Working as an IT Analyst in India, the UK, US and Middle East, Babar Afzal fulfilled the dream of most young professionals in his homeland of India. He earned a life of luxury, travelled the world and worked with the best and brightest in the technology industry. This was quite a departure from his humble beginnings in Jammu and Kashmir. Back home, life went on — the centuries-old traditions of nomads, goat shepherds and weavers producing Pashmina — the finest of wool fibers. This extraordinary fabric is responsible for creating the most luxurious shawls on earth. 

Competition, harsh weather, a high climate, dwindling resources and a small economic return were working against the Pashmina goats, nomads, herders and weavers back in Kashmir. When he heard of their plight, he was deeply affected. Babar’s deep connection to his people never wavered. He had the passion and he had the means to leave his professional life, pack his bags and return home. His goal was simple. He would adopt the life of a shepherd, study the entire eco-system and bring the kind of change that would help sustain and grow the ancient, yet struggling, Pashmina industry in Kashmir. He took on this mission with a XOLO Era 3X smartphone — staying connected with everyone from shepherds to buyers, capturing images of some of the Pashmina designs produced by artisans, working with apps, all while documenting and sharing his findings.

Babar’s efforts resulted with the founding of the Pashmina Goat Program. “It is not just about a product. It is about one million people whose lives are directly and intricately linked to this incredible product. And that is what the Pashmina Goat Program is trying to highlight,” Babar said. He has also used technology change the dynamics, by introducing e-commerce systems, testing and certification of the Pashmina, plus instant weather alerts delivered to the smartphones of herders and nomads. Babar admits it has been an incredibly tough journey. But he will also tell you, “It’s all been worth it.”