BUDGAM: Mukhtar Ahmad Bhat , a 40-year-old Sozni artisan hailing from Sonpah village in Budgam district was honoured with the Excellence Award by the Jammu and Kashmir Government on January 26 for his contribution in preserving the craft of sozni embroidery. During his career, Bhat has also received one national award and one state award in recognition of his contributions to needlework.
Artisans from Sonpah village have collectively garnered over 20 state and national awards for their exceptional Sozni embroidery.
In an interview with Rising Kashmir, Mukhtar Ahmad said that in 2012, he received the state award, and in 2017 he was honoured with the national award for y Sozni work. On January 26, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced an award for excellence in arts and crafts for him, which includes a cash prize of Rs 51,000 and a citation.
“The artisans from our village have been honoured with 20 state and national awards for their contributions to the sozni craft. Sonpah village is renowned in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as across India. As a result, our village has garnered over 20 accolades in the fields of art and craft,” Bhat said.
He said that his brother has also been recognized with both a national and a state award. Additionally, one of his family members has received the Shilp Guru award, while two others have been awarded state honours in the handicraft sector.
“In 2016, I participated in the BRICS Handicraft Artisans Exchange Programme, which was held at the India Institute of Crafts and Design in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Artisans from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa took part in this initiative. Additionally, I have engaged in various handicraft programmes at both national and state levels,” Bhat said.
Mukhtar noted that the village of Sonpah has a population exceeding 7,000, with approximately 70 percent of residents earning their livelihoods through Sozni work. All the exquisite pieces of Sozni craftsmanship are created in this village. The introduction of Sozni work in Kashmir Valley has provided a significant source of income for the people in this community.
“Upon completing my 10th-grade examinations in 1995, my father introduced me to this craft, emphasizing its importance during times of emergency. Despite encountering significant financial challenges, I remained committed to this work. The words of my father have stayed with me, and I have these awards as a result of my dedication, my name has gained recognition at both the national and state levels,” he said.
Mukhtar stated that the students from his village who are enrolled in schools, colleges, and universities are also earning their livelihoods through this work. Approximately 70-85 percent of these students engage in this activity during the night on a daily basis, thereby providing support to their families at also.
“Students and unemployed youth in Kashmir Valley should acquire skills in a specific craft that enables them to earn a livelihood within the handicraft sector. This initiative will help preserve the rich artistic traditions of the Kashmir Valley for future generations. Additionally, it will enhance the global standing of the handicraft industry in Jammu and Kashmir. By marketing these handmade Kashmiri products internationally, the sector will maintain its significance, historical value, and credibility in global markets,” he said.
Bhat emphasised that it is the responsibility and duty of the residents of Kashmir to preserve this art for future generations. A major part of population in Kashmir Valley relies on this work, either directly or indirectly, for their livelihoods. “Many families in our villages have encountered financial difficulties; however, they have remained committed to this craft. The artisans from our village are dedicated to passing on their skills to others, ensuring that this art form continues to thrive within our community,” he said.
He stated that he has trained local individuals in various villages within the Beerwah tehsil, enabling them to earn their livelihoods through this craft. Artisans should take full advantage of the government initiatives, as numerous schemes are available within the handicraft and handloom sectors, specifically designed to benefit artisans.
Bashir Ahmad Bhat, another award-winning artisan from Sonpah, mentioned that he has been involved in this craft for the past 47 years. “The majority of the population in our village depends on this art for their sustenance,” Bashir said.
“In 2022, I was honored with the Shilp Guru award by the Vice President of India. This accolade included a gold coin, a monetary prize, a Tamrapatra, a shawl, and a certificate. On the same occasion, another artisan, Safdar Ali Mir, received the National Award from the Vice President of India. He has been associated with this craft for the past 25 years,” he remarked.
“On August 7, 2023, I had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. During our conversation, the Prime Minister assured me that suitable measures would be taken to support Kashmiri handmade products, thus benefiting artisans,” he added.
Bhat said that artisans who dedicate significant effort to the handicraft sector will be eligible for these awards, which have been presented to artisans during past two decades. The artisans of Kashmir possess considerable talent; however, they must exert greater effort and strive to represent the Kashmir Valley on a national platform, thereby promoting the art of Kashmir.
