Thathri, Jan 13 (KNO): Born in 1980, Khalid Bashir hails from the Thathri area of Doda district and is known for his multiple talents in the Chenab valley.
Apart from being an Islamic preacher, Khalid is also well versed in calligrapher, graphic designer, and painting. He has also published a book called 'Tajweed ul Quran'.
Khalid started his career as a paint artist and has been making Arabic and Urdu calligraphy since 1998. He is now one of the well-known artists in the erstwhile Doda district.
Khalid is also an Islamic preacher, teaching Quran especially Tajweed to many children in Thathri and also on his YouTube channel "Learn Quran Live" which gained more than 50,000 subscribers in less time.
Khalid also wrote and published a book titled as "Color coded Tajweed ul Quran" in September 2019 which helps everyone to read and understand the holy book of Quran easily.
The book was reviewed by Moulana Dr. Anayatullah Wani Nadwi (Asst. Prof. Arabic GDC Doda), Mufti Arshad Qasmi, Moulana Mohd Shafqat Qasmi and the principal (Mohtamim) of Madrassa Zia ul Uloom Thathri, Moulana Abdul Qayoom Qasmi. It was released on 25 October 2019 at an Islamic Convention at Jamia Masjid Thathri.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Khalid Bashir said, "I started my art work when I was 18 yrs old and I have taught many artists here in Chenab Valley and now they have started their own businesses."
Khalid, also known as Khalid the Painter, lives in the former Doda district and is skilled in a variety of arts and crafts. But he used to live a simple life and earn his livelihood for his family as a daily wage employee in the Jal Shakti Department.
"He is one of the respectable personalities in the Thathri area and is known for teaching the Quran and his painting skills here," said Raja Shakeel, a resident of Thathri—(KNO)