New Delhi
President Kovind presented Nari Shakti Puraskar to Nasira Akhter for grassroots innovation in environmental conservation. Hailing from Kulgam, Jammu, and Kashmir, she developed a herb that converts polythene to ashes without causing pollution. Her method thus turns polythene biodegradable.
Nasira Akhtar, 48, from the Kanipura area of Kulgam, was among the 29 Indian women who were conferred Nari Shakti Puraskar by President Ram Nath Kovind here on the occasion of the International Day for Women.
Nasira Akhter set a record for discovering a herb and NPL which is used to convert polythene to ashes without causing any kind of environmental pollution. It took her 8 years, 7 months, and 5 days to make this invention.
The paste of this herb is applied on the mounds of polythene when it is burnt, as confirmed on July 4, 2020.
Narisa has already registered her name in the Asia Book of Records for her discovery of degrading plastic with the help of locally grown herbs.
The award is given to women who have done significant work in any field. A 48-year-old woman from the Kannipura area of Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir has registered her name in the Asia Book of Records for the discovery.
Nasira Akhtar is a single parent of two grown-up boys.
I
Though Nasira had made her invention long back her efforts were recognized only after she was awarded the India Book of Records, the Columns Book of Records, and the recent Asia Book of Records.
She said though she was not encouraged by people initially, she was sure that one day the world would appreciate her work.
A Commerce graduate Nasira Akhtar did a course from ITI in Computer and Stenography and secured a government job.
However, Nasira says her heart was not in the job and she boldly turned it down and instead set up a small-scale industry. Nasira’s unit manufactures surgical items such as bandages, cotton, masks, and bedsheets.
At present, the annual turnover of her industry is Rs. 8 million. She says, "I am the only woman in Kashmir who works in the field of belt making. There are a few other women in Jammu, but none in Kashmir. My products reach every city and district level hospital here."
However, setting up the industrial unit was not easy. "After considering different ideas with my brother, I traveled to Delhi, and Muradabad to survey the market and learn more about the area," says Nasira.
She has taken loans from time to time from various financial and business entities like EDI (Entrepreneur Development Institute), KVIC (Khadi Village Industries Commission), and (Directorate of Industry and Commerce) for expanding his business.
She says her target is to increase the annual turnover to Rs. 2 crores.
She demonstrated her skill in degrading polythene at many important platforms. She received international acclaim. She faced resistance and criticism locally yet she was asked to demonstrate her invention in some universities.
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