In a remarkable achievement, 20-year-old Sania Zehra has earned the title of ‘Bee Queen of Kashmir Valley’, becoming the region’s only female beekeeper and a beacon of inspiration for women nationwide. With her unwavering dedication and innovative spirit, Sania has helped her father expand their beekeeping business by an astounding 400 percent.
Breaking through gender stereotypes, Sania has taken on a profession that many women shy away from. Her journey into beekeeping began under the guidance of her father, who has been in the business for years. Despite facing numerous challenges, including being stung by bees countless times, Sania’s resilience has only strengthened her resolve. “I am thankful to everyone who has given me the name of Bee Queen of Kashmir,” she said. “My father has been into the beekeeping business for a long time, and I have learned so much from him.”
Sania’s journey has not been without its struggles. After stepping into the family business, she witnessed the unethical practices of retailers adulterating honey. Determined to maintain quality, she expanded their operation from 150 bee colonies to over 650, allowing them to sell their honey both domestically and internationally. Additionally, she has ventured into creating organic cosmetic products, including face creams, oils, and soaps made from honey and its extracts, which are rapidly gaining popularity.
“I have introduced hair oils, creams, and soaps. In the future, I want to expand my business further,” Sania expressed. “I only see the positives in life and not the negatives. The love I receive is important for me, and I don’t care about the hate.”
Despite facing online trolling after being dubbed the ‘Bee Queen’, Sania remains undeterred. She encourages young women to embrace their passions, saying, “I am the first Kashmiri girl who is doing beekeeping. There are so many girls who are even afraid of cockroaches, but I like to do what I do and hope that I can inspire them.”
Sania hails from Balhama in Srinagar, and her story adds to the growing narrative of Kashmiri women proving their mettle across various fields—from sports to business to entertainment. The younger generation is fearlessly taking on challenges and overcoming hurdles, paving the way for a brighter future.
As Sania Zehra continues to break barriers in beekeeping, she stands as a testament to the power of determination and resilience, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps.
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