Kulgam’s Shaheena weaves success story in handicrafts, imparts artistic skills to women folk
Post by on Monday, August 1, 2022
Shaheena Akhtar, 42, a resident of Gopalpora Kulgam, was in her early twenties when she developed an interest in shawl weaving. Her interest turned into a full-time job for her and she carved a niche for herself in the field of handicrafts.
“Soon after I completed matriculation, I started to earn a living by stitching shawls as no other work fascinated me as much as the shawl embroidery.
“After my marriage my in-laws supported me in my endeavours. They showed keen interest and supported me all along,” she said.
Currently, Shaheena imparts artistic skills to 20 other women in the locality who she believes will be able to become self-reliant in due course of time.
“My own two daughters are into this art, and I have been teaching them too. Though they have completed graduation, I don’t want them to be dependent on others. There is also no surety about government jobs, so better is to let them learn the art as well,” she added.
She says she is open to her new entrants who show an edge towards learning embroidery work.
Shaheen Akhtar has been in this field for over a decade now and her work has been praised at many forums.
Days before she was in news for her latest work of engraving the longest Quranic Verse, “Ayatul Kursi” on a Kashmiri shawl.
“It took me 12 days to complete this work. During the day, I would do other work at home and then spend 3-4 hours with shawl embossing,” Shaheena added.
Her work has been exhibited in Jaipur and she is currently in an exhibition centre at Sonmarg Yatri Niwas.
Jammu & Kashmir Women's Development Corporation (JKWDC) and the Handicrafts Department have also been helpful to her in pursuing her career in the field.
