Srinagar, December 10,2025- Two distinguished Kashmiri artisans have brought pride to Jammu & Kashmir after being conferred with the National Handicraft Awards for their excellence in carpet weaving and Sozni embroidery. The awards were presented at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President of India honoured the craftsmen for their contribution to India’s traditional arts.
The awardees include Manzoor Ahmad Khan, recognised for his mastery in hand-knotted Kashmiri carpet weaving, and Khwaja Nazir Ali, celebrated for his exceptional skill in Sozni embroidery, a centuries-old craft synonymous with Kashmiri heritage.
Both artisans were selected after a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the Ministry of Textiles. The National Award, one of the highest recognitions for craftsmanship in India, includes a citation and a cash prize.
Expressing gratitude, the awardees said the recognition would motivate younger generations to preserve Kashmir’s rich artistic legacy. Officials from the handicrafts department added that the honour underscores the valley’s global reputation for exquisite handmade crafts.
The achievement is being widely celebrated across the Kashmir valley, with local craft organisations and community members applauding the recognition of traditional Kashmiri art forms at a national platform.
