Kashmiri artisans weaving the centuries-old Vaghu mat have expressed heartfelt gratitude after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the craft's revival in the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on 26 July, calling it a unique eco-friendly cultural symbol of the Kashmir Valley. For many of these craftspeople, the national recognition was beyond anything they had anticipated.

Artisans React to National Recognition

Kashmiri artisan Tanzila Hussain, who has practised the Vaghu craft for the past two to three years, said she was moved by the Prime Minister's mention. 'First of all, I would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for considering us worthy of being mentioned in his Mann Ki Baat programme. I have been practising this craft for the past two to three years, while my elders have been associated with it for much longer,' she said.

Her father, artisan Ghulam Hussain, echoed the sentiment. 'I am very happy today. I never imagined that our work would receive such recognition. Our family has been associated with the Vaghu craft for generations, and we have worked hard to preserve this traditional art despite many challenges,' he said.

What PM Modi Said About Vaghu

Addressing the nation on Mann Ki Baat, Modi described the Vaghu mat as a craft rooted in Kashmir's marshy landscape. 'When one possesses both talent and the passion to achieve something, every path becomes easy. A glimpse of that is evident in the efforts currently being made regarding Kashmir's traditional Vaghu mat,' he said.

The Prime Minister explained that the mat is made from reeds and paddy straw harvested from Kashmir's wetlands. The raw material is sun-dried, sorted, and then hand-woven — a process that takes approximately four days for two artisans to complete a single mat. He noted that the Vaghu mat provides coolness in summer and warmth in winter, though its use had declined in recent years.

The Father-Daughter Revival Story

Modi specifically commended Ghulam Hussain of Srinagar and his daughter Tanzila for spearheading the craft's revival. 'Both dedicated themselves to reviving the tradition of the Vaghu craft. Ghulam Hussain ji comes from a very humble background. He faced numerous challenges in this endeavour. However, his resolve to preserve Vaghu remained unflinching. And within no time, many people began joining this initiative,' the Prime Minister said.

Modi added that Hussain had 'significantly advanced this craft' and received support from local government authorities in the process.

Vocal for Local Push

The Prime Minister connected the Vaghu revival to his broader 'Vocal for Local' campaign, urging citizens across the country to consider making the Kashmiri mat a part of their homes. 'Today, Vaghu is rapidly gaining popularity and reaching other parts of the country. I am immensely proud of everyone associated with this effort,' he said.

The spotlight on Vaghu comes at a time when traditional Indian crafts are increasingly being positioned as sustainable alternatives, with government schemes and artisan outreach programmes gaining momentum. Whether this Mann Ki Baat mention translates into sustained market demand will be the real test for the Hussain family and the wider artisan community in Srinagar.