Postcards from Kashmir: Artists, designers sketching community together

Srinagar, April 22: A group of young artists and designers in Kashmir are not only capturing the essence of the valley's culture but also extending a helping hand to those in need through their captivating postcards.

Their journey began in 2020 when several families lost their homes during a firefight in Nawa Kadal locality of Srinagar. Waqar Qamri, a 26-year-old Product Designer, took the initiative to support the affected people by rallying his artist friends to create postcards and raise funds for them.

With Eid approaching, Waqar and his team designed ‘Eid postcards’ and raised donations to assist the less privileged ones. Since then, this group of artists has been continuing the tradition annually during the last week of Ramadan.

What started as a simple idea has now grown into a community effort involving a dozen artists. Zahra Javeed, a 25-year-old artist and architecture student, highlights how the project not only raises funds but also boosts the confidence of lesser-known artists and evokes childhood memories of sending postcards.

The success of the initiative led to the formation of a community named ‘Kér’ on Discord, where artists collaborate and fundraise. Despite facing logistical challenges, including costly deliveries, the group has remained resilient, raising over one lakh rupees each year.

The digital postcards, adorned with Eid themes and a Kashmiri touch, are distributed to donors, allowing them to share warm wishes with loved ones. Waqar emphasizes the inclusivity of the initiative, welcoming donations of any amount and directing all proceeds to an NGO for streamlined processing.

For 26-year-old Zahid Mushtaq, contributing to the campaign as a digital marketer and later as an artist has been a fulfilling experience. He believes that the beauty of the initiative lies in its altruistic nature, as artists prioritize collective good over personal gain.

Freelance illustrator Ghazal Qadri, currently based in the U.S., underscores the societal impact of art and the partnership’s purposeful intent. She views art as a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people on a profound level.

For Fozia Akhter, a freelance illustrator, the initiative represents a sense of belonging and community spirit. Her postcard depicting Jamia Masjid reflects the childhood excitement of Eid mornings, symbolizing the joy of coming together with loved ones.

Looking ahead, the artists envision organizing workshops or sessions to impart art skills to the less privileged, fostering creativity and empowerment within the community.

In the words of Ghazal Qadri, "If given the opportunity, I would be delighted to impart my skills and knowledge to the underprivileged, igniting a wave of creativity within them, enabling them to express themselves freely."