Srinagar, Nov 27 (JKNS): Two Kashmiri artisans have earned rare national recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship, with the Union Ministry of Textiles announcing this year’s National Handicraft Awards for excellence in traditional arts.
In a statement issued by spokesperson of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir as per news agency JKNS said, Manzoor Ahmad Khan from Rainawari and Khawaja Nazir Ali from Alamgiri Bazar, Srinagar, will receive the prestigious National Award from the President of India on December 9 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, for their outstanding work in hand-knotted carpet weaving and sozni embroidery, respectively.
The awards, which carry a cash prize of rupees 2 lakh and a citation, are among the highest honours for artisans in the country.
Officials said the recognition celebrates decades of skill, patience and creativity that define Kashmir’s celebrated craft traditions.
In addition to the two winners, two more artisans, Mashkoora Hameed from Budgam (sozni embroidery) and Mir Arshad Hussain from Srinagar (papier mache) have received special mentions and invitations to the ceremony.
Manzoor Ahmad Khan, a veteran carpet weaver, had earlier bagged the first prize in the UT Handicraft Awards 2024. He also featured in the “Know Your Artisan” initiative along the Jhelum Riverfront and is currently associated with the Guru-Shishya training programme being run by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Srinagar.
Khawaja Nazir Ali, known for his refined needlework and revival of traditional sozni motifs, said the award was an “encouragement to all artisans striving to keep the craft alive amid changing market realities.”
Director of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir, Mussarat ul Islam, while congratulating the awardees, said the recognition will “help sustain and expand Kashmir’s craft legacy into new markets, especially across South East Asia.”
The department is also planning to felicitate the award winners and those receiving special mentions at a separate function in Srinagar soon. (JKNS)
