Shahida Khanam set up first tribal museum by preserving unique Gujjar culture in J&K’s Bandipora

Feb 16, 2024

Bandipora (J&K), Feb 16 (ANI): In a commendable effort to safeguard the dwindling heritage of Gujjar community in Jammu and Kashmir, Shahida Khanam, 27-year-old tribal woman from Bandipora’s Aragam village, established region’s first tribal museum and skill centre. Apart from preserving traditional things, she also offered a formal training of Sozni embroidery, knitting, tailoring, designing, and crafting traditional jewelry to local tribal girls. Over the past ten months, Shahida Khanam’s centre empowered more than 40 girls, not only preserving their cultural roots but also enabling them to earn a livelihood. She dreams of expanding her training program to reach more tribal girls, fostering self-employment opportunities. Her centre not only teaches traditional crafts but also incorporates modern elements like fashion designing, allowing these girls to adapt to contemporary trends while cherishing their heritage. Shahida Khanam’s museum collection includes traditional ornaments, coins, dresses, earthen utensils, and other items which provides a glimpse into the ancestral way of life.