<strong>India's spiritual calligraphy: </strong>"Calligraphy is a spiritual practice," says renowned calligrapher and New Delhi native Qamar Dagar. This is Qamar's expression of uday (the rise) in traditional calligraphy.
India's spiritual calligraphy: "Calligraphy is a spiritual practice," says renowned calligrapher and New Delhi native Qamar Dagar. This is Qamar's expression of uday (the rise) in traditional calligraphy.
Courtesy Studio Friends Eldorado, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
<strong>The keeper of Indian calligraphy: </strong>Dagar is fighting to keep the tradition alive in an increasingly digital era.
The keeper of Indian calligraphy: Dagar is fighting to keep the tradition alive in an increasingly digital era.
CNN
<strong>All embracing: </strong>Pictured is Dagar's version of Al Wasio, which means "all embracing."
All embracing: Pictured is Dagar's version of Al Wasio, which means "all embracing."
Courtesy Studio Friends Eldorado, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
<strong>A form of self-expression: </strong>Dagar uses an abstract style-- called pictorial calligraphy-- that combines lettering and imagery to reveal her personal understanding of the words depicted.
A form of self-expression: Dagar uses an abstract style-- called pictorial calligraphy-- that combines lettering and imagery to reveal her personal understanding of the words depicted.
CNN
<strong>Calligraphy and faith: </strong>Religious texts are often handwritten to signify one's dedication to learning. This is Dagar's interpretation of the sacred sound "Om."
Calligraphy and faith: Religious texts are often handwritten to signify one's dedication to learning. This is Dagar's interpretation of the sacred sound "Om."
Courtesy Studio Friends Eldorado, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
<strong>Asbaab: </strong>Dagar is passing her knowledge to the next generation. She holds three-day workshops with young people at schools and leads <a href="https://experiences.worldofhyatt.com/feel/product/121571/calligraphy-with-qamar-dagar" target="_blank" target="_blank">calligraphy sessions</a> at the Andaz Delhi Hotel to introduce tourists to the medium.
Asbaab: Dagar is passing her knowledge to the next generation. She holds three-day workshops with young people at schools and leads calligraphy sessions at the Andaz Delhi Hotel to introduce tourists to the medium.
Courtesy Studio Friends Eldorado, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
<strong>Local bookshops: </strong>Tucked away in Old Delhi, the bookshops of Urdu Bazaar display some of the finest examples of calligraphy, according to Dagar.
Local bookshops: Tucked away in Old Delhi, the bookshops of Urdu Bazaar display some of the finest examples of calligraphy, according to Dagar.
CNN
<strong>Beauty of Indian languages: </strong>India has 22 official languages. But the real beauty in these languages isn't just in hearing them spoken -- it's in seeing them rendered in script.
Beauty of Indian languages: India has 22 official languages. But the real beauty in these languages isn't just in hearing them spoken -- it's in seeing them rendered in script.
CNN
<strong>Nari Shakti Award: </strong>In 2017, Dagar received the Nari Shakti Award, which is the highest civilian honor for a woman in India.
Nari Shakti Award: In 2017, Dagar received the Nari Shakti Award, which is the highest civilian honor for a woman in India.
Courtesy India Ministry of Women and Child Development
<strong>Jashn: </strong>Dagar's depiction of Jashan, the act of worship.
Jashn: Dagar's depiction of Jashan, the act of worship.
Courtesy Studio Friends Eldorado, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
<strong>Usha (dawn): </strong>"Calligraphy is a spiritual practice, because it allows one to understand oneself through this medium, and to help learn how to discipline yourself," says Dagar.
Usha (dawn): "Calligraphy is a spiritual practice, because it allows one to understand oneself through this medium, and to help learn how to discipline yourself," says Dagar.
Courtesy Studio Friends Eldorado, Hauz Khas, New Delhi