Despite uncertainty Kashmiri Youth Shinning via their passion

Rameez Makhdoomi
Srinagar, April 11 (KNB): Renowned author and motivational speaker Robert Harold Schulle has said that “Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do,” this quote seems apt to many present-day Kashmiri youth who despite all odds are shinning in diverse fields of life. Among them Kashmir News Bureau, (KNB) managed to bring the story of three such Kashmiri youths who via their inspiring work are motivating other youth.
1. Mudasir Muran, (Wood Art Professional)
Mudasir Muran, a youngster hailing from Downtown area of Narwara has given new dimensions to wood carving and art related paradigms. He runs his own showroom Paradise Wood House (A Hub Of Kashmiri Handmade Arts & Crafts) at Lethpora on Srinagar- Jammu highway.
While talking exclusively to the KNB, he states – “Woodcarving and art related paradigms are the best representatives of Kashmir art on global level. Nothing can match the wood carving, furniture and luxury decorative items of Kashmir as the hands that produce them are in real terms golden hands. The item produced is seamless. You cannot spot a single mistake in the great wooden work of Kashmir.”

Mudasir Muran believes that in this day and age when debates on unemployment are ragging if youngsters of Kashmir take to wood carving seriously it can be a good source of income and profitable business.
Mudasir observes – “With government support and revived youth interest the wood carving industry can create lucrative opportunities for the youth of Kashmir as we need to bear in mind that the demand for wood related items is among the rich and elite class also much. People are astonished when we tell them that a thousand items of wood are carved out via the great wooden art of Kashmir.”



2. Shafiya Shafi (Painter and Fine arts professional)
At 24, Shafiya Shafi is among the emerging painters and artists of the Kashmir Valley.
From Lal Bazar area of Srinagar at a very early age, she has brought laurels by bagging prizes in prestigious competitions.
While talking to KNB, Shafiya Shafi states – “I was very much interested in sketch making during school days and then with age my interests evolved as I developed interests for painting, clay modeling. Via my paintings, I give expression to my feelings, emotions and also sufferings of people. I also highlight the pain and issues of women via my works. I believe using creative ways to express emotions and frustrations can go a long way in giving relief to the youth of Kashmir.”

Shafiya Shafi represents success when it comes to competing. She got second position in collage for poster making for Digital India Campaign and got 1st position in college making and 4th in clay modeling in University of Kashmir annual festival called SONZAL and was selected for “North Fest India” held at Mahareshi Markanndeswar University, Ambala Haryana where she got 2nd position in installation and were qualified for Nationals. She represented state at National level in installation at 33rd National youth Festival held by association of Indian Universities at Ranchi and won 1st prize in installation.
She believes with right guidance and support she has a long way ahead in her career and her selection of psychology as subject matches her talent.



3. Sakib Mir (Owner of First French Bakery Shop in Kashmir)
Sakib Mir, a young baker from Boulevard area of Srinagar has given new horizons to youth to work upon unique options as he has founded the first exclusive French Bakery shop in Kashmir at Boulevard area.
Le Delice is the name of his shop, while talking to KNB he stated, “I was always interested in Bakery world. I always wanted to open something unique in Kashmir. As Kashmir has a rich bakery culture and it being my place of birth, I and my wife decided to open a French bakery in Srinagar. It is the only French Bakery Shop in Kashmir.”
To his credit, Sakib Mir has Diploma in Bakery making related education paradigms. He has done a diploma course in bakery in French capital Paris.
“The youth should understand there is nothing a substitute to Hard work and motivation. Tough times will come especially in a place like Kashmir the situation remains volatile more often so no alternative to motivation and hard work. The family support is also required, which I got to great extent.”

His venture so far has been quite successful as the response from people is quite brilliant. The advice of Sakib Mir to youth in Kashmir that always keeps you filled with positive vibes seems more relevant in a place like Kashmir.
Undoubtedly, these youth are excelling in their respective fields and prove hard work, motivation, perseverance are keys to success. (KNB)