Intricate patterns on pashmina shawls
– Photo : Amar Ujala
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Tariq Ahmad Mir, who has given a new life to the ancient Sojni art of Kashmir, said that earlier we used to hear taunts, but now our stories are in front of the society as an example. People recognize all of us artists by our talent and not by our disability.
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Tariq Ahmad Mir has come from Budgam to showcase his skills at ‘Sambhaav Utsav 2.0’ at Jammu Kashmir House on Amrita Shergill Marg. This festival, which will continue till Monday, is being organized by the Jammu Kashmir Resident Commission. Despite being handicapped, Tariq threads the shawl so precisely that everyone is stunned. The culture of Kashmir is clearly visible in it. The fine workmanship of his hands remains the center of attraction in the festival.
If you also want to get acquainted with the culture of Jammu and Kashmir, then this festival is very special for you. Here artists are representing cultural artistic heritage, cuisine, agriculture and handicraft products. Another artist Mir says with disappointment that the current generation is paying less attention in this direction. He says that in the year 2012, gathering his broken morale, he started doing artwork on shawls at home. He formed an organization for this.
Only handicapped artisans were included in this. He says that he has turned the taunts given to him for his disability into courage. Currently, 40 artisans and 200 families are working with him to preserve this ancient art. He told that it takes one month to three years to make a shawl. In such a situation, their price ranges from three to five lakh rupees.
Providing employment to handicapped
Sozni artisans use fine needles and silk threads to weave intricate patterns on pashmina shawls. Traditionally, leaves, flowers and inanimate designs are made on shawls with needles, but Mir tried to change this and started working on saris as well using intricate needles. He told that despite having all the necessary degrees, he did not get a job citing disability as a deficiency. In such a situation, he decided to provide employment opportunities to people like him. By making shawls etc., his organization earns up to ten lakh rupees per year.
Startups are getting a boost
Bats made of Kashmiri willow wood are quite popular among the youth. Mohammad Niaz from Anantnag says that the bats made by him are exported not only in the country but also abroad. His bats are approved by the ICC. The price of these bats ranges from two thousand to fifteen thousand rupees. He said that most of the players come from middle class families. In such a situation, he has controlled its price. This is promoting startups in Kashmir. It is creating new employment opportunities.
enjoy the cultural program as well
People are arriving here in large numbers to celebrate culture. As soon as the tune of Kashmiri songs gets louder, they are compelled to dance. Artists dressed in Kashmiri attire create a great atmosphere through dance on stage. Artist Firdaus says that she has come to Delhi for the first time. Presenting our culture here is no less than a dream. Dr. Rashmi Singh, Principal Resident Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, said that such festivals boost the morale of artists. Their art gets a new identity.
The campus is filled with the aroma of traditional dishes
The aroma of Kashmiri traditional dishes is attracting people in the festival. Masrat Jan, who has set up a stall of Kashmiri white kidney beans, lentils, rice, honey, fruits, says that earlier she used to farm these, but ever since she joined the NGO, there has been a big change in her life. Earlier she was dependent on others, but now she has become self-reliant. She has also given employment to the people of her village. She said that in the last one and a half years, she has made many foreigners taste Kashmiri pulses.