Category Archives: Arts & Crafts / CraftsPersons (wef. January 14th, 2025)

From Grief to Grit: Odisha’s Israt Jahan Unites 26 Women Through Jute Craft

Kendrapara District, ODISHA :

Kendrapara:

In a workspace near the Budhi Jagulai temple in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, 26 women divide tasks with quiet efficiency. One stitches the body of a shopping bag, another attaches the handles and a third applies the finishing touches. Bringing them all together is Israt Jahan, a 50-year-old woman whose path into earning a livelihood began with loss.

After the death of her husband Zakir Hussain Khan, a well-known local sportsman and journalist, Israt stepped outside her home to support her family. She drew on sewing skills that dated back to 1985, took up wool craft, embroidery and stitching, and eventually built something larger than she had imagined.

In 2019, she formed the Swadhin Producer Group. The COVID-19 pandemic halted work for two years, but when the women decided to resume, they pooled their personal savings and collected Rs 18,000 to restart without any initial government assistance. They shifted to jute work in 2022, drawn to the material’s biodegradable nature and the growing demand for plastic-free alternatives in a district already known for jute cultivation.

“We chose jute because it is environment-friendly,” said group secretary Rajida Khanam.

The group’s product range now includes handbags, shopping bags, bottle carriers, office and laptop bags, lunch bags, files, folders, sitting mats and letter holders. Fabric is sourced from Cuttack and, when demand rises, from Kolkata. Priced from Rs 150 per bag, each piece takes a skilled member around 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Members earn between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 a month. The group’s annual income stands at Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. A one-time government startup grant of Rs 2.04 lakh helped them purchase eight machines, including an embroidery machine and electronic sewing units. No further financial grant has followed.

The group also receives bulk orders for files and folders used in agriculture, horticulture and block-level training programmes, sometimes running into thousands of pieces. Most retail sales take place at fairs.

For member Subhasini Swain, the venture offers something beyond income. “Besides learning and earning happening together, the Hindu-Muslim companionship here is the best part,” she said.

Kendrapara Collector Raghuram R. Iyer said the administration would ask Mission Shakti’s district programme manager to examine the group’s marketing needs and arrange additional credit support if required.

Israt’s own hope is straightforward. “The women want to contribute to their children’s education and support their families. If our message reaches the government, we would like some additional help,” she said.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Social Service> Personality / by Radiance News Bureau / October 06th, 2026

Noor Jahan Stuns the World by Painting 15 Freedom Fighters Simultaneously Using Her Mouth

Badaun District, UTTAR PRADESH :

Badaun (Uttar Pradesh):

A young Muslim girl from a poor family in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh has created history with a remarkable display of talent and determination. Noor Jahan painted portraits of 15 Indian freedom fighters simultaneously, holding multiple pens in her mouth at one time, and completed all 15 portraits in a single frame.

The feat left many stunned, including industrialist Anand Mahindra, who called it nothing short of a miracle. Mahindra was so moved by Noor Jahan’s extraordinary skill that he announced a scholarship to support her education in painting and the arts.

Noor Jahan grew up in a poor household in Badaun, a district in western Uttar Pradesh. Despite limited resources, she developed a rare artistic ability. Her technique of holding multiple pens simultaneously in her mouth to draw detailed portraits of historical figures is entirely her own.

The portraits she painted feature 15 freedom fighters who played a role in India’s independence movement. Completing all 15 in a single frame, using only her mouth, drew wide attention across the country.

Anand Mahindra, who regularly highlights exceptional talent on social media, described Noor Jahan’s work as astonishing and pledged to fund her further studies in the field. His support has brought significant national attention to the young artist from Badaun.

Noor Jahan’s achievement carries a clear message: poverty places obstacles in a person’s path, but hard work and genuine skill remove those obstacles. Her story also challenges stereotypes about Muslim communities in India, proving that talent and ambition exist across every background and economic condition.

She has shown that a Muslim girl from a struggling family in rural Uttar Pradesh can write history through skill and effort alone.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Arts & Culture> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 07th, 2026

Four Muslims among 48 recipients of National Teachers Award 2026

INDIA :

New Delhi :

When President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Teachers Awards, 2026, on 48 teachers from across India, on Saturday, the recipients included four Muslims, who had instilled values and teachings in the minds of their pupils beyond the classroom.

