Srinagar, In a significant development for the traditional papier mache artisans of Kashmir, a Canadian entity, MeetPaper, has established a new direct-to-consumer model aimed at enhancing the export potential of this age-old craft while eliminating the need for intermediaries.

According to Kashmir Media Service, MeetPaper’s founders, Sanjay Suri, Prateeksha Pathak, and Shravan Suri, traveled to Kashmir to engage directly with the local artisan community and distribute the inaugural earnings. They interacted with Syed Aijaz and Akhtar Mir, prominent figures in the Kashmiri papier mache scene. Particularly touching was the story of Aijaz, a recipient of the President’s Award, who had to pivot to driving an auto-rickshaw during the challenging times of the pandemic.

MeetPaper’s approach is tailored to address such hardships by ensuring that the artists receive fair compensation for their creations. This initiative is rooted in the trio’s desire to offer tangible support to artisans who faced economic setbacks, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19, emphasizing a commitment to purchase directly from the creators and reinvest the proceeds back into their communities.

The art of papier mache in Kashmir, historically linked to crafting kalamdans and known for its intricate surface decoration (naqashi), embodies a rich cultural legacy influenced by Persian craft traditions. This initiative by MeetPaper not only promises a more sustainable future for the artisans but also champions the broader narrative of preserving and promoting Kashmir’s unique artistic heritage on a global scale.