Asif Malik
Srinagar, Apr 12 : Expressing concern over the rapid decline of Kashmir’s traditional paper mâché craft, a veteran artist from the valley has called for urgent government intervention to preserve the heritage art and generate livelihood opportunities for unemployed youth.
Zulfiqar Ali Naqash, a seasoned paper mâché artist who inherited the craft from his father, told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that he has been practising the art since childhood and now wishes to pass on his skills to the next generation. “I learned it at an early age and have tried to continue this work. If we are provided space in schools, we can hold classes, because children here also need employment,” he said.
Naqash said, “Earlier, I made pieces in the Mughal style with local flowers. Now I have created more delicate work, which customers like a lot. I want others to learn something new.”
When asked about the interest of the younger generation in paper mâché, he admitted that very few are coming forward. “They think there is not much money in it. If the government wants, they can provide us market access. But we can’t show our work at home — we need a proper place,” he added.
Naqash acknowledged receiving some state support, including a state-level award for paper mâché. “I didn’t even know about the award initially. I received it from the state government for the first time,” he said, recalling that the craft was once exported in large quantities, providing livelihood to many. “Now only a few workers remain.”
Naqash said, “No machine is used. It can’t be made with a machine — only by hand, using wood and paper. Three things only.”
He said, “If they give us a place — a college or a school, even for one hour — people should know what this art is. There are unemployed people here. My job is to teach them, but I can’t do it alone. Only the government can make this possible.”
He also urged the youth to come forward, saying, “I want them to come to me. I want to teach them. Nobody can learn this without being taught. I want to show them the art that is in my heart.” (KNS)
