WATCH: Youth portrays Kashmir through sand art

Shahil Manzoor, a young sand artist from Srinagar wants to promote Kashmir across the world through his art. Manzoor, who is a Mechanical Engineer, mastered the art by watching videos on YouTube.

Srinagar: Cooped up in a dimly-lit room, Shahil Manzoor's hands move deftly on a glass canvas, manipulating grains of sand to create breathtaking images!

He first starts with his name, followed by the map of Kashmir, entirely recreated with sand, which later transforms into Chinar leaves.

Shahil (23) is one among the many youngsters who are exploring a way to channelise their art to promote Kashmir across the world.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Manzoor said: "Since childhood, I had a keen interest in art. Recently, I wanted to do something different, hence my tryst with sand art. Through this, stories can be conveyed within a few minutes and I want to portray Kashmir in my stories."

Manzoor, who is a Mechanical Engineer, mastered the art by watching videos on YouTube.

Urging the tourism department and authorities, he said: "The government should provide such platforms to youth, as people from Kashmir also want to showcase their talent."

Due to unavailability of resources, Manzoor made his own equipment with the help of his father, who is a carpenter.

Praising the government, he added: "Artists were given opportunities to represent their talent through graffiti art on the walls of Haiderpur highway. Several such chances must be given in future."