Javaid Lone
SRINAGAR — Samahira Qureshi, hailing from Dildar, Karnah, a remote area in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district has emerged as one of the best and talented calligraphy artist as it has become her passion.
Samahira has done her schooling from Government Middle School Dildar, Karna. She has done her masters degree in Psychology.
Samahira said, “initially I learned calligraphy from online classes and teachers there were very supportive and then I began posting my work on my social media accounts and It was overwhelming to see the response I got for my work.”
“I Have always enjoyed painting. I used to paint in my free time while at home in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and then post the results on social media. I was astonished to see how well the public received my artwork. I really got into it at that point,” she said while talking to a local television channel.
Samahira attributes her inspiration to social media. “I see more and I experiment and this is how I learn,” she said.
She said, “Calligraphy demands lengthy hours of serious dedication. I attempt to weave a phrase as simply as I can. It’s a fantastic challenge that has greatly expanded my thinking.”
Samahira says her family has supported her throughout her journey in becoming a calligrapher. “My parents always inspired me to work hard. And, since I write in Arabic, they are happy about it. When I introduced my work to them this year, they were quite supportive, especially my siblings. They gave me the drive to engage in my cherished hobby.”
Samahira started off her work as a hobby, it has become both a source of income and a path of spiritual guidance for her.
She wants to fulfil her aspirations of being a valued artist. “Alhumdulilah, my work is going well. I am even getting orders from almost all parts of the valley. I hope this continues in future also,” she said.
Most of her clients want her to write their names which she finds basic. She said that she wants to do something extraordinary. However, she says, “Customer satisfaction is my first priority.”
“Since I can remember, calligraphy has always been my passion. I never stopped learning, even though initially studying a subject like psychology was my major goal. I made a promise to myself to carve out time for creative learning while also maintaining a balance between self-care and my need to learn. Learning never stopped, I am still always learning,” she said.
In her message to the budding youth of Kashmir, she said, “My advice is to never stop learning, look for the greatest teachers, and set high standards. You’ll arrive there with dignity, endurance, and patience.”