ART AND SOUL

Happiness delivery: Reviving traditional handicrafts such as the Kani shawl by introducing new designs and patterns, inspiring the younger generation to learn the craft of their forefathers and using art to dispel stereotypes about Kashmir

- MOAZUM MOHAMMAD

Her ties with Kashmir began long before she moved there. Originally from Patiala in Punjab but settled in the garrison town of Udhampur in Jammu, Deepa Soni's family would for decades buy Pashmina shawls and papier mache articles from an itinerant merchant whom they knew as Farooq Baba of Tangmarg. The tradition had run in his family for several generations, and his greatest fear was that it would die with their generation. The youngsters had neither the interest nor the patience to carry forward the legacy.

An artist at heart, Soni would always be moved by Baba's story, and wanted to do something for artisans like him. Her opportunity came when her government servant husband was posted to Srinagar in 2021. Soni began er ties with Kashmir began long before she moved there. Originally from Patiala in Punjab but settled in the garri-conducting free workshops for skilled and amateur craftspersons, especially young women from the rural hinterland. "From eight to 80," says Soni, "my workshops began attracting people across age groups."