In Kashmir, where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with modern aspirations, a remarkable story of entrepreneurship and cultural preservation unfolds. Tariq Ahmad Dar, the visionary behind the brand ‘Pashmkaar’, has transformed his family’s legacy in Kashmiri handicrafts into an international sensation, bringing recognition and respect to artisans and their timeless crafts. The journey of Pashmkaar is not just a tale of business success; it’s a narrative deeply woven into the fabric of Kashmir’s rich cultural tapestry.
Tariq Ahmad Dar, a Srinagar-based handicraft manufacturer, seller, and exporter, has embarked on a mission to elevate Kashmir’s handicrafts to global prominence, one intricate design at a time. Dar’s story begins in the narrow lanes of Srinagar, where the soft hum of looms and the gentle whisper of spinning wheels have long been the soundtrack of daily life. “My journey in this craft began long before I was born,” Dar reminisces.
“My father started embroidery work at the tender age of 12. After years of toil, he managed to save enough to start his own business, venturing beyond Jammu and Kashmir to sell Pashmina shawls.” The young Tariq found himself immersed in this world of craftsmanship from an early age.
“During my school years, I used to maintain my father’s accounts as he was illiterate,” he shares. “My mother hailed from Narwara, an area in Srinagar where pashmina weaving is a household chore. Growing up, my life was.
