by Babra Wani
SRINAGAR: Iqra Nazir, a tech entrepreneur from North Kashmir’s Baramulla, is on a mission to revolutionise how people manage and celebrate events, particularly weddings. With a background in information technology, Iqra has created an innovative app called Dawat Book, designed to simplify the planning and execution of social gatherings.
Kashmiri-entrepreneur-Iqra-Nazir-launches-Dawat-Book-an-app-that-streamlines-wedding-and-event-management
The idea for the Dawat Book was born from a casual family gathering, where Iqra observed two women laboriously recording Vartaav in a notebook. “My mentor was also present, and we were discussing how to digitise these traditional processes,” she recalled. “This conversation sparked the idea that eventually evolved into Dawat Book.” Dawat Book is an online application aimed at streamlining the event management process. “Through my experiences, I have realised that our events and weddings can be overwhelmingly hectic,” Iqra noted.
Iqra Nazir’s academic journey took her from Baramulla Degree College to Aligarh Muslim University, and finally to the University of Kashmir, where she earned her master’s degree in information technology. “After returning from Aligarh, I pursued my master’s degree at the University of Kashmir,” she explained. Her professional career, largely spent in software engineering roles, equipped her with the skills to venture into entrepreneurship. “My background is mostly in software engineering, which has been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial pursuits,” she said.
The concept of Dawat Book, her startup, had been gestating since 2023. “The idea had been simmering in my mind for a long time before we launched it,” she revealed. “Given its innovative nature, we had to start from scratch, dedicating considerable time to market research and analysis.” Nazir elaborated, “We observed various occasions, took note of the prevailing practices, and began working on the app in January 2024.”
Since its launch in early July 2024, Dawat Book has generated considerable buzz, amassing over 3,000 downloads within its first month. “We are eager to raise awareness about our platform,” Iqra Nazir explained. “We have also received orders since then.” The app offers a comprehensive digital solution for event planning, streamlining tasks such as guest list creation and sourcing service providers like chefs, makeup artists, and photographers.
Iqra, who single-handedly developed the app, highlighted another key feature: “It also provides a platform for local artisans, particularly women who work from home, to sell customized gifts such as candles, platters, and decorative items.” She reflected on the development process, “We had to engage in extensive brainstorming before bringing the app to life.”
Iqra Nazir identified the complexities of organizing functions in Kashmir as a primary motivator for creating the Dawat Book. “The process of managing, organizing, procuring goods, and finding suitable service providers pose significant challenges,” she observed. “By consolidating these tasks onto a single technological platform, Dawat Book endeavours to simplify and streamline event management.”
The app also incorporates features that accommodate the region’s unique cultural practices, such as a digital iteration of “Vartav,” a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in Kashmir’s heritage. “By offering these culturally relevant tools, Dawat Book not only modernizes event planning but also preserves the rich traditions inherent to Kashmiri celebrations,” she explained.
Like many entrepreneurs, Iqra has encountered numerous challenges, particularly in managing her business single-handedly while overseeing a team of developers. Yet, she remains steadfast in her optimism and resilience. “When I was employed, I faced challenges too,” she said. “I do not perceive a significant difference now. I have chosen this path, and it is for me to navigate its challenges.”
Iqra’s innovative approach to generating revenue is: “We do not charge any commissions or platform fees, making our services free for users in the initial phase.” Instead, she plans to promote eco-friendly and biodegradable products via the app’s retail store, which sells disposable items.
As the platform grows, Iqra envisions building a community of trust and expanding Dawat Book’s offerings to include more service providers and products. “I aim to create a platform that not only simplifies the complexities of cultural celebrations but also preserves and promotes cultural heritage,” she explained.
Regarding her future, Iqra hopes to establish her app as a household name within her community and eventually expand it to a global audience. “My ambition is to make my app a beloved product, not only in Kashmir but also globally,” she said. “Our mission is to support the community by simplifying the complexities of cultural celebrations and providing a platform that preserves and promotes cultural heritage.”
