Rayees Ahmad Kumar
The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, recently launched a three-day Know Your Artisan campaign at the historic Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar. This much-needed initiative brought together thirty master artisans from diverse crafts, who showcased their skills in a beautifully curated manner, captivating both visitors and potential buyers. Live demos of iconic crafts like Sozni and Crewel embroidery, Pashmina and Kani weaving, Papier-mâché, copperware Kandkari, willow work, and tweed was kept on display.
Kashmir’s crafts are not just products, but centuries-old stories woven by the golden hands. This carnival is our tribute to the artisans who keep these traditions alive and an invitation to all craft lovers to discover the real soul of Kashmir.
Renowned Sufi saint, Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), visited this valley three times during his lifetime to spread Islamic teachings. Accompanying him were nearly 700 disciples, each skilled in various crafts. In addition to imparting spiritual guidance across the valley, these companions introduced local people to diverse crafts that were indigenous to their own homelands. While purifying hearts and souls, they were equally concerned about the economic well-being of the people, thereby playing a significant role in strengthening our local economy.
This rich and invaluable legacy gifted to us by Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA) is timeless and deserves to be preserved at all costs. The most meaningful tribute we can offer to this great Sufi saint is to safeguard and promote these traditional crafts by teaching and encouraging our youth to embrace them.
These Initiatives like ‘Know Your Artisan’ are essential to bring our master artisans to the forefront, providing them a deserving platform to showcase Kashmir’s rich craft and heritage to both locals and global audiences.
In Ganderbal also, Under the aegis of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, a three-day Craft Demonstration-cum-Awareness Program was inaugurated at Government Boys High School Anderwan. Assistant Director, Handicrafts, Ganderbal, Pawan, formally launched the workshop and briefed the participants about various schemes and initiatives of the department that local artisans can benefit from.
During the program, three major handicrafts were demonstrated before the students: Sozni Work, Willow Work, and Tilla Embroidery. In the Sozni Work segment, Mukhtar Ahmad Bhat, a national awardee from Beerwah, highlighted the significance of the craft and its potential in providing livelihood to hundreds of registered artisans. A globally recognized master craftsman, he has represented India in BRICS nations and was honoured with the State Award in 2011 and the National Award in 2012.
Bashir Ahmad Dar, a master craftsman from Peerpora Ganderbal, showcased Willow Work. With 36 years of experience, he underscored the importance of eco-friendly and economical products crafted by local artisans. He is also a recipient of the National Award (2013).
In the Tilla Embroidery segment, Nazir Ahmad Malik from Wakoora demonstrated the intricate art of designing Tilla work on traditional Kashmiri robes (pherans), impressing the students with his craftsmanship.
The enthusiasm among students remained high throughout, as the master craftsmen engaged them with hands-on demonstrations and skill sharing. As the unemployment rate among educated youth in Kashmir reaches an alarming high, it has become imperative to explore and embrace alternative sectors that can offer sustainable and dignified livelihoods.
Today, we frequently witness highly qualified individuals — including those with research degrees — selling dry fruits, vegetables, or working in restaurants just to survive amid rising inflation and shrinking economic opportunities. In such circumstances, returning to our roots, preserving the rich legacy of our ancestors, and paying a befitting tribute to Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA) becomes all the more essential.
By familiarizing our younger generations with the traditional crafts introduced and nurtured by him, we can empower them with skills that ensure both economic resilience and cultural continuity.
(The author is a freelance. He hails from Qazigund and can be reached at [email protected])
