Weaver from Valley to get Padma Shri

Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, on Monday congratulated its three master craftsmen for having been conferred Padma Shri and J&K Government Awards for excellence in the field of arts and crafts.

While Farooq Ahmad Mir, a renowned Kani weaver from Srinagar, was conferred the Padma Shri in recognition of his 60 years of perseverance in promoting the unique craft of Kani weaving, Mukhtar Ahmad Bhat from Sonpah in Beerwah, Budgam, and Mushtaq Ahmad Khan from Badamwari, Srinagar, have been awarded J&K Government Awards for their contribution in taking crafts like Sozni and Kani weaving to the next level.

Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, praised the awardees for bringing laurels to Kashmir handicrafts and inspiring the younger generation to carry on the tradition of making exquisite hand-made products from the Valley.

“This recognition shall provide traction to the indigenous craft of Kani weaving as well as intricate Sozni embroidery on Pashmina fabric which have the potential to emerge on global markets in a much bigger way,” he said.

A team of officers led by the Director visited the residence of Padma Shri awardee Farooq Ahmad Mir at Chanapora, Srinagar, to personally congratulate him and his family for the honour bestowed upon him.