The women of a small village in the Kupwara area of North Kashmir produce hand-stitched Indian national flags. On the 75th anniversary of Independence Day, these flags would be flown at residences and workplaces all over the nation as part of the "Har Ghar Tiranga" Campaign. These flags stand out because the Ashoka Chakra was crafted utilising the traditional Kashmiri crewel technique.
In Kawari and Kunan Poshpora Village, about 50 women have grouped together for this project, which is being sponsored by the Indian army. As the orders stream in, these women work day and night to complete these flags.
"I want to thank Indian army who helped me with setting up the centre. They have provided me with all the stuff like stitching machines and raw material. I am extremely proud that I have started my work by making Indian National Flag. I am extremely happy; our Indian army soldiers lay their life for this National pride, and I am able to make it. The army gave me everything to start this initiative," said Nazima Samundar, Centre Head.
"I make around 100 flags in day , these days we are working very hard as we have a huge order to complete. I work for 12 hours and when I reach home I still keep working till midnight. Earlier, these flags were not made in Kupwara and when they gave me the order it was a proud feeling. I am supplying it to Kupwara at the moment and now I want to send them across India. I want these flags to be hoisted in every house of India," she added.
Tri-Color flags are being created all throughout the nation for the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, but the ones created by these women stand out. One of the factors contributing to the increase in demand for these flags is the handwork that distinguishes them from other national flags. One or two embroidered Ashoka Chakras can be made by a lady in a single day.
"It was the Idea of Indian Army CO along with our chairman to put crewel hand work on the Indian National Flag. We were given a target to make them, and we continue to make. We make two chakras with handwork every day, we are around 30 girls here and we are making 60 flags here. We want that our artisanship should reach every house of India. Our workmanship on the flag is very unique and completely hand work of our artisans," said Sabika Nazir.
