompost to conserve the environment, preserve biodiversity, and address climate change.
Aadil Mushtaq Wagay
My name is Aadil Mushtaq Wagay. I am from Ganderbal, Kashmir. I am working towards creating an organic dairy farm with an integrated gym centre. My mission is to improve community health and well-being. In the fellowship, I am working towards building Aadil's Dairy and Diet Farm. I plan to provide fresh, nutrient-rich milk and organic products that promote a healthy lifestyle. My venture may also include a gym center where I aim to enhance young people's health and fitness, and replace harmful supplements with a natural, organic diet sourced directly from my farm. Through this holistic approach, I aspire to create a healthier, more sustainable community.
Nusrat Farooq
My name is Nusrat Farooq. I hail from the serene district of Bandipora in Kashmir, nestled near the majestic Wular Lake, one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes. Growing up in this biodiverse region, surrounded by lush forests, vibrant flora, and unique wildlife, I developed a deep bond with nature. Witnessing the challenges faced by our fragile ecosystem strengthened my passion for conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable living practices. As a MOOL Fellow, my journey is deeply rooted in educating the younger generation about the environment and the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us. To further this mission, I am establishing an eco-school, Wular Eco Hub. This initiative aims to inspire young individuals to conserve and preserve the natural world while fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Qazi Khytul Ahmar
My name is Qazi Khytul Ahmar. I am from Anantnag, Kashmir. I have laid the foundation for my venture Good Food and am ready to launch. With packaging finalized, market research, budgeting, and planning completed, I am now set to start selling. In addition, I envision building a food cart chain in Kashmir to bring authentic Kashmiri flavors to more people while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities within the community.
Taabish Fayaz Wagay
My name is Tabish Fayaz. I am from Ganderbal. I am a compassionate ecological entrepreneur creating sustainable change in my community and environment. I am working towards building Aab - A Natural Sheep Farm. Aab is a Kashmiri word that denotes water. I aspire to create a sustainable ecosystem where sheep are raised naturally, with care for them and the environment, the community, and future generations. My goal is to provide pure, uncontaminated resources, ensuring the farm remains disease-free while leaving something of lasting value for those who come after us.
Hilal Ahmad Malik
My name is Hilal. I am from Handwara, Kupwara. In the fellowship, I am working on my plan to build an eco village, Bangus Eco Village, on my family land near the beautiful Bangus Valley. I want to develop it into a space for responsible travel and tourism, where travelers, families, and young people, including students, can connect with nature and experience the local way of life. The land already has walnut trees, and I plan to grow more natural local foods and involve the community in meaningful ways, such as through sustainable livelihood generation. The fellowship is helping me shape and refine this vision into a solid plan.
Core Team
The current core team of MOOL is led by Founder Fayaz Ahmad Dar, alongside Shaheena Parveen, Umer Qadir Sheikh, and Mohammad Kamran Dar, who collectively drive its vision and initiatives forward.
MOOL invites you to support our work and the efforts of our fellows.
Make a Contribution: Support our programs!
Your donations can directly support our community-driven initiatives and emergency relief efforts. To contribute, please transfer funds to:
Account Name: Mool Sustainability Research and Training Center
Account Number: 0081010100002362
Bank Name: The Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd.
Branch: Ganderbal, Kashmir.
IFSC Code: JAKA0GANDER
Collaborate and Co-Create: Spread the word!
Help us expand our impact by sharing our mission and work within your network. Connect us with individuals, organizations, or institutions who may want to collaborate, co-create projects, and support our initiatives including the fellowship.
If you make a donation, please provide us with your name, address, and PAN. This will enable us to issue a receipt for you to claim tax rebates under Section 80G 5(vi) of the Income Tax Act in India.
For collaborations, partnerships, or any other queries, please feel free to contact us at moolsustainability@gmail.com or 9622565003. We look forward to hearing from you!
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