A resident of Downtown Srinagar, 38-year-old Mr. Qasba walked back home, not only to preserve the legacy of his forefathers but for his childhood passion as well. Despite a decent salary, company sponsored perks, and a luxurious life in Dubai, his passion drove him back to Kashmir to continue the art of walnut furniture.
“I am contented as my goal is to satisfy the customers, I can bear loss but not the dissatisfaction of my customers,” said Mr. Qasba, and admitted his ambition to compete with the Chinese products in the market. In order to achieve that, he has started to market walnut furniture through products like bedroom sets, dining table, writing desk, and gift items.
Though, the path was full of hiccups in the Downtown. Due to the availability of all procurement, the trade was closely associated with Shahr-e-Khas.
His father and uncle inherited this business from their forefathers. The prime customers used to be from Japan, Germany, and London, but the conflict has made them suffer a lot. Even the elite Indian customers are finding it hard to make their way to Kashmir. Though they still have some clients left, the volume has gone downhill. Now, he travels to middle-east countries to develop contacts in order to boost his trade.
The business started with handicraft items of Kashmir like Pashmina, Crewel, and shawls. With the subsequent evolution around the trade art, the family introduced walnut furniture. Feeling proud of his father, Mr. Qasba said that all the ambassadors and diplomats used to be their clients.
Now, he is determined not only to continue his passion but also to make the art flourish around the world.
Recent taxation laws have only made it worse for artists like Mr. Qasba to breathe. Unlike earlier, now they got to pay 28 percent GST to the walnut furniture items instead of 13.5 percent VAT.
“This had a negative impact on our business as common people are unable to buy them due to the price hike. Now we can’t serve the Kashmiris,” he said and continued, “By one way or the other, the business gets affected, and it makes people step back from continuing the art.”
Making the efforts to market quality products at competitive prices, the focus has now shifted mainly to cater Kashmir; to give it’s people the best.
He has also started experimenting with epoxy tables, metal designed wooden tables and modification in old designs. He believes that his products are good enough to compete in the international market, but the only thing we lack is the direct access to the international market. “This has affected in exporting and we lost the market in Pakistan, where we used to have a corporate office.”
Mr. Qasba believes there is a lack of motivation in young generation towards art. “The son of artisan no more wants to be an artisan.”
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