Srinagar, Jan 27: Farooq Mir, the 73-year-old master craftsman from Kashmir, who was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his exceptional contributions promoting the unique craft of Kani weaving, continues to inspire with his unwavering passion for the craft.
Despite decades of experience, Mir remains a lifelong learner, vowing to pursue his art until his last breath.
“I started working on Sozni embroidery on shawls when I was just 10 years old,” he said with pride. “It is not just a craft; it’s a legacy passed down through generations in my family. My forefathers dedicated their lives to this art, and now my sons have chosen to follow the same path.”
Mir was among the 139 Padma awardees announced on the eve of Republic Day.
While Mir, the renowned Kani weaver from Srinagar, was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2025, in recognition of his 60 years of perseverance in promoting the unique craft of Kani weaving, Mukhtar Ahmad Bhat from Sonpah, Beerwah Budgam, and Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, from Badamwari Srinagar, where given J&K Government Awards for their immense contribution in taking crafts like Sozni and Kani weaving to the next level.
Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, showered praise on 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.
Islam led a team of officers who visited the residence of Mir at Chanapora, Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, has extended its heartiest congratulations to its three master craftsmen for having been conferred Padma Shri and J&K Government Awards for excellence in the field of arts and crafts.
UNI
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