Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jul 25: A 69-year-old artist from Srinagar, who has won the prestigious Padma Shri award for his exemplary contribution to Kashmiri handicraft, continues to work diligently to preserve ancient arts.
Haji Ghulam Rasool Khan, a resident of Rehmania Colony in Jogiwan Amda Kadal, is also the chairman of the All J&K Shilp Guru National Award and Artisans Society. He has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2021, for his dedication to the craft.
In an interview, Khan said his association with handicrafts began in childhood. He said his ancestors also relied on this trade for their livelihood.
Haji’s commitment to the craft deepened after a serious accident in Delhi in 1998, which confined him to a room for years. During this time, he devoted himself to the Pashmina work.
“Handicraft requires patience, which is often lacking in the younger generation,” Khan said. “I worked on a project – a 64-piece shawl – over five years, along with my apprentices. This work earned me both state and national awards in 2003 after being recommended by foreign designers through the handicraft department”.
Ghulam Rasool said there is a need for sustained efforts to preserve the art. “Handicraft is a unique gift from Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA) to the Kashmiri people,” he said, urging the younger generation to continue the tradition.
Khan said he has taught over 500 people the intricate art of Jamawaar Shawl making. However, the government intervention is crucial for the art’s survival, he added.
Haji expressed hope of receiving the Padma Bhushan award for his art, for which he has applied. He called for opening institutions to teach master crafts and showrooms in prominent Indian markets for direct sales.
“I have repeatedly requested land from the government to establish an institute for training the younger generation in these skills,” he said.
Khan said that while unemployment is a concern, reviving traditional arts could provide livelihoods for thousands. He called for programmes to educate the public about Kashmiri artwork and highlighted the importance of Geographical Indication (GI) tagging.
“The GI tagging helps people identify genuine handmade crafts. However, more needs to be done to ensure the art’s longevity,” he said.
