Edited by : Shahzeen Khan Author : Mariyam Usmani
Multi-talented artist Mohammed Kashif pointed out the bias of media in covering his achievements despite the fact that he represented India at global dais.
Mohammed Kashif, a renowned artist popularly known for his unique sculptures, and his exceptional talent for creating art out of scrap wood, pointed to “pressure from above” within the mainstream media that “did not allow” them to highlight the achievements of a rising Muslim star. But he has still paved the way with his positive attitude, hard work, dedication, integrity, “love of people,” and “the blessings of Allah Almighty.”
“I cannot explain why I did not get enough support. Many news channels showed interest, but (for inexplicable reasons) they did not have permission ‘from above’ to promote me,” he revealed in an heart to heart interview with the Observer Post.
Kashif said he did not get enough media coverage from mainstream news channels for his achievements because these platforms were dominated by “pressure from the top,” but he did not disclose, name, or condemn any of them in his detailed conversations with TOP.
Mohammed Kashif, hailing from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, holds five world records, including the Creative Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2022), the Rashtriya Ratan Award, the Indian Book of Records, the Asian Book of Records, and the Mega Guinness World Record. A practicing Muslim, Kashif is deeply committed to his faith, making India’s name shine on the global stage.
“I received my first award for an Islamic quiz at a very young age. I am not a religious scholar, but Deen (faith) is equally important to me as Dunya (the world) and Allah has bestowed success on me in everything,” he said, explaining how faith has enriched his creative journey.
A Well-Learnt Mind And Multi-Talented Persona
This 28-year old Muslim artist from Bhopal with B.tech in Mechanical engineering and a MBA degree has also represented India at the ‘World Art, Dubai in 2019’ and is expert in creating exceptional sculptors with waste-materials like coconut jute, ash, thrown away cotton pieces and date kernels to incite meaningful unique appeal.
Mohammed Kashif says that Mechanical engineering was ‘not imposed’ on him but he ‘chose it’, because these degrees better matched his inclinations.
‘I have been passionate about art since childhood. I always wished to create something that was never done before, so that I can light-up the name of my country. While many represent India through cricket, football, and other sports, there are countless ways to make a meaningful contribution,” the young artist shared.
If challenging the limits is a form of art, Mohammed Kashif has excelled it with his high-achieving academic journey, multi-talented persona and a series of various achievements in different fields.
His ‘purpose’ is still bigger than his achievements.
‘I have been fond of Cricket and Football since childhood, I represented my state on national level while my arts and sculpture-work reached international dais and I am also a state-level rifle-shooter,’ said Kashif to The Observer Post.
The ‘second purpose’ of his art is to spread ‘positive messages’ among people.
His degrees have also helped him in creating his start-up, where a team of 25 artisans is employed to create ‘masterpieces’ for interiors and exterior decor using wood, steel and metal on guided frameworks, while Kashifs’ individual artistic pursuit is different from business interests. He recently designed the biggest globe of India with 15,000 waste plastic bottles for the Boat Club of Bhopal promoting the idea of green and clean city. The unveiling of his artwork attracted significant public attention, with Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar attending the event.
With ‘Love Of People’ And ‘Mercy Of Allah’
It all started with tender dreams of a little kid in 2nd grade who participated in Islamic Quiz, painting competition, and loved gazing out of the school-window. He extremely adores the progressive thinking of his father who is a retired state government employee and the winner of state level carrom championship for continuous 31 years, without fail.
Being an Indian Muslim with robust passion Kashif’s journey was not a cakewalk. There were too many cultural stereotypes he had to face, but immense support from parents, wife, friends and smiles of three innocent children helped him stay motivated, though social-media also showed-up certain stereotypes. But he acknowledges the ‘love he attains from people’ and the ‘mercy of Allah’ are the key reasons behind his success.
Pondering over journey he said that he was always creative but in the early epoch he was kind of very shy and hesitant about his talents.
‘I did not know if I am an artist till the 2nd year of my graduation. Then I participated in a competition where I made blackbuck horns and it got viral in no time,’ he exclaimed with a happy memory.
This competition was a turning-point of his career. Mohammed Kashif was directly selected in the top 20 artists of India. The very next week he received a call to showcase his work at the World Art Dubai and slowly he was piled-up with different art-projects. ‘College and the government did not support me as expected,’ said the young Indian Muslim Artist who has not accomplished any governmental help other than receiving an ‘Innovation Award’ by the Madhya Pradesh government.
In the era of rising communalism, Kashif is not only committed to his faith but also believes in democratic values. His works are mostly inspired by nature and often emphasis on environmental causes. With a strong desire to showcase India’s name on the global stage, Kashif combines his engineering and artistic prowess to create innovations across interior design, metal artistry, steel manufacturing, distinctive fountains, and automated gates.
Kashif’s deja-vu story speaks for itself and his resilience is a hallmark of creative pursuit for the Indian Muslim youth who wish to contribute to their society and country. He divides his various talents into the categories of passion, hobbies, and business and keeps them separate to win everywhere.
Muhammad Humza Firozkheil
October 24, 2024 at 9:56 am
He’s such a good guy. He remained in front line of every activity which he can participate. May ALLAH make him more successful in both the life.