In a largely conservative society of Kashmir women are aiming for financial independence. Although the goals are small but the road is not only rough but sturdy too but more and more Kashmiri women are opting out of jobs and choosing entrepreneurship as a career.
Dressed in a black color track suit and a yellow badge shining on her chest on which Owaisa Khan, Yoga therapist and personal trainer is engraved on. Owaisa started practicing Yoga when she was in college. Her passions for fitness started when her father lost both his limbs due to an neurological stroke. “My father became obese with time and lots of other diseases attacked him. This made me realize that to be fit is very important,” she said.
She thought of doing a full time degree in physical education and finally opted for a B.P.ed course in one of the institutions in Ganderbal, Kashmir. While she was still in the middle of the course she lost her father. Since, she made it her goal to advice and guide people to remain fit and eat healthy.
With no support from home she started training school children in different forms of physical activities like Yoga, boxing etc. It was tough to pursue a career in a field that had really no scope in valley. She did not lose hope and stood firm to her choice and decision “When I started going to train school children people used and mock me. They would say what can a girl do and what training she will impart to boys but it never disheartened me. I took it as an opportunity rather than a challenge,” she said.
With time she got herself trained and certified in Yoga, Boxing, and a course in self defense as well. Currently, she is the only Kashmiri female trainer in the Gold’s Gym Srinagar. She aspires to open a Yoga institute of her own in future.
The Better Kashmir wish her all the best for all future endeavors.
