After Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the revival of Kashmir’s traditional ‘Vaghu’ mat in the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, local artisans expressed gratitude for the national recognition. Kashmiri artisan Tanzila Hussain, who has been practicing the craft for two to three years, thanked PM Modi for acknowledging their work. Another artisan, Ghulam Hussain, shared happiness over the unexpected recognition, mentioning his family’s generations-long association with the Vaghu craft.
PM Modi, during the 136th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, praised the efforts to revive the centuries-old ‘Vaghu’ mat, a unique cultural symbol of Kashmir. He highlighted the eco-friendly nature of the craft, crafted from reeds and paddy straw, emphasizing its cooling effect in summer and warmth in winter. The Prime Minister noted the traditional process of harvesting materials from marshy regions, drying them, and hand-weaving the mats, a task that takes two artisans around four days to complete.
Commending a father-daughter duo from Srinagar for their dedication to reviving the Vaghu craft, PM Modi lauded Ghulam Hussain and Tanzila Hussain for their commitment. Despite facing challenges, Ghulam Hussain’s resolve to preserve the craft remained strong, leading to increased participation in the initiative. The Prime Minister encouraged the adoption of local products, promoting the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative and urging people to consider including Kashmir’s ‘Vaghu’ mat in their homes.