The recipients of the award included Mohammad Zafar Alam from Odisha, who is credited with transforming the lives of the tribal children in a state where hunger and deprivation was once identified with the life of the indigenous people.

The other awardees are Dr Iftikhar Khan, from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh; Mohammad Ayaz Raina, from Rajouri, (J&K); and Mohammad Mustafa Kamal, from Kargil, Ladakh.

The awardees were selected from 27 states, seven Union Territories and six institutions under the Central Government. The list comprises 26 men and 22 women. The award is presented annually to teachers who have made outstanding contributions to school education and brought positive changes to the lives of students.

Mohammad Zafar Alam

Mohammad Zafar Alam, Principal of Eklavya Model Residential School Karanjia in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, has been honoured for his contribution to providing quality education to tribal children in remote area.

Mohammad Zafar Alam (In blue jacket) at the annual day function of school

The school, located at Banuria (Tato), operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The residential and co-educational school was established in 2017-18 for Classes 6 to 12. It has around 410 students and an overall capacity of approximately 480.

Under Alam’s leadership, the institution seeks to prepare Scheduled Tribe students not only for school examinations but also for admission to higher and professional educational institutions and future employment opportunities.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools were established to address the shortage of quality educational opportunities in remote tribal areas. They have been developed broadly along the lines of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, with an emphasis on educational standards, residential facilities and competitive opportunities for tribal students.

The National Teachers Award to Alam therefore also draws attention to the important role of educators working in remote tribal regions, where access to quality education can have a transformative impact on the lives of young people.

Dr Iftikhar Khan

For 25 years, Dr Iftikhar Khan, an art teacher at Government Inter College, Ballia, has been providing free art education to poor and underprivileged children at his home.

The initiative began in 2000, when Dr Iftikhar recognised that talented children from economically weaker families in Ballia had limited opportunities to receive formal training in fine arts or prepare for entrance examinations to leading institutions.

Alongside his regular teaching responsibilities, he began conducting free classes at home every Sunday. His students have come not only from Ballia but also from Gorakhpur, Mau and neighbouring Bihar.

He also organises special painting workshops during the summer holidays, providing children with regular practice and individual guidance. His training goes beyond basic painting: he prepares students for admission to higher educational institutions in the field of fine arts.

Dr Iftikhar Khan with his students

More than 200 students have progressed to higher education and careers in fine arts under his guidance. Some are now working with leading companies in India, while others are promoting Indian art abroad.

One of them is Ballia’s Neeraj Singh, who developed an interest in painting after seeing an exhibition by Dr Iftikhar at the Dadri fair in 2007. When Neeraj expressed his desire to learn, Dr Iftikhar trained him without charging a fee.

Neeraj subsequently secured admission to the Faculty of Visual Arts at Banaras Hindu University on his first attempt and completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He later obtained a diploma in Production Design from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, and went on to work as a production designer on several films.

According to Neeraj, Dr Iftikhar’s guidance changed the course of his life. Had he not encountered the teacher at the exhibition, he believes he might never have pursued fine arts.

Dr Iftikhar’s philosophy is simple: talent should not be limited by a person’s financial circumstances. What matters is recognising that talent and giving it the right direction.

His commitment to this principle is reflected in an unusual practice. When the parents of one of his students insisted on giving him guru dakshina, he declined money and instead asked them to plant a tree.

Since then, he has encouraged students who wish to offer him a gift to plant a tree in a public place and care for it until it grows. For him, a student’s contribution to society is the finest gift a teacher can receive.

Mohammad Ayaz Raina

Mohammad Ayaz Raina, a Botany lecturer at Government Higher Secondary School Dalhori in Rajouri district on the Line of control in J&K, has spent 13 years in the education sector, combining classroom teaching with student guidance, educational activities and innovative methods, including the use of technology.

His contribution is particularly significant given the geographical challenges of Rajouri, a border district where many schools are located in hilly and remote areas. Limited infrastructure, connectivity and transportation can make teaching more difficult, yet Raina has remained committed to improving educational opportunities for his students.

