Aqsa’s victory highlights her passion for the tough sport of martial arts. Her success serves as an inspiration to countless young athletes in Jammu and Kashmir. Along with her, Firdosa Bashir has carved her name in the aesthetics of calligraphy. She is poised to leave a lasting mark in Kashmir, India, and all over the world
By Kamran Khan
Aqsa Gulzar has emerged as a remarkable talent in the world of Pencak Silat, recently clinching a gold medal at an international championship. Her dedication and skills have not only brought her personal success, but have also made her a source of inspiration for aspiring martial artists.
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council in Srinagar has extended heartfelt congratulations to Aqsa for her outstanding achievement at the 8th Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2024, held in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, from October 7 to 16, 2024. Competing against the best athletes from across Asia, her incredible performance has earned her a prestigious gold medal in the competition.
This victory highlights Aqsa’s perseverance and passion for the sport. Her success not only brings pride to the Pencak Silat Association of J&K, but also serves as an inspiration to countless young athletes in the region. YSS Sarmad Hafeez and Nuzhat Gul, secretaries of the council, praised Aqsa for her best-ever performance at the Asian podium, celebrating her achievement that has made J&K proud.
“We are thrilled by Miss Aqsa Gulzar’s extraordinary success,” said coaches Irfan Aziz Botta and Mohd Iqbal. “Her hard work, discipline and commitment to excellence have truly paid off, and we are honoured to have her represent our association on the international stage.”
Besides, the good news is that Tawqeer Farooq and Arsh Naseer have also brought home bronze medals, shining at the Asian podium. This is a remarkable all-round achievement by young Indians in this tough sport.
Aqsa’s victory marks a significant milestone for Pencak Silat in J&K, showcasing the region’s vast pool of growing talent and potential, especially in athletics. The association remains dedicated to nurturing and supporting promising athletes like her, Tawqeer and Arsh, providing them with opportunities for growth and success.
Another fabulous success story is that of Firdosa Bashir. She is a brilliant calligrapher from South Kashmir, and is quickly making a name for herself in the world of Islamic calligraphy. Her work reflects not only technical and aesthetic skills, but also a deep connection to her inherited cultural roots and spiritual beliefs.
Born and raised in a region known for its rich artistic heritage, she was introduced to the intricate craft of calligraphy at a young age. Influenced by the complex designs and sublime scripts that adorn mosques and historical texts, she found her passion in this timeless art form.
With limited resources, she carved her way into this difficult terrain, by sheer determination and will. Indeed, she began to experiment with different styles, drawing inspiration from renowned calligraphers while developing her unique voice.
Firdosa’s journey in calligraphy has been marked by originality and innovation. She mastered traditional scripts such as Naskh and Thuluth, showcasing her precision and attention to detail. However, she also seeks to modernize her art by incorporating contemporary themes, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
Her pieces often feature verses from the Quran, poetry and personal reflections, rendered in elegant strokes that invite deep contemplation. Each work is not just a visual piece, but a spiritual expression, inviting viewers to engage with the text at a deeper level.
In recent years, Firdosa’s work has gained recognition, locally and nationally. She has participated in several exhibitions, where her exquisite work with meticulous details have been praised for their beauty and emotional depth. Her ability to connect with audiences has made her a sought-after artist in the art community.
Besides, she is committed to teaching and sharing her knowledge. She conducts workshops for aspiring calligraphers, especially young women in her community, empowering them to embrace this art form and explore their innate talent and creativity.
Firdosa envisions expanding her artistic horizons by exploring collaborations with other artists and integrating mixed media into her calligraphy. She aims to showcase the beauty of Islamic art on global platforms, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
As she continues to rise in prominence, she remains rooted in her community and culture, using her art as a means to inspire others, so as to celebrate the rich heritage of Kashmir. Her journey exemplifies the power of art to transcend geographical and social boundaries, and fosters a sense of identity, pride and belonging.
The truth is, with her range of work, and her meticulous aesthetics, Firdosa Bashir is not simply a calligrapher anymore; she is a cultural ambassador for Kashmir, using her craft to weave stories of faith, resilience and beauty. With her passion and brilliance, she is poised to leave a lasting mark on the world of Islamic calligraphy and aesthetics in Kashmir, India, and all over the world.