![Padma Shri awardee Farooq Ahmad Mir at his residence in Srinagar's Natipora area. —Excelsior/Shakeel Padma Shri awardee Farooq Ahmad Mir at his residence in Srinagar's Natipora area. —Excelsior/Shakeel](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/page3-3-20-696x479.jpg)
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Jan 28: Farooq Ahmad Mir, 73, master shawl weaver from Srinagar, has credited his Padma Shri award to over six decades of dedication and perseverance in his craft.
Mir was one of the 139 individuals honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award on January 25 for his exceptional skill in weaving intricate Kani shawls. His work not only preserves this centuries-old art form but also ensures its continued transmission to future generations.
Speaking from his home in Natipora area on the outskirts of Srinagar, Mir expressed his joy over receiving the national honour. “I never even dreamed of this recognition. I have worked hard for the past three decades, and this award fills me with immense joy,” he said.
The artists recalled the moment he first heard the news: his family received a call around 2 a.m. to inform them of the award. The official announcement followed at 9 p.m. “My grandchildren were laughing and overjoyed. When I asked them why, they broke the news to me,” he said.
Mir’s work first gained attention when he sought registration as an artisan with Kashmir’s Handicrafts and Handloom Department. “Impressed by my work, the then Director, Mehmood Shah, told me he wouldn’t give me a registration card without visiting my home to see my entire body of work,” Mir recounted.
Shah was so impressed that he called Mir a “hidden gem” and began promoting his craft. This led to a series of awards, including the National Award, State Award, and the prestigious Sant Kabir Award, culminating in the Padma Shri.
A generational craftsman, Mir learned the art from his father and believes it requires years of patience and dedication. “Once you master the craft, you fall in love with it. It fills you with satisfaction, but it demands patience and honesty,” he explained.
Mir urged the younger generation to pursue traditional Kashmiri art forms instead of opting for menial jobs. “Today’s youth prefer other jobs over crafts, but they can easily earn Rs 10,000-15,000 monthly through this work,” he said. He added that with proper Government support, the craft could regain its global appeal.
Masrat-ul-Islam, Director of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Kashmir, called Mir’s recognition a proud moment for the department. “This award acknowledges sixty years of perseverance. Making a Kani shawl is not easy; it can take up to two years to complete one,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing the expertise of artists like Mir to preserve and pass on the craft to the next generation.
Islam further highlighted Government initiatives, including the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre at Nowshera, which provides state-of-the-art facilities. “We encourage buyers to purchase only GI-tagged products to support genuine artisans,” he added.