Artist lauded for innovative use of pashmina fabric

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 29

Governor NN Vohra inaugurated Babar Afzal’s ‘Pashmina Art Exhibition’ and released his book “6 Times Thinner.” The event was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL) at the Abhinav Theatre here today.

Appreciating the innovative idea of using pashmina fabric as a medium to paint, weave and embroider, the Governor complimented Afzal for his ingenuity in meaningfully and aesthetically highlighting the pashmina goat and its rare soft wool which is used for producing valuable shawls and garments. He lauded the artist’s efforts to highlight in an altogether unique manner, the centuries old tradition of pashmina craft, which is a hallmark of Jammu & Kashmir.

He observed that the artist’s decision to become a pashmina goat shepherd after leaving a lucrative corporate job in the Silicon Valley should serve as an inspiration to the youth of the state.

The Governor observed that there was no dearth of talent among the youth of J&K and exhorted them to remain focused and work hard to achieve their aspirations.

The Governor congratulated Afzal for writing a book to record his experiences of working as a shepherd and gaining the traditional wisdom of goatmen for the preservation of the Pashmina ecosystem in India. He wished him high success in all his future endeavours.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig, MP, who was the special guest on the occasion, lauded the efforts and talent of Afzal in preservation of pashmina goat and projection of pashmina art throughout the world.

Earlier, Afzal presented a brief account of his book. Elaborating on the title of his book “6 Times Thinner,” he said it indicated that a pashmina strand is six times thinner than the human hair. He shared his experiences about working as a shepherd.

Dr Aziz Hajini, Secretary, JKAACL, presented the welcome address and Dr Arvinder Singh Aman, Additional Secretary, JKAACL, gave a formal vote of thanks.

Many dignitaries, including civil servants, authors, writers, artists and students, were among those present on the occasion.