Mir Arshad Hussain, a renowned papier-mâché artist from Srinagar, has brought global recognition to Kashmir by winning first prize at the 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts in Tehran, Iran. His fusion papier-mâché wall plate stood out among 7,000 entries worldwide. With 30-35 years of experience, Arshad, who learned the craft from his father, highlighted the declining state of this traditional art and urged government support for its revival. Papier-mâché, introduced in Kashmir in the 14th century, remains a treasured but struggling art form.