Talent is being sold to earn a livelihood

Different people avail various ways of earning money to some how fulfil their appetite. It’s their dignity that the people do every kind of job to earn a livelihood for their families as prices of commodities have reached the unprecedented peak quite beyond the reach of have-nots.

Mohammad Hafeez Nasir, 72, is an artist who is the first person in Rawalpindi who has introduced crafts, which include calligraphy as well as sceneries. All his work was brilliantly and efficiently made with Hama beads and sequins. He has 60 years experience of this wonderful art.

His wife passed away 10 years ago. He was left with seven daughters and a son. All the daughters are married and the son has left him all alone along with his wife and two children. He is working in Wah factory and has no concern with his father.

Hafeez lives in a room located in Bani Chowk with the name of Rehman Art, which actually belongs to his son in law. His son in law works there in the day time and he goes there to sleep in the night.

He has been running a shop of ladies suit made by shiny flecks and hand embroidery for almost 24 years in Bohar Bazar in Rawalpindi. It has been five years now that he has started calligraphy in his work. A piece can take four days to be completed whereas it can also take a month. It depends on the craft.

Hafeez told INFN, “A handcrafter always remains empty handed in the end. We are left with nothing even after so much effort. We are not paid enough for our exertion. Handcrafter of every brand spends his life in a miserable condition. People try to get the craft cheaper as much as they can but never appreciate their attempt.”

It has been four to five days that he has also started working in Midway Centrum in Rawalpindi. He works there in the morning time and works in Lok virsa in the evening. Lok virsa gives him Rs. 3000 monthly as charity but now it has been two years that they haven’t provided him anything.

He has no other support hence it is really hard for him even to live his own life. He said, “The roti (bread) is for Rs six and daal is for Rs 40.”

He desires for an art gallery where he could display and show his talent. He demands that any private company or the government grant him monthly fund so that he can live his life with slight relief.