South Kashmir’s young doctor turns waste into art

Srinagar, Nov 19: A young doctor from south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has set an example by turning waste into art pieces and creative products.
Dr Tabish Aijaz Khan, hailing from the Iqbal Abad area of the district, works as an intern at Government Medical College Anantnag and simultaneously follows her passion for art.
From a very young age, Tabish was very passionate and interested in art. She used to make art pieces on waste material like Chinar leaves, broken cups, stones and wooden blocks as people throw such things away considering them useless.
“I loved to paint since my childhood but it was more of a hobby. In 2016, I was at home and used to paint and share it on social media. I was surprised by the response from the community, which is when I really got into it,” she said.
Until 2016, the 23-year-old doctor could not show her art pieces to anyone and started using social media platforms to share them and was appreciated for her passion.
After years of hard work, Tabish who passed 10th and 12th in Delhi, made some 200 art pieces and started participating in painting events. She later participated in exhibitions.
The doctor and artist received some of the important awards for her artwork. She made it to the Asia Book of Record and India Book of Records for making art pieces on Chinar leaves. She has also received some women empowerment awards.
Tabish who did MBBS from Bangladesh and currently prepares for the NEET PG examination said making art pieces is a stress booster for her. When not studying she paints and makes art pieces.
“Apart from my work and studies, whenever I feel stressed, I make art pieces that relax me. I spent one hour on the painting and artwork,” she said.
Tabish said she wants to continue her passion and profession in all conditions and circumstances. “I have even sold some of my art pieces while I have kept most of them at my home. Artwork has never come as a hurdle for my studies,” she said.
She said that the response of the people has encouraged her to do more and more painting and make more art pieces.
Tabish has displayed her paintings and art pieces at an event at SKICC Srinagar and in Kupwara. Earlier in August, she displayed her work at the Veshaw Literary Festival in Kulgam which was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha.
“I mostly prefer Chinar leaves to make art pieces and showcase the culture and the art to the people. It gives the positivity of the valley. During Covid-19, I also made some paintings on precautions,” she said.
Tabish’s paintings focus on different themes from social issues to sustainable environment. “We can make good art pieces out of the waste products that we through every day,” she said.
“I don’t see everything as waste product but I see art in them and make it. We can use these art pieces at home. The way we see the things around us will reflect the same way. For me leaves are my canvas,” she said.
Tabish opines that Kashmiri youth have a lot of talent and they only need the right exposure and guidance by which they will excel in every field. “They should avoid wasting time in futile exercises rather they must work on their passion which will empower them,” she said.