Srinagar, Jan. 27 -- Farooq Mir, the 73-year-old master craftsman from Kashmir, who was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his exceptional contributions promoting the unique craft of Kani weaving, continues to inspire with his unwavering passion for the craft.

Despite decades of experience, Mir remains a lifelong learner, vowing to pursue his art until his last breath.

"I started working on Sozni embroidery on shawls when I was just 10 years old," he said with pride. "It is not just a craft; it's a legacy passed down through generations in my family. My forefathers dedicated their lives to this art, and now my sons have chosen to follow the same path."

Mir was among the 139 Padma awardees announced on the eve of Republic...