by Shoaib Nazir
SRINAGAR: In the small village of Ajar in Bandipora, where dreams often struggle to find wings, a young girl has used her brushes to carve history. Carrying forward her homeland’s legacy of art and learning, Seerat Tariq, a budding artist from north Kashmir, has become the first Kashmiri girl to win a gold medal and enter the Influencer Book of World Records for her remarkable talent in tribal art painting.
On August 17, 2025, Seerat received the honour at the International Centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan, for her artwork celebrating Kashmir’s mountain landscapes and tribal portraits. The recognition has placed her not only on the national map but also among international achievers, making her a symbol of inspiration for Kashmiri youth.
Seerat’s schooling began at the Army Goodwill School in Bandipora before she completed her higher secondary education at Government Girls Higher Secondary School in the town. Her artistic vision grew deeper with time.
“I was always passionate about painting and calligraphy,” she said. “During the Covid-19 lockdown, when I was in Class 7, I had more time to practise. That is when I started making sketches, portraits, and calligraphy, which helped me polish my skills.”
Her dedication soon brought her recognition. She entered the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records for completing 104 paintings in a single day. Those awards were followed by the India Star Passion Award for art and creativity. Each milestone of hard work carried her closer to the global stage.
The journey, however, was not without hurdles. Seerat recalled how relatives and others often told her parents that art had no future and that she should focus on her studies. They dismissed her efforts as a waste of time. “It was hurtful, but I never stopped. I focused on my dream, and today those same people feel proud of me,” she said.
Seerat credits her parents as her strongest support. “Parents are a child’s first support in every field. My mother was my first teacher. She never left me unsupported, and that is why I dedicate this award to my parents before anyone else,” she said with emotion.
For Seerat, art is not only about beauty but also about storytelling and awareness. She has crafted wall paintings that highlight social issues such as drug abuse and social hurdles, aiming to deliver strong messages.
“My art is not just colours and designs,” she explained. “It is about carving stories and meaningful thoughts that can inspire change in society.”
Winning the Influencer Book of World Records is only a step in a much larger journey. Seerat’s dream is to one day make it into the Guinness World Records. “I will continue my art and passion until I achieve that milestone,” she said with determination.
Her message to young people is simple and direct. “Never indulge in wrongdoings. Everyone has talent. We just need to unhide it and showcase it to the world. That is how we can change mindsets and society.”
From Bandipora’s classrooms to the international stage, Seerat Tariq’s journey is a portrait of hard work, creativity, and hope. With every brushstroke, she proves that art can break barriers, tell stories, and most importantly, turn dreams into history.
