
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.

The keeper of Indian calligraphy: Dagar is fighting to keep the tradition alive in an increasingly digital era.

All embracing: Pictured is Dagar's version of Al Wasio, which means "all embracing."

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.

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."

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.

Local bookshops: Tucked away in Old Delhi, the bookshops of Urdu Bazaar display some of the finest examples of calligraphy, according to Dagar.

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.

Nari Shakti Award: In 2017, Dagar received the Nari Shakti Award, which is the highest civilian honor for a woman in India.

Jashn: Dagar's depiction of Jashan, the act of worship.

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.