Engineer Quits Her Job to Bring Back Kashmir's

Kashmir is famous for a lot of its artwork, among that is its pottery work. However, that is on the brink of extinction as metal kitchenware replaces the earthenware works.

But Saima Shafi, a civil engineer in the PWD of Jammu & Kashmir, is attempting to bring pottery back to life and make it an integral part of Kashmiri kitchens again. For this, she has taken the name Kral Koor which means potter girl.

The 32-year-old was inspired to take up the art during a family trip in 2009. She had visited a village in Chandigarh, known for its pottery. Fascinated by the craft, she headed all the way to Bengaluru to learn pottery. “I have been an artist since my childhood and was always inclined towards pottery and things made of clay. So, I decided to learn the art,” says Saima.

After completing a crash course, she went back to the Valley to start a pottery studio in 2019. This is the first among such modern pottery studios in Kashmir. According to Saima, pottery work also has helped with her depression.

Saima now aspires to set up her own institute and guide the potter community of Kashmir.

Learn more about Saima at: https://www.thebetterindia.com/275127/engineer-quits-job-pottery-art-kashmir-kral-koor-saima-shaifi/

-Poorna Krishnan