AQSA MASRAT: THE YOUNGEST SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER FROM KASHMIR MAKING A DIFFERENCE

In the small town of Sopore, situated in the Baramulla district of North Kashmir, the spotlight shines on a remarkable 10-year-old named Aqsa Masrat, who has earned the title of the youngest social media influencer in the Kashmir Valley. Through her YouTube channel, ‘What Aqsa Expresses,’ and a Facebook following surpassing 58,000, Aqsa has captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands with her captivating content, highlighting the beauty of her homeland while addressing pressing community concerns.

Currently enrolled as a 5th-grade student at Shah Rasool Memorial Welkin Sopore, Aqsa’s foray into the world of social media was sparked by her maternal uncle’s inspiration. At the age of 6, she crafted her maiden video on ‘Chillai Kallan,’ the challenging forty-day winter spell in Kashmir. The unexpected success of this initial endeavor fueled her passion, leading her to create approximately 50 videos to date.

Aqsa’s content covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the scenic landscapes of Kashmir to shedding light on crucial issues like the dog menace, traffic congestion, the state of a deteriorating bridge in Sopore, and challenges posed by rising prices. Her videos serve as a platform to bring attention to the daily struggles faced by her community, with the noble aim of fostering positive change.

Aqsa has expressed her gratitude to her maternal uncle, who serves as both her role model and inspiration. Her mother has been a consistent source of support, recognizing and nurturing Aqsa’s burgeoning talents. Aqsa harbors dreams of becoming an IAS officer, and her message to fellow youths and parents resonates as a plea to support and nurture the talents of the younger generation.

Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Aqsa shared her videos on diverse subjects such as Sopore Fruit Mandi, Paddy harvesting, and Kangri, and a heartwarming video titled ‘Mere Mamu ki Shaadi’ has garnered views in the thousands. Despite encountering challenges from some quarters, Aqsa acknowledges her family, particularly her internationally acclaimed photojournalist uncle, for providing the inspiration that fuels her creative pursuits.

Aqsa’s narrative extends beyond the realm of 10-year-old creating videos; it stands as a testament to the potency of young voices in raising awareness and catalyzing change. Her commitment to showcasing the beauty and challenges of her homeland reflects a mature understanding of social issues that transcend age norms. As Aqsa continues to gather followers and exert a positive influence through her online presence, she emerges as a source of inspiration for budding influencers and a symbol of optimism for youth-driven change. Her journey underscores the fact that age poses no barrier to effecting change and that every voice, irrespective of its volume, possesses the potential to resonate and initiate positive transformations. Aqsa Masrat’s narrative serves as a poignant reminder that passion, determination, and a sense of purpose can surmount any obstacle, standing as a testament to the potential of young individuals in shaping a brighter future for their communities.