His efforts have previously earned him several honours. He received the National Information and Communication Technology Award in 2017 and the Best Teacher Award of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in 2021. He has also received the Global Teacher Award 2021 and the Global Best Educational Poster Award 2020.

Mohammad Ayaz Raina with his students

These recognitions reflect his interest in combining conventional teaching with educational technology and creative approaches.

Raina described the National Teachers Award as a collective achievement rather than a personal accomplishment. He credited his students, fellow teachers, educational institutions, family members and others who supported him throughout his journey.

He said a teacher’s success is never the result of individual effort alone, but also reflects the hard work of students, the cooperation of colleagues and the support of family.

Mohammad Mustafa Kamal

Mohammad Mustafa Kamal, a resident of Wakha village in Kargil district, Ladakh, has been recognised for his contribution to education in one of the country’s most challenging geographical regions.

Kamal is posted at Middle School Lanakrchy Thang Sankoo. He also serves as District President of the General Line Teachers Forum, Kargil Ladakh.

In this capacity, he has played a role in popularising the Model School initiative through the teachers’ organisation.

Mohammad Mustafa Kamal (Right) in his school

His commitment to students became particularly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic, when conventional classroom teaching was disrupted. Kamal continued to support students through video and radio classes.

He currently serves as the Nodal Officer for Class 9 and Class 10 Tele and Radio Classes in the School Education Department, Kargil, in addition to his teaching responsibilities.

His educational services have previously been recognised with the Asian Education Award in 2020. He was also among three teachers from Kargil district nominated by the District Selection Committee for the National Award in 2020.

The school’s approach extends beyond academics. Sports, skill development and the preservation of local arts and culture form part of its educational programme, with the aim of developing students’ creative, physical and practical abilities alongside their academic skills.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa / September 06th, 2026

Karkala’s miniature painter Kamal Ahmed Malekoppa honoured by President Murmu

Gadag / Karkala (Udupi District) KARNATAKA :

Karkala:

Renowned miniature painter Kamal Ahmed Malekoppa, a native of Gadag district and currently residing in Karkala, was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu after participating in the Artist-in-Residence programme held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The 10-day programme brought together 12 artists from across India, representing traditional art forms such as Banaras mural, Thangka, Nayak, Kerala mural, Basohli, Surpur and Mysuru styles.

Kamal Ahmed has been practising miniature painting for nearly three decades. He has drawn inspiration from the Vijayanagara Garudadri style and has developed a distinctive style of his own.

As part of the programme, he created an artwork at Rashtrapati Bhavan and displayed two artworks in total. One of the works was based on stories from the Panchatantra.

President Droupadi Murmu interacted with the participating artists and viewed their works. She appreciated their contribution towards preserving India’s traditional art forms and passing them on to future generations.

The Artist-in-Residence programme was organised to celebrate India’s artistic heritage and promote traditional art forms while strengthening the country’s cultural identity. Malekoppa’s selection has also brought national recognition to the Vijayanagara Garudadri-inspired painting tradition.

Kamal Ahmed previously worked as an art teacher for 18 years at Government High School in Shivapura, Hebri taluk, Udupi district. His artworks are displayed on the walls of government office buildings in Hebri and at various institutions.

Speaking about his selection for the programme, Malekoppa expressed happiness at getting the opportunity to participate in the prestigious event at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He described the experience as an unforgettable moment in his life and said the recognition had brought national attention to the Vijayanagara Garudadri-inspired painting style and its place in India’s artistic heritage.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 20th, 2026

Patna’s National Award winner Hussain felicitated

Patna, BIHAR :

National Children Award winner Mohammad Hussain

Patna :

National Children Award winner Mohammad Hussain was felicitated by the Patna district magistrate of Patna Shirsat Kapil Ashok on Saturday. Seventeen-year-old Hussain is a resident of the Patthar ki Masjid area of east Patna. He makes toys from waste material and natural products.

He received the award for his exceptional skills in handcrafted arts under the Art and Culture category from the President of India Droupadi Murmu on January 22.

The Patna district administration, in a statement, said the award conferred to Hussain is a matter of honour for Patna and Bihar.

He is one of the 19 children who were bestowed with this prestigious award called Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.

