Srinagar, September 17,2026– In Srinagar’s Khonmoh, engineering graduate Mudassar Rashid turns natural wood into unique furniture and decor pieces, growing his work from a small project into a workshop at the Industrial Estate — a journey that reflects both his passion for craftsmanship and his entrepreneurial drive.
From Hobby to Craft
What began as a hobby, inspired after watching a craft video, has grown into a thriving passion for Mudassar, who saw potential in materials that others might have dismissed as waste. “I made a piece of art, gifted it to a friend, and never looked back,” he has said of the moment that set him on his current path.
Where others see discarded or unused wood, Mudassar sees the raw material for art. “When I find usable wood, I craft it into art,” he explains, describing an eye for potential that allows him to transform inexpensive raw material into pieces of significant value — turning items worth a few hundred rupees into finished works worth thousands.
A Growing Range of Craftsmanship
Mudassar’s creations span a wide range of functional and decorative items, including clocks, showpieces, and other pieces of furniture and home decor, each shaped from natural wood and finished with careful attention to detail. His work has found admirers not just within the Kashmir Valley but in other parts of the country as well, with buyers discovering his creations through his social media presence and placing orders from beyond the region.
Balancing Multiple Roles
Alongside his craft, Mudassar continues to pursue his engineering studies, juggling the demands of academic life with his growing woodworking venture. Those close to him describe him as someone balancing several roles simultaneously — student, technician, and craftsman — while steadily building his business from what started as a small personal project.
His family has been a consistent source of support throughout this journey. “My parents always back me,” he has said, crediting their encouragement as a key factor in his ability to pursue his craft alongside his formal studies.
Growth from Small Beginnings to a Workshop
What began as a modest personal project has since grown into a proper workshop at the Industrial Estate, marking a significant step in Mudassar’s journey from hobbyist to established craftsman. The move to a dedicated workshop space has allowed him to scale up his production, take on more ambitious pieces, and build a more structured setup for his growing woodcraft business.
Inspired by Global Artisans
Mudassar has spoken of drawing inspiration from artisans around the world who have built recognition and success in woodworking and craftsmanship, citing examples of extraordinarily high-value wooden furniture pieces created by international craftsmen as a source of motivation for his own ambitions. He credits hard work and faith as central to his growth, saying that dedication and passion have opened doors for him along the way.
Part of a Broader Tradition
Mudassar’s journey into woodcraft also reflects the broader legacy of Kashmiri woodworking, a centuries-old tradition rooted in the Valley’s rich craft heritage. While traditional Kashmiri wood art has, in recent years, seen fewer young people entering the trade due to the time and effort required relative to the returns, artisans like Mudassar represent a new generation bringing fresh energy, modern sensibilities, and entrepreneurial thinking to a craft with deep historical roots.
A Story of Passion and Perseverance
Mudassar’s transformation from a curious hobbyist experimenting with discarded wood to a craftsman running his own workshop stands as a reminder of how passion, when paired with consistent effort, can turn a simple pastime into a meaningful and sustainable livelihood — one piece of handcrafted wood at a time.
