Namaste Saarthi: When a new dream takes shape in the beautiful valleys of the mountains, it not only changes the life of one person but also enhances the picture of the entire area. The story of Kartik Pandey, a resident of Pithoragarh, also raises similar hopes. Growing up in a normal family, Karthik saw, understood the problems around him and then made a strong determination to overcome them. His father has been working as a taxi driver for a long time. During his childhood days, Karthik also used to travel to far-flung roads in vehicles with his father. It was in these moments of the journey that he realized how many problems the tourists visiting the beautiful valleys of Pithoragarh and Champawat have to go through. Due to lack of correct information and getting entangled with middlemen, both time and money of the passengers were wasted. This experience sowed the seed of a new idea within Karthik.
A unique idea born out of a problem
Thousands of tourists coming to hilly areas often got vehicles at arbitrary fares. Apart from this, finding clean hotels and genuine local guides was no less than a big challenge for them. Due to the interference of middlemen, tourists had to shell out money, which spoiled their entire trip. Karthik was thinking for many years how to improve this system so that the guests coming from outside can get peace and the local people also get their due rights. He wanted that with the help of technology, a path should be created where everything would be clean and transparent.
Devbhoomi Entrepreneurship Scheme showed a new path
Karthik had the idea in his mind, but could not understand how to implement it. The solution to his dilemma came in the year 2025. A special entrepreneurship bootcamp was organized in his college by the Indian Entrepreneurship Development Institute, Ahmedabad. This bootcamp was organized under the Devbhoomi Entrepreneurship Scheme based on the thinking of state Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Participating in this training camp proved to be the biggest turning point in Karthik's life. Here he was taught how to turn a small idea into a big business.
Understanding of business models and digital technologies
During the bootcamp, Karthik understood the entire structure of the business. He learned how a business model is prepared by identifying the needs of the customers. They were also taught how to convey their message to remote customers through the Internet, websites and mobile platforms. He learned from experts the tricks of starting a new work and taking it forward legally and practically. After this strong preparation, Karthik started his online platform named 'Namaste Sarathi'.
All travel facilities at one place
As soon as 'Namaste Sarathi' started, the tourists got a big relief. Now tourists no longer need to search separately for car, hotel and guide. They started planning their entire journey from one place. This brought transparency in prices and increased the confidence of passengers. However, in the initial days, Karthik had to face some difficulty in making his work reach as many people as possible. At this juncture, instead of accepting defeat, he again consulted experts.
Support of gurus and expansion of business
Dr. Ruchita Pangharia of LSM Pithoragarh helped a lot in showing Karthik in the right direction. She is also the nodal officer of this scheme in the college. He held frequent meetings with Karthik and helped him hone his work. The experts of the scheme taught Karthik new ways of digital promotion and connecting with customers. The effect of this right guidance soon became visible and the scope of Namaste Sarathi started expanding rapidly in the Kumaon region.
Network of 15 buses and further preparations
Today the situation is that a large network of fifteen buses has been connected with Namaste Sarathi. With the game of middlemen ending, passengers are getting the best services at less cost. At the same time, drivers and hotel owners of the area have started getting direct customers. Even after this success, Karthik has not stopped. To further improve himself, he again participated in the residential bootcamp of the scheme in the year 2026. He believes that as long as he keeps learning, his work will continue to progress.
This initiative became an inspiration for the youth
This journey of Karthik shows that if the youth get guidance and government support at the right time, they can do wonders. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also believes that the real objective of this scheme is to change the thinking of the youth towards business so that the youth of the state become job givers instead of job seekers. This effort of Kartik Pandey has today become an example for the entire Uttarakhand.
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