Ghulam Mohammed Zaz

Ghulam Mohammed Zaz is a revered Kashmiri artisan, widely recognized as the last traditional hand maker of the santoor, a unique stringed musical instrument central to Kashmiri culture. Born in the 1940s in Srinagar, he hails from a lineage of craftsmen with over seven generations of experience in string instrument-making. Despite his prestigious craft, which has included creating instruments for renowned musicians, he faces the challenge of a dwindling market for handmade instruments in an era dominated by machine-made alternatives. In 2022, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for his exceptional craftsmanship.