Srinagar, July 16 -- Tucked away in the Budgam district of central Kashmir, Sonpah village is more than a geographical entity .It is a cultural heartbeat of the Valley, known for its mastery of Sozni embroidery. This intricate and time-consuming needlework, rendered in delicate patterns on Pashmina shawls and woolen garments, has been the pride of Kashmir for centuries. In Sonpah, the craft is not merely an economic activity but a lifeline and a legacy, practiced by elders, passed on to children, and cherished by the community as both identity and livelihood. The recent recognition of Sonpah as a "Craft Village" by the government was initially welcomed as a moment of pride and opportunity. Yet, beneath the celebratory headlines lies a tal...