Awami R
eporter Desk
Srinagar, February 06: Konnect Kashmir, a new digital directory platform, was officially launched with the objective of connecting local vendors, artisans, and service providers directly with consumers, both within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Founded by Asim Banday, a marketing and design development professional with over a decade of experience, Konnect Kashmir has been conceptualized as a free listing and discovery platform that enables local businesses to showcase their products and services without financial or operational barriers. The platform functions purely as a connector, allowing vendors and consumers to engage with each other directly.
Speaking at the launch, Banday said the idea behind Konnect Kashmir was to remove entry barriers for small vendors who often remain invisible due to lack of digital presence. “This is not an aggregator or a commission-based marketplace. Konnect Kashmir is a free directory created to give visibility to local vendors and help consumers discover authentic businesses directly,” he said.
Banday added that many artisans, small traders, and service providers struggle to afford digital platforms or advertising. “By keeping the platform free, we want to ensure that even the smallest vendor has an equal opportunity to be seen and contacted. Our role is limited but meaningful—we connect people; the business happens between them,” he said.
The platform lists vendors across multiple categories, enabling consumers to access verified information and directly communicate with sellers without intermediaries. According to Banday, the initiative is aimed at encouraging local commerce, supporting self-employment, and strengthening community-based economic activity.
With its launch, Konnect Kashmir aims to serve as a practical digital bridge between vendors and consumers, promoting local businesses and making Kashmiri products and services more accessible—without cost or complexity.
