Mohammad Afzal, 40 of Zadibal, Srinagar is a renowned calligraphy artist. His calligraphy began from the time he began writing on slate as a child. His father would ask him write verses.

He learnt the intricacies of calligraphy at an Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, where he continued to work and taught students the art. He learnt the art from the master calligrapher Kousar from Ishber area. Unlike many others who have switched to modern tools, Afzal continues to use the Narkaer Kalam – the  Okk Wooden Narkat.

Now he trains interested youth every Friday at Baitul Meeras, Aali Kadal in Srinagar. Although he works on various projects like writing Quranic verses, nikah nama, naat, poetry etc., it is difficult to make ends meet.

He is currently working on a project that requires him to write 99 Names of Allah (Al Asma Ul Husna). Such works are usually kept in shrines and mosques.