Capt Tanvi Raina Champions Kashmiri Crafts with ‘Kasb aur Kalam’ Series
FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Aug 22 : From flying aircraft across the Indian skies to reviving Kashmir’s age-old crafts on the ground, commercial pilot Captain Tanvi Raina is scripting a new chapter of cultural preservation and empowerment through her initiative ‘Kasb aur Kalam’.
Known as the youngest woman from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a commercial pilot license at the age of 18, Captain Tanvi has already carved out an inspiring career with IndiGo. But beyond aviation, she is now championing Kashmiri art and heritage by creating a platform for the Valley’s artisans, musicians, writers, and designers to voice their stories and struggles.
A Journey from Cockpit to Crafts
Over the last three years, Tanvi has been quietly working on Bharat & Tanvi, a design house deeply rooted in her family’s legacy and Kashmir’s cultural fabric. Drawing from her grandfather’s famed Bharat Transport Company, she is reimagining the family’s entrepreneurial spirit in a new form—by turning to Kashmiri crafts.
With Kasb aur Kalam, she plans to host a series of unscripted conversations in Kashmir’s workshops, drawing rooms, and courtyards. The aim is not only to highlight the artistic processes but also to bring to light the economic, emotional, and mental health challenges faced by artisans who struggle to sustain themselves in an era of industrial production and dwindling returns.
“It won’t be a Q&A,” Tanvi emphasizes. “It’s about letting makers tell their journeys—exploring not just craft, but also the human challenges behind them.”
Reviving Traditions, Restoring Dignity
Kashmir’s papier-mâché, tilla work, carpet weaving, and woodcrafts have long been admired across the globe. However, declining patronage, inadequate earnings, and lack of proper platforms have pushed many artisans to abandon these skills.
“I’ve seen cases where the artisans don’t even earn a quarter of the final retail price,” Tanvi observes. “That’s simply not sustainable if we want these skills to survive.”
Her vision is to reposition Kashmiri handicrafts from souvenirs to global heritage art, capable of competing with luxury craft markets in Paris or Milan. “Tilla work and papier-mâché should be treated as family treasures,” she insists, adding that fair compensation matters as much as visibility.
Building a Platform for the Future
Through the Kasb aur Kalam series, curated showcases, mentorship opportunities, and collaborations, Tanvi seeks to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where craftspeople are not only celebrated but also financially empowered.
The initiative also resonates with her belief in intergenerational continuity—ensuring that the younger generation does not walk away from crafts due to lack of livelihood. “If the next generation can’t earn a living, they won’t learn the skills,” she warns.
Beyond Products, Towards People
For Tanvi, the initiative is as much about storytelling as it is about preserving products. By bringing artisans into conversations with wider audiences, she hopes to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, showing that crafts are not just commodities but carriers of cultural memory and resilience.
Her journey from being Kashmir’s youngest woman pilot to becoming a custodian of Kashmiri heritage reflects the spirit of reinvention. “This is not just a passion project,” she says. “It’s a responsibility to ensure that the hands which built our cultural identity are not forgotten.”
With Kasb aur Kalam, Captain Tanvi Raina is not only charting new skies but also weaving new futures on the ground—ensuring Kashmir’s artistry continues to fly high across the world.
