Srinagar weaver weaves his way to Padma Shri glory

SRINAGAR — At 72, Farooq Ahmed Mir from Pamposh Colony, Natipora, Srinagar has shown that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.

Honoured with the “Padma Shri” on this Republic Day, Mir’s journey as a Kashmiri weaver and artisan shows his passion, dedication and perseverance.

Speaking to the news agency KNO, Mir expressed his gratitude to the government, calling the award a validation of his lifelong dedication to preserving Kashmir’s traditional weaving techniques.

“Despite being illiterate, my passion and skill in crafting ‘Tujji Pashmina’, a form of weaving, have brought me national recognition,” he said, adding, “I never dreamed of winning such a prestigious award. This is a moment of immense happiness for me.”

Farooq said he learned this craft from his father by watching him work from a young age.

His journey has been marked by numerous accolades. “In 2007-2008, I won a national award from the Government of India, followed by the prestigious ‘Sant Kabir Award’ in 2016, presented to me by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai. I also received a gold medal, a silver medal, and a certificate of recognition for my exceptional craftsmanship,” he said.

Mir, however, said the rise of machine-based production and societal perceptions of the craft led to the decline of traditional weaving. “Many people now view weaving as a low-level job, which has led to its decline. Master artisans have begun to lose ground,” he lamented.

Despite the challenges, Farooq has passed his legacy to his three children, all of whom are now skilled weavers. “Kashmiri people are designers by nature and can achieve anything with hard work and dedication,” he said, urging younger generations to value and preserve the region’s traditional crafts.

Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. Instituted on January 2, 1954, the award is conferred in recognition of distinguished contributions in various spheres of activity, including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, acting, medicine, social service and public affairs. It is awarded by the Government of India every year on India’s Republic Day.