Excellence is not a pursuit; it is an inheritance. A legacy born from national honour and guided by the hands of a Padma Shri master.
Our story is defined by a rare honour. The House of Naqash stands on the shoulders of a giant.
This is the legacy of Shri Ghulam Qadir Lala. A legacy that was first celebrated with the National Award in 1966, and later, elevated to its pinnacle with the Padma Shri in 1974 for his unparalleled contribution to Indian arts.
The nation's highest recognitions for artistry and excellence in craftsmanship.
We do not merely tell this story; we are bound to it. Though the threads we work with have shifted from the sturdy wool of carpets to the celestial softness of Pashmina, the hand that guides them has not changed.
The same eye for colour, the same patience, the same unwavering pursuit of beauty—these are the threads that remain unbroken. Every Pashmina we weave is a testament to this heritage. It is a constant, humble reminder that the standards we strive for are not just our own—they are national standards of artistic excellence, set by his unparalleled hands.
The legacy of Shri Ghulam Qadir Lala is not just family lore; it is a matter of public record, celebrated in publications like Craftsmen Today. A feature immortalized his journey, providing a detailed account of the man who would become the savior of Kashmir's carpet industry.
As the article documented, his passion was ignited in childhood, entering the field in 1913 under his father's guidance. It highlights his visionary mindset: "Ghulam was ever conscious of the fact that improvements in design and colour were necessary in order to capture world markets."
His partnership with Mitchell and Company gave him a global platform to experiment and become an expert. However, his most legendary achievement, as chronicled, was his single-handed rescue of the industry from collapse:
"Sixty years ago, the carpet industry in Kashmir suffered a severe decline... hundreds of weavers were jobless. Ghulam approached the Minister of State... he worked out new colour effects and designs which were attractive and economical and was fortunately able to save the industry."
He wasn't just an artist; he was a leader whose creativity saved the livelihoods of hundreds of families. This documented act adds a profound layer of social impact to his artistic achievements, culminating in his receipt of the National Award in 1966.
Shri Ghulam Qadir Lala was a visionary. His medium was the loom; his language was the intricate knot. He devoted his life to the art of hand-knotted carpet weaving, creating pieces that were woven tapestries of India's soul. Each piece was a narrative of patience, precision, and an innate sense of beauty.
His excellence was recognized with the National Award, presented by the then President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
His contribution was forever immortalized. President V.V. Giri conferred upon him the Padma Shri, placing him among the most esteemed artists of the nation.
Ghulam Qadir Lala
I, the President of India, confer on you, Varahagiri Venkata Giri, the award of the Padma Shri for outstanding personal merit.
New Delhi
Dated 23 March, 1974 2 Chaitra, 1896
National Award for Best Craftsman
To Shri Qadir Lal, who has preserved the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship.
All India Handicraft Board, Government of India
These awards were a national endorsement of a legacy built on integrity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to heritage.
To be the inheritors of this name is our greatest privilege and our most solemn responsibility.
The story of these awards and his documented heroism is the foundation of our ethos. They teach us what no textbook ever could:
The Padma Shri was not for carpet weaving alone; it was for "distinguished service in the field of Arts." This distinction is everything. We learned that the value is not in the product, but in the process.
He didn't just preserve tradition; he saved it by innovating with new colours and economical designs. We honor him by constantly innovating within the Pashmina craft.
His story teaches us that craft is about more than objects; it's about people. He saved an industry to save his community. We operate with the understanding that our work supports artisans.
The respect he earned for our family name is sacred. We operate with the integrity and dedication required to uphold that respect in every interaction.
Many ask: "What does a Padma Shri in carpet weaving have to do with Pashmina?"
Everything.
The loom may be different, but the soul of the craft is identical. The same dedication to artistry that defined his hand-knotted carpets now defines our handwoven Pashminas. The same integrity that guided his hands guides our business.
The same pursuit of excellence that captivated the nation and saved an industry now inspires us to innovate for a modern audience.
We are not living in his past; we are building upon his foundation to ensure that the legacy of Shri Ghulam Qadir Lala—a legacy certified by the President of India and documented in national publications—continues to thrive and inspire in a new art form.
The awards and recognition of Shri Ghulam Qadir Lala are not just historical facts to us. They are our living benchmark. They are the reason we believe that true luxury is found in heritage, artistry, and the unwavering pursuit of quality.
We are humbled by this inheritance and driven by a single mission: to create Pashmina pieces that are worthy of the name that carries them.
Discover the Pashmina collection inspired by the Padma Shri-standard artistry and principles of Shri Ghulam Qadir Lala.
Explore The Heirloom CollectionWhere Heritage Weaves Luxury