Kashmiri papier mache craftsman  wins  first prize at Iranian Craft Festival

Srinagar, Feb 25: In a major recognition at a prestigious global event, Mir Arshad Hussain, a noted papier mache craftsman from Bota Kadal, Lal Bazar, has been conferred with the first prize and Diploma of Honor at the 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts, Sarv-e-Simin, at Tehran.

Arshad  was conferred with the prize by the Iranian Minister for Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri.

Mir Arshad’s entry of papier mache wall plate, which presented an exemplary fusion of traditional and contemporary motifs of Kashmir, scored over 7000 other global entries to receive the first prize in the festival along with a cash award of ₹65,000.

The festival showcased outstanding and valuable works crafted by master artisans and renowned designers from all over the world.

One of the highlights of the award was the Honorable Mention by the Iranian Culture Minister addressed to Mir Arshad in which he attributed the award to his invaluable efforts and innovative approach in elevating handicrafts.

“Your creations through your masterful hands stand as a testament to skill, passion and dedication to the cultural and artistic legacy of the world,” it read.
Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam met and congratulated Mir Arshad for this rare honour and hoped this international recognition will inspire many others to “take famed Kashmir handicrafts on the next pedestal.”

An IT engineer by qualification and master craftsman by choice, Mir Arshad is seeking to promote unique crafts like papier mache which have huge potential in the overseas markets.