Baramulla, Oct 11: In an era dominated by digital screens and keyboards, a young educator from Mamoosa village in the Pattan area of Baramulla district is on a mission to revive the fading art of calligraphy and the timeless value of handwriting.
Malik Mukhtar Ahmad has dedicated the past 17 years to nurturing this art among students and is determined to ensure that the elegance of writing by hand does not disappear in the age of digital education.
His journey began in school, when his handwritten assignment was showcased during the morning assembly and praised by teachers and the principal.
That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong association with calligraphy and his focus on improving the handwriting of other students as well.
From writing names on certificates to crafting wedding cards, Malik’s elegant style of writing quickly became his identity. “People began to know me by my handwriting,” he said.
“Whenever my students write their names in the same way I train them, it gives me a unique feeling which cannot be described in words,” he added.
After completing his post-graduation in Urdu and B.Ed from the University of Kashmir, Malik established his own institute dedicated to handwriting and calligraphy.
He now conducts workshops across colleges and schools in the Valley, inspiring students to rediscover the confidence and pleasure that come from writing by hand.
“Despite running my centre, I move from one place to another to conduct workshops for young children, generate their interest in calligraphy and improve their handwriting,” he told Greater Kashmir.
Mukhtar Ahmad currently runs two centres, one at Nowgam on the outskirts of Srinagar and another in the Magam area of Budgam district.
“I have around 50 students enrolled at the Nowgam centre, while 30 to 40 students also attend my calligraphy classes at the Magam centre,” he said.
Over the past few years, Mukhtar was invited by the National Book Trust of India to conduct workshops during the Chinar Book Festival at SKICC.
“I have trained many students during these short-duration workshops, in which I provided hands-on guidance in calligraphy in English, Urdu and Arabic,” he told Greater Kashmir.
His initiative has received strong support from students and parents.
“It is my dream to see people, especially students, return to the legacy and essence of handwriting and calligraphy.”
Malik has received several awards for his work, and his success stories have been featured in local, national and international media.
“Excessive reliance on the internet has led to a decline in handwriting skills among the younger generation. The internet cannot be an alternative to handwriting, as it has its own value,” he said.
Mukhtar has dedicated the past 17 years to helping younger generations improve their handwriting, nurture creativity and instil pride in this timeless skill.
“It is my aim to serve my community and train students everywhere. I try to ensure that the art of calligraphy and handwriting continues to flourish in Jammu and Kashmir. This art must not fade away with the advent of modern education,” he added.
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