Srinagar, Jul 25 (KNO): Shahran Fayaz Dahlani, a 27-year-old from Umerabad HMT Srinagar, is charting a path shaped by determination, talent, and the strokes of a paintbrush.
A PhD scholar in Statistics at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Shahran is also an accomplished self-taught painting artist whose work is now in demand across the valley.
“I’ve been passionate about painting since childhood—it never allowed me to go away from it,” Shahran said, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
His journey began humbly—painting in small notebooks, experimenting with forms and colours. Slowly, his work started appearing in shops and restaurants, catching the eye of art lovers and customers.
Since 2016, he has been painting professionally, earning accolades at the college, university, state, and even national levels. “I never had formal training. Whatever I’ve achieved is through continuous practice and hard work,” he says.
Shahran is a proud alumnus of Tyndale Biscoe School, Srinagar, and credits his family—especially his father, Dr Fayaz—for their unwavering support.
“I find peace of mind in this work. I’m doing it wholeheartedly,” he shared, adding that his team has now grown to eight people, who are both working and learning with him.
Responding to growing interest, he now plans to start art classes for aspiring artists. “Many people are contacting me for guidance. I want to help those who are genuinely interested,” he said.
“Today, many young people fall into drug addiction. It’s easy to enter, but extremely difficult to leave. Instead, if you have even a little talent, work on it—you can find both peace and livelihood,” he advised.
Dahlani recalls how people once taunted him for his artistic aspirations. Now, the same people seek his help to guide their children.
“I’m proud of my work. The same people who mocked me are now appreciating my efforts,” he says with a sense of satisfaction.
To those waiting endlessly for government jobs, Shahran said that ups and downs are part of life. "Don’t sit idle. Use your talent, stay focused, and success will follow.”—(KNO)