Suhail Khan
Sopore : Kashmir once has been home to some truly amazing art and craft traditions and saw a decline in past years. Although with modern techniques the youngsters here are working hard to revive this dying art.
One such example is Soliha Bashir (Sonzal) daughter of Bashir Ahmed Dar of Ferozpora Rafiabad, a college student who has been instrumental in taking these old traditions of Kashmir at an international level.
Soliha has been working to revive the diminished state of crafts in Kashmir, especially Sozni embroidery, for the past five years.
In a chat with Kashmir Despatch Soliha said that back in the 90’s, embroidery work was done both by men and women who with their skill had attracted attention round the globe but then innovative machines not only affected the livelihood of thousands of people and slowly drove away from this craft.
She believes that in those days when people affiliated with this industry were not only earning good but were able to make this decade long culture of Kashmir stand tall in the world. She said that joining this line was only to revive the art.
She said that Kashmir has produced countless artists , but the government so far has not been serious about safeguarding this industry and how it was valued across the globe.
She said no doubt in the early days it was very hard to survive but once you have passion to do something with an aim to contribute for the society, definitely hard work pays and Alhamdulliah my work too is being recognised and people now start ordering embroidery items.
She said after facing a lot of issues she then found a solution to create decorative embroidery which people not only liked but now decorate at their offices, shops and other business establishments.
Soliha believes in becoming a successful entrepreneur and to provide job opportunities to the locals here.
Pertinent to mention here Soliha Bashir has received bundles of awards for her hard work, dedication so far in her journey.
