Mirzapur, UTTAR PRADESH:

Two people in Mirzapur have received the Padma Shri award. The first prize went to folk singer Urmila Srivastava and the second prize went to Khalil Ahmed. He has made a special contribution in the field of handmade durries.

Thursday was a special day for Mirzapur district from the point of view of art, music and handicrafts. Along with Urmila Srivastava in folk singing, Khalil Ahmed was also selected for the Padma Shri award for his special contribution in the field of Handmade Durry, especially Panja Dari.

75-year-old Khalil, who hails from Imambara area, has not only been associated with the art form for three generations but has enriched it. Khalil was awarded the National Award in 2000 by the then President APJ Abdul Kalam. In 2007, he was awarded the most prestigious award of the Ministry of Textiles, Shilp Guru. His entire family is associated with the carpet business.

His three sons Rustam Sohrab, Iftikhar Ahmed, Jalil Ahmed are also associated with this art. Khaleel Ahmed expressed happiness on receiving the Padma Shri award. He said that this is the result of years of hard work and dedication. He said that this award will empower the new generation to join this genre. Explain that the carpet of Mirzapur has got a GI tag.

GI expert Dr. Rajinikanth said that Mirzapur’s handmade carpet is very special. Khaleel Ahmed has been associated with this task for years and gave it a new height. He wished him all the best for the award.

source: http://www.amarujala.com / Amar Ujala / Home> Hindi News> Uttar Pradesh> Mirzapur News / by Amar Ujala, News Desk (translated from the Hindi edition) / by Pragati Chand / January 26th, 2024