This award is given to children aged between five and eighteen years in six categories- Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Education, Social Service and Sports. Hussain has won several accolades in state and national-level competitions. His father is a file binder while her mother is involved in sewing work.

Hussain imparts training in handicrafts and painting to the children of his neighborhood and slum areas.

Hussain has been getting training in handicrafts from the Bihar government-run Kilkari Bal Bhavan for the last six years. He has learnt many handicrafts from the summer camps of Kilkari. He has shown his skills in making useful products from waste material with natural things during state and national level competitions.

He has been awarded for handicrafts by the Government of India. He has shown his art in an online national Rangoli competition during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2021. He got a gold medal award for his indigenous toys during a national art competition in 2022. Last year he presented his indigenous toys to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ programme.

Hussain is pursuing his Intermediate in Sciences course in the final year. He has a dream to study at the National Institute of Design (NID) and learn more about designing toys and making such indigenous toys which are fast becoming extinct.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Markers of Excellence / by Md Sami Ahmad / February 18th, 2024

Calligrapher Gul Ayyubi from Malegaon Devotes Life to Writing Prophet’s Name with Love and Precision

Malegaon, MAHARASHTRA :

A calligrapher has turned his devotion into a lifelong artistic mission by writing the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) more than 2400 times in distinct styles, expressing deep love through the art of calligraphy.

Known as Gul Ayyubi, the artist began this journey in 2014 after the passing of his mother. He started writing the Prophet’s name daily with the intention of sending spiritual reward to his parents. Each design was shared as an image, encouraging viewers to recite Durood upon seeing it.

Over the years, this effort grew into a sustained practice. Gul Ayyubi focused on ensuring that every piece remained unique. He worked across multiple calligraphic styles including Nastaliq, Diwani, and Persian scripts. He avoided preliminary sketches and wrote directly with pen and ink, relying on instinct and experience.

He explained that each composition begins with the first letter, after which ideas develop step by step. He said the repetition of a single name brings new creative challenges, as each version must differ in form while retaining clarity and beauty.

In addition to writing the name Muhammad (pbuh), he also created designs combining the names of Allah and Mustafa in innovative forms. These works reflect both artistic experimentation and spiritual intent.

Gul Ayyubi said he believes divine support guides his work. He recalled unusual experiences during this journey, including improvements in his health and vision. He also shared that he had a dream in which he saw the Prophet, an experience that strengthened his commitment.

Despite limited financial resources, he continues his work with dedication. He spends his earnings on basic materials such as paper, ink, and pens. He said access to better tools would help preserve his work for future generations and present it at a wider level.

His work has drawn attention from those who value both art and faith. Viewers often describe a sense of spiritual connection when they see his calligraphy.

Gul Ayyubi said he intends to continue this effort for the rest of his life. For him, each piece serves as both an artistic creation and an act of devotion, connecting creativity with faith in a direct and personal way.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / May 22nd, 2026

Delhiwale: The ultimate Mughal souvenir

DELHI :

The marble throne of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, symbolizes a collapsed dynasty, now housed in a museum near Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.

Delhiwale: The ultimate Mughal souvenir

Behold this marble throne. Preserved inside a glass case at the Humayun World Heritage Site Museum in Delhi, it was once the stately seat of Bahadur Shah Zafar. As the last Mughal sovereign, the poet-king is likely to have sat on this throne while reflecting on the dissolution of his 300-year-old dynasty. The throne is, in fact, less ostentatious than the throne-like sofas found in the drawing rooms of Delhi’s wealthy today. Yet it is far more elegant. The armrests are supported on latticework, and faint flecks of colour cling to the marble like the last glimmers of extinguished stars. The fragile-seeming relic assumes truly epic proportions as the viewer connects it to the legend of a collapsed empire whose layered legacy continues to resonate in our republic (vividly chronicled in this newspaper yesterday).

The Mughals spanned over 18 rulers. Their kissa-kahani began 500 years ago in 1526, when Babur defeated Delhi Sultan Ibrahim Lodi in a field 80 kilometres from Delhi. Soon after, Babur entered the city and visited the shrine of the mystic Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. At that time, nobody would have guessed that this pilgrimage would recur across generations of Mughals, binding them to the city’s sacred, grave-dotted topography.

