Two Kashmiri Master Craftsmen Win National Award
Srinagar- Two master craftsmen from Kashmir have brought pride to the region by winning the esteemed National Award in the handicrafts category, as announced by the Union Ministry of Textiles. Manzoor Ahmad Khan and Khawaja Nazir Ali will be honored for their excellence in hand-knotted carpet weaving and sozni embroidery at a ceremony in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on December 9.
- Manzoor A. Khan & Khawaja Nazir Ali honored in carpet weaving, sozni embroidery; 2 others get special mention
- Awards ceremony at New Delhi on Dec 9
The Handicrafts and Handloom Department of Kashmir expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Textiles for recognizing the talent of these craftsmen and commended them for enhancing the reputation of Kashmir Handicrafts with their intricate designs and vibrant colors known worldwide.
According to a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, the awards include a citation and a cash prize of ₹2.00 lakh. In addition to the winners, Mashkoora Hameed in sozni embroidery and Mir Arshad Hussain in papier mache have received special mention and have been invited to the award ceremony.
Manzoor Ahmad Khan, a prominent weaver of hand-knotted carpets, was recently awarded the first prize in UT Awards for the year 2024. Khawaja Nazir Ali has also excelled in sozni embroidery and is being honored with the National Award.
Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, praised the awardees and highlighted that this recognition will boost the handicrafts and handlooms industry in Kashmir, opening up opportunities in newer markets, particularly in South East Asia.
The Department is planning to organize a felicitation event to honor the awardees and those who received special mention by the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles.
