6 craftsmen receive top honours
Women artisans to be honoured from next year
The Biz Reporter Desk
Srinagar, Oct 5: The Pashmeena Entrepreneurs Makers and Artisans (PEMA) Foundation honoured six artisans for their outstanding contribution to Kashmir’s traditional Pashmina craft at its annual Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026 held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on September 30.
The ceremony, attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as the chief guest, recognised artisans whose specialised skills in Kani and Sozni have helped preserve Kashmir’s centuries-old textile heritage.
Instituted in 2023, the PEMA awards have now entered their third edition, with the Foundation seeking to place artisans—not merely the finished Pashmina product—at the centre of the industry’s recognition and promotion.
PEMA President Tariq Dar said the awards were conceived to recognise the contribution of artisans and create greater respect for the skills sustaining Kashmir’s traditional craft.
“PEMA started these awards in 2023 to recognise the artisans who are the real custodians of Kashmir’s Pashmina heritage. The Honourable Lieutenant Governor has supported this initiative from the beginning, and his presence and encouragement have given great confidence to our artisans,” Dar said.
He expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for attending the ceremony and encouraging the artisan community, while also acknowledging the support of the Department of Handicrafts and Hina Shafi Bhat for their active role in promoting the traditional crafts sector.
“This journey would not have been possible without the support of the government, particularly the Department of Handicrafts, and the encouragement we have received from Hina Shafi Bhat. Their active involvement has helped us take this initiative forward,” Dar said.
Ghulam Mohammad Malik received the first prize in Sozni, carrying a cash award of Rs 1 lakh and a certificate, while Mohammad Ismail Shalbaaf won the first prize in Kani, also carrying Rs 1 lakh and a certificate.
Ajaz Ahmad Bhat received the second prize in Sozni with Rs 50,000 and a certificate. The second prize in Kani was jointly awarded to Tariq Ah Shaksaz and Manzoor Ah Dar, with a cash award of Rs 50,000 and certificates.
Bashir Ah Bhat received the third prize in Sozni, carrying Rs 25,000 and a certificate, while Zahoor Ahmad Dar received the third prize in Kani with Rs 25,000 and a certificate.
The Foundation also conferred special honours on veteran craftsmen. Ali Mohd Mir was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also recognised as Wastakar of the Year in Sozni, while Mohd Shafi Kar was named Wastakar of the Year in Kani.
Dar said recognising master artisans was particularly important at a time when traditional crafts face the twin challenge of preserving skills and attracting younger generations.
“An artisan may spend decades mastering a craft. Recognition gives dignity to that skill and also sends a message to the younger generation that traditional craftsmanship can and should be valued as a profession,” he said.
He said the challenges facing the Pashmina industry included rising production costs, changing market conditions and international trade barriers, making greater market access and sustained demand for genuine handmade products essential.
Dar said PEMA would broaden the awards programme next year by introducing dedicated recognition for women artisans.
“From next year, we will also honour women artisans. Women have made an enormous contribution to Kashmir’s traditional crafts, and their work deserves greater visibility and recognition,” he said.
He said the Foundation would continue working towards greater recognition of genuine handmade Pashmina and the artisans behind it, while encouraging skill development and creating better opportunities for the younger generation to enter the traditional craft sector.
The PEMA awards are aimed at ensuring that Kashmir’s Pashmina story is not limited to the luxury product itself but also highlights the skilled hands, generations of knowledge and painstaking craftsmanship that give the product its identity.