Truth be told, Delhi surpasses the dynasty’s other great centres, Agra and Lahore. Shahjahan may have built the immortal Taj in Agra, but his creation of Old Delhi throbs more with real life. For Delhi’s pre-eminence in Mughal India, we must first credit Babur’s son, Humayun, who established his capital, Dinpanah—today’s Purana Qila—near the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin. His son Akbar later built Humayun’s mausoleum close to the same shrine.

Over time, Humayun’s Tomb came to be known as the “dormitory of the Mughals.” This 16th-century complex contains 160 graves of kings, princes, and princesses, representing a broad cross-section of the dynasty. Seven Mughal emperors are buried here: Humayun, Azam Shah, Jahandar Shah, Farrukhsiyar, Rafi ud-Darajat, Rafi ud-Daulah, and Alamgir II. It was here, at Humayun’s Tomb, that Bahadur Shah Zafar took refuge after the collapse of the 1857 uprising against the British. He was captured at this very site, marking the end of the Mughal Empire.

The aforementioned museum, which houses Zafar’s throne, is across the road from Humayun’s Tomb. In the lead-up to its inauguration two years ago, a significant moment was the installation of the throne, personally overseen by museum curator Ratish Nanda—see photo. A conservation architect, Nanda had earlier helped restore the garden around the first Mughal emperor’s tomb in Kabul.

As for the last Mughal, the unfortunate Zafar had intended to be buried in Delhi, but the British exiled him to Rangoon, where he was finally laid to rest. As a consolation, his ill-fated throne may be seen as a symbolic substitute for his Delhi tomb. Indeed, as the tomb of his dynasty itself.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by HT Correspondent / May 04th, 2026

India’s Second Oldest Farman to Get Digitised as Part of GBM

TELANGANA :

Dr Zareena Parveen, director, State Archives, and coordinator of the Cluster Centre, GBM, explained that the survey has identified 1,95,935 manuscripts, including those of the Telangana Archives, and a total of 29,871 images of 130 manuscripts had been uploaded till May 2.

“The handmade paper used for the farman is a rare example showcasing the royal practices of the time,” M.A. Raqeeb, assistant director, Telangana Archives, told Deccan Chronicle. (Image: X)

Hyderabad:

A royal farman, said to be the second oldest in India — issued by Sultan Feroz Shah Bahmani (1397–1422) in 1406 — will be among close to two lakh manuscripts identified as part of the survey by the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM) in Telangana. The GBM is a national initiative by the Union culture ministry to unearth, preserve and digitise India’s massive manuscript heritage.

This decree on Persian‑style handmade paper is 33 x 10 inches in size, with ink and royal‑seal authentication. The document was issued from Gulbarga, which was the seat of power for the Bahmanis before it was shifted to Bidar. The decree grants land as inam to Muhammed Ahmed, Qazi of Kalyani, and bears the distinctive tughra (monogram) and the Bahmani royal seal.

“The handmade paper used for the farman is a rare example showcasing the royal practices of the time,” M.A. Raqeeb, assistant director, Telangana Archives, told Deccan Chronicle.

Another well‑preserved royal farman is of Emperor Shah Alam II, issued in 1773 AD, appointing Maharaja Narayan Rao Bahadur as official caretaker of the riverbank near Allahabad. Believed to be part of preparations for the Kumbh Mela, the emperor issued clear instructions to officials not to levy fees.

“All expenses for maintaining the site and facilitating the pilgrims’ rituals are to be borne entirely by the Mughal government,” the decree says.

According to the decree, Hindu pilgrims (yatris) arriving from across the subcontinent — especially from Gujarat and Maharashtra — must be allowed to take the sacred bath and holy dip for spiritual purification without any fee or levy. The directive is to be strictly implemented and communicated to the commissioner of police and all present and future officers for perpetual observance.

“This farman illustrates the Later Mughal policy of imperial patronage toward diverse religious practices and underscores the state’s responsibility for safeguarding pilgrimage routes and sacred bathing ghats,” Raqeeb explained.

The cluster centre at the State Archives has identified and completed surveys of 17 institutions and individuals, while surveys for another 42 are underway. It has so far scanned 57,842 documents and exported 29,871 images.

Dr Zareena Parveen, director, State Archives, and coordinator of the Cluster Centre, GBM, explained that the survey has identified 1,95,935 manuscripts, including those of the Telangana Archives, and a total of 29,871 images of 130 manuscripts had been uploaded till May 2.

“At the State Archives alone we have over 1.8 lakh manuscripts, including 668 in book form, 155,000 paper items and 25,000 private collections (paper). Most of these are in Old Persian (Shikista) and cover varied subjects, including graphic pictures of Mansabdari, revenue and military systems of the Mughals in the Deccan region (South India),” Dr Parveen director explained.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Southern States> Telangana / by Md Nizamuddin / May 03rd, 2026

Bhiwandi Calligrapher Mansab Momin Earns Global Recognition at Delhi Event

Bhiwandi (Thane District) , MAHARASHTRA :

The two-day exhibition brought together artists from several countries; Momin was selected for the upcoming international exhibition in Norway

Bhiwandi :

A young calligrapher from Bhiwandi has brought pride to his city after gaining special recognition at an international Qur’anic calligraphy exhibition in Delhi held recently.

The two-day (March 28-29) exhibition aimed to connect the younger generation with the art of calligraphy and spread the universal message of the Holy Qur’an in a beautiful and meaningful way. The event saw participation from artists and representatives from countries including Switzerland, France, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, making it a truly global platform.

Among the selected participants from across India, only ten prominent calligraphers were chosen to showcase their work. Mansab Momin, also known as Mansab Art, was one of them. His inclusion in the exhibition was seen as a recognition of his skill and dedication to the art.

Momin’s Qur’anic designs and calligraphy pieces drew strong attention from visitors. People who attended the exhibition closely observed his work and appreciated the detail and balance in his writing.

During the event, Momin also conducted a live workshop which became a major attraction. He created calligraphy on canvas in front of the audience and wrote names and phrases on the spot for hundreds of visitors.

Speaking about his experience, Momin said, “Calligraphy is part of our rich cultural and religious heritage. It is important that we pass this art on to the next generation.” He added, “I will continue my efforts to teach and promote this art, and I plan to restart calligraphy training classes soon.”

Organisers of the exhibition were also impressed by his performance. Due to his strong command over the art, Momin has been selected to participate in an upcoming international calligraphy exhibition in Norway.

One of the organisers said, “His work reflects deep understanding and control. The response from the audience shows how powerful this art form can be.”

The exhibition was held under the supervision of noted calligrapher Gauri Yusuf Hussain from Gujarat. It was seen as an important step in promoting calligraphy and introducing it to a wider global audience.

Momin’s achievement is being seen as a matter of pride not only for him but also for the people of Bhiwandi, as his work continues to carry forward a meaningful artistic and spiritual tradition.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick>India>Indian Muslims / by Team Clarion / April 16th, 2026

Muslim Craftsman, Mohammad Sher Khan from Rajasthan Gains Attention with Fuel Efficient Vishwaguru Chulha

Udaipur, RAJASTHAN :

Udaipur:

Mohammad Sher Khan, a Muslim iron craftsman from Udaipur, Rajasthan, has drawn attention for his innovative Vishwaguru Chulha, a stove designed to cook meals for 25 people within 30 minutes while reducing fuel use and smoke.

Khan, a class 8 dropout, spent 27 years refining the design after observing women spending long hours cooking multiple dishes using large amounts of firewood. His aim was to reduce cooking time and ease the burden on households. He patented the stove in 2017 after testing it in homes and dhabas. More than 10,000 units have been sold.

The stove features a three layer system. The top section bakes items like rotis and bread. The middle section handles frying. The bottom section boils dal and other dishes. This design allows users to prepare multiple items at the same time.

Khan states that the chulha uses around 2 kilograms of firewood compared to nearly 10 kilograms in traditional methods. The design also reduces smoke, improving working conditions in kitchens.

Demand has increased due to disruptions in LPG supply linked to global tensions affecting key shipping routes. Many households and small eateries face rising costs and supply delays. The Vishwaguru Chulha offers an alternative priced at around Rs 10,000.

The innovation highlights how local solutions address everyday challenges. Khan plans to expand reach across homes, eateries, and small businesses, offering a practical option for efficient cooking.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Personality> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / March 30th, 